The Wandering Captain

Response to David Chalmer's 'Simulation Argument'

Cast into the turbulent seas, we were placed in our ship (our body). The vessel was inherited, given as a house-warming gift as we entered the world. As we looked out at the vastness of the ocean we looked around in all directions, searching for someone or some-thing; some way of receiving guidance. Eventually, we stopped looking and we cast our words into the winds as we asked; “where am I supposed to go?”. We waited for a moment, hoping a voice would arise, either from within or from afar. Yet, here we still stand with our ships’ wheel in hand, listening to the silence that the oceans’ vastness brings. After asking to no avail some of us chose a direction and simply began. Others are still waiting, patiently listening for a delayed response, as the winds move them aimlessly through the seas. And this is the question; if we’re all bound for the same end (that being the ground, six feet under), is there really any point to choosing a direction?

For the sake of saying ‘yes’ to that question, I hope we are not a Sim. But even if we are, does it really make a difference?