A collaborative team of physicists from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy has mathematically demonstrated that our universe operates on a fundamental understanding unattainable by any algorithm.
Faizal et al. The fundamental nature of reality indicates it operates beyond the capabilities of computer simulations. Image credit: Gemini AI.
“The concept of simulating the universe has been suggested,” remarked Dr. Mir Faizal, a physicist at the University of British Columbia Okanagan.
“If such simulations were possible, then a simulated universe could potentially give rise to life and create its own simulations.”
“This recursive concept raises doubts about whether our universe is the original one or merely a simulation nested within another.”
“Previously, this notion was deemed outside the realm of scientific inquiry.”
“However, our recent findings demonstrate that it can indeed be addressed through scientific methods.”
“Our investigation hinges on the intriguing nature of reality itself.”
“Modern physics has evolved beyond Newton’s tangible ‘objects’ moving through space. With Einstein’s theory of relativity superseding Newtonian mechanics, quantum mechanics has reshaped our understanding yet again.”
The leading-edge theory today, quantum gravity, proposes that even space and time may not be fundamental; rather, they emerge from a deeper source: pure information.
“This information exists in what physicists refer to as the Platonic realm, a more fundamental mathematical basis than our physical universe. Space and time arise from this realm.”
The authors have shown that despite this information-centric foundation, reality cannot be encapsulated solely through calculations.
Utilizing powerful mathematical theorems, including Gödel’s incompleteness theorem, they established that a full and consistent account of all phenomena demands what they call non-algorithmic understanding.
“To illustrate: Computers follow recipes step by step, regardless of complexity. Yet, certain truths can only be comprehended through non-algorithmic understanding, which does not adhere to a predetermined sequence of logical steps,” they explained.
“These Gödel truths are genuine, yet they cannot be validated through computation.”
“Consider this straightforward statement: This statement cannot be proven true.”
“If it’s provable, then it’s false, rendering the logic inconsistent. If it’s not provable, then it is true. Nevertheless, any system that attempts to prove it will be incomplete. Hence, pure computation will fail.”
“Our study confirms that it’s impossible to describe the entirety of physical reality using the computational theory of quantum gravity,” stated Dr. Faizal.
“Thus, a physically complete and consistent theory cannot emerge solely from calculations.”
“Instead, we require a non-algorithmic understanding, which is more fundamental than the computational laws of quantum gravity, and thus more fundamental than spacetime itself.”
“Could the computational rules of the Platonic realm resemble those of a computer simulation? Might that realm itself not be subject to simulation?”
“No. Yet our findings unveil something more profound.”
“Through mathematical theorems associated with incompleteness and indefinability, we demonstrate that a consistently complete portrayal of reality cannot be achieved through mere calculation.”
“It necessitates a non-algorithmic understanding, which by its nature transcends algorithmic computation and cannot be simulated. Therefore, this universe cannot be a simulation.”
The research team asserts this discovery has significant implications.
“The fundamental laws of physics cannot be confined within space and time, as they are derived from them,” asserted Dr. Lawrence M. Kraus, a researcher at the Origin Project Foundation.
“For a long time, it has been hoped that a truly fundamental theory of everything would eventually describe all physical phenomena through calculations grounded in these laws.”
“However, we have demonstrated that this is not feasible. A more profound approach is required to coherently explain reality: a form of understanding referred to as non-algorithmic understanding.”
“All simulations are inherently algorithmic and must adhere to programmed instructions,” Dr. Faizal remarked.
“However, the universe cannot be and never will be a simulation, as the core level of reality is rooted in non-algorithmic understanding.”
For more information, refer to the study published in the June 2025 issue of Journal of Holography Applications in Physics.
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Mir Faizal et al. 2025. The consequences of undecidability in physics for the theory of everything. Journal of Holography Applications in Physics 5(2):10-21; doi: 10.22128/jap.2025.1024.1118
Source: www.sci.news
