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2013

Anomalous Observers in the Subjectively Identical Reference Class

Schneider, Mike D., Olum, Ken D.

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Anthropic reasoning is a critical tool to understand probabilities, especially in a large universe or multiverse.

According to anthropic reasoning, we should consider ourselves typical among members of a reference class that must include all subjectively indistinguishable observers.
We discuss here whether such a reference class, which we assume must include computer simulations, must also include computers that replay previous simulations, magnetic tapes that store but do not "run" the simulation, and even abstract mathematical functions.
We do not see any clear criterion for excluding these anomalous observers, but their presence is deeply troubling to the idea of anthropic reasoning.

Anomalous Observers in the Subjectively Identical Reference Class · Around

Built on

On computable numbers, with an application to the entscheidungsproblem
Alan M. Turing · 1936
Earlier work this paper cites.
Where Am I?
Daniel C. Dennett · 1981
Earlier work this paper cites.
The anthropic principle and its implications for biological evolution
Brandon Carter · 1983
Earlier work this paper cites.
Risking the world’s end
John Leslie · 1989
Earlier work this paper cites.

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