2016 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate: Is the Universe a Simulation?

Watch the 2020 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate on Alien Life:    • 2020 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate: Al...  

What may have started as a science fiction speculation—that perhaps the universe as we know it is a computer simulation—has become a serious line of theoretical and experimental investigation among physicists, astrophysicists, and philosophers.

Neil deGrasse Tyson, Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium, hosts and moderates a panel of experts in a lively discussion about the merits and shortcomings of this provocative and revolutionary idea. The 17th annual Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate took place at The American Museum of Natural History on April 5, 2016.

#IsaacAsimov #debates #simulations #universe

2016 Asimov Panelists:

David Chalmers
Professor of philosophy, New York University

Zohreh Davoudi
Theoretical physicist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

James Gates 
Theoretical physicist, University of Maryland

Lisa Randall
Theoretical physicist, Harvard University

Max Tegmark 
Cosmologist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The late Dr. Isaac Asimov, one of the most prolific and influential authors of our time, was a dear friend and supporter of the American Museum of Natural History.  In his memory, the Hayden Planetarium is honored to host the annual Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate — generously endowed by relatives, friends, and admirers of Isaac Asimov and his work — bringing the finest minds in the world to the Museum each year to debate pressing questions on the frontier of scientific discovery.  Proceeds from ticket sales of the Isaac Asimov Memorial Debates benefit the scientific and educational programs of the Hayden Planetarium.

2017 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate: De-Extinction
   • 2017 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate: De...  

2016 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate: Is the Universe a Simulation?
   • 2016 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate: Is...  

2015 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate: Water, Water
   • 2015 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate: Wa...  

2014 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate: Selling Space
   • 2014 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate: Se...  

2013 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate: The Existence of Nothing
   • 2013 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate: Th...  

2012 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate: Faster Than the Speed of Light
   • 2012 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate: Fa...  

2011 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate: The Theory of Everything
   • 2011 Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate: Th...  

Rose Center Anniversary Isaac Asimov Debate: Is Earth Unique?
   • Rose Center Anniversary Isaac Asimov ...  

***
Subscribe to our channel:
   / subscription_c.  .

Check out our full video catalog:
   / amnhorg  

Facebook: http://fb.com/naturalhistory
Twitter:   / amnh  
Tumblr:   / amnhnyc  
Instagram:   / amnh  

This video and all media incorporated herein (including text, images, and audio) are the property of the American Museum of Natural History or its licensors, all rights reserved. The Museum has made this video available for your personal, educational use. You may not use this video, or any part of it, for commercial purposes, nor may you reproduce, distribute, publish, prepare derivative works from, or publicly display it without the prior written consent of the Museum.

© American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY