Living in the Matrix: How a Scientific Conjecture was Turned into a Conspiracy Theory

Roberto Paura
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Abstract

Abstract In recent years the simulation argument, namely, the idea that our reality is a kind of computer-generated simulation developed for hidden purposes, has acquired some credit and has been appropriated by the conspiracy culture, especially in the works of David Icke, author of paranoid bestsellers and known for his pseudo-theory about Reptilian aliens who secretly rule our world. To understand the reasons for the success of such an implausible pseudo-theory, it is necessary to analyze its genealogy inside popular culture. The methodological proposal underlying this paper is that the analysis of conspiracy theories and pseudo-scientific beliefs can benefit from the contribution of the history of ideas, which traditionally focuses on the reconstruction of the genealogy and the metamorphosis of unit-ideas over time and through different cultural levels. In this way, it is possible to shed light on the background and the peculiar rationality behind these pseudo-theories. The paper highlights New Age appropriation mechanisms of the theories of physicist David Bohm and neuropsychiatrist Karl Pribram (holographic principle), in particular through the pseudoscientific works of the McKenna Brothers (The Invisibile Landscape, 1975) and Michael Talbot (The Holographic Universe, 1991) as well as the impact of some sci-fi works based on the simulation argument, especially Philip K. Dick’s novels and The Matrix movie (1999), in exposing the paranoid and conspiracy implications of this argument. The paper also highlights the role of pseudo-scientific concepts as a characteristic aspect of contemporary superconspiracies, which in the age of rationalization and disenchantment seek to embrace a patina of science in order to be better accepted by the public. Wider application of this perspective to other cases of pseudo-scientific beliefs and contemporary conspiracy theories (e.g. flat Earth or chemtrails) could provide useful suggestions on the most effective way of counteracting them.
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《黑客帝国:科学猜想如何变成阴谋论
近年来,模拟理论,即我们的现实是一种计算机生成的模拟,用于隐藏目的的观点,获得了一定的信任,并被阴谋文化所利用,特别是在偏执型畅销书作者大卫·艾克的作品中,他以秘密统治我们世界的爬虫类外星人的伪理论而闻名。要理解这种难以置信的伪理论成功的原因,有必要分析其在大众文化中的谱系。本文的方法论建议是,对阴谋论和伪科学信仰的分析可以从思想史的贡献中受益,思想史传统上侧重于谱系的重建和单位思想随时间和不同文化水平的变形。这样,就有可能揭示这些伪理论背后的背景和独特的合理性。本文强调了物理学家David Bohm和神经精神病学家Karl Pribram(全息原理)理论的新时代盗用机制,特别是通过麦肯纳兄弟(The invisible Landscape, 1975)和Michael Talbot (The holographic Universe, 1991)的伪科学作品,以及一些基于模拟论证的科幻作品的影响,特别是Philip K. Dick的小说和The Matrix电影(1999)。揭露了这一论点的偏执和阴谋的含义。本文还强调了伪科学概念作为当代超级阴谋的一个特征方面的作用,在理性化和祛魅化的时代,伪科学概念寻求拥抱科学的镀层,以便更好地为公众所接受。将这一观点更广泛地应用于其他伪科学信仰和当代阴谋论(例如地球是平的或化学痕迹)的案例,可以为最有效地抵制它们提供有用的建议。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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