Adventures in the Matrix

Simulation arguments that the universe and our experience of it may be computer simulations constructed by advanced civilisations (either alien or our human/posthuman descendants) have been the subject of widespread debate since Bostrom¿s original philosophical formulation of the principal position in 2003. Since then the key elements of the argument ¿ boosted by ¿The Matrix¿ film and its sequels and spin-offs covering similar scenarios ¿ have been discussed critically by philosophers, psychologists, literary critics and scientists, and there is now a large body of literature on the topic. The principal theme of this monograph is that this simulation literature offers immense potential for learning and teaching in a wide range of domains. After examining the main claims of the argument ¿ and the key criticisms of simulation hypotheses ¿ the implications of this debate in the spheres of ethics, epistemology and metaphysics are examined with a view to offering practical recommendations for potentially fruitful philosophical and educational discussion topics.