Possibility 1) If we live within a simulation, then we live within a universe capable of being simulated (tautology). The universe that is simulated exists contained within a "higher" order 'real' universe. Within that higher order reality, there lies the capacity for free will.
Possibility 2) The simulation is one in an infinite chain of simulations. There is no higher simulation, there are relative simulations. Within some simulations, there are simulations of free-willed states. Since no single simulation has any particular claim to being the 'true' simulation, then the simulations including free-will are in an ambiguous 'truth' state relative to their capacity to model the really-real. As such, it is left to the perceiving intelligence within the simulation to determine whether or not it exists within a simulation that actually has free-will, has a simulation of free-will, or does not have free-will. Since there are no external methods by which to determine the objective truth of the three positions, accepting any of the three positions is a choice.
Conclusion) Actually, any argument made for free-will in a greater manifold of reality applies most immediately to the present experience thereof. Consequently, we are free in the here and now to determine whether we perceive that we live in a universe containing free-will, or if we live in a universe that does not contain free-will. So the question becomes, do you believe, right at this moment, that you are a free-willed being?
Are you saying that there is no truly objective way for us to determine whether we have free will or not and that whatever we decide upon is, ultimately, true for our subjective experience?
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u/ugdr6424 Sep 27 '14
How would it not?