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We are so excited and honoured to have Astronomer Royal for Scotland, Professor Catherine Heymans visit the club as part of our twentieth anniversary celebrations. How to Design a Universe: the science of real and virtual worlds
“Mum, do you think we could be inside a computer game?” My kids love delaying bedtime by asking me tricky questions, and this particular existential crisis left me utterly lost for words. To try and find an answer, I've been throwing all the physics I know at the problem. As the Astronomer Royal for Scotland, I'm used to creating giant maps of the Universe that transport us 10 billion years back in time. But what if all the ancient light that I've spent my entire career collecting is just a series of computer impulses in an elaborate simulation of my own reality? I know how to simulate an entire Universe of galaxies: have I been naive to think a future scientist couldn’t create a complete virtual world much closer home?
Today I'm going to share the journey I've taken to understand how one day we might simulate our own lives. We'll look at the laws of physics that govern the Universe and delve into the inner workings of your computer and artificial intelligence. I'll ask why philosophers feel so challenged by the concept of living in a predetermined virtual world, when it's clear that interactions on the smallest and largest scales in our Universe can be mathematically defined. By exploring the intersections of physics, astronomy, and philosophy, I'll be inviting you to reconsider what is ‘real’.
Professor Heymans will also be signing copies of her brand new book after the presentation. The book will be released at the beginning of September 2026.
Entry is FREE to club members and only £2 for non-members. New members are always welcome to join our awesome community!
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Event venue
The Kabin, Moray Way South, KY11 9UZ Dalgety Bay, United Kingdom, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
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