I think the next logical step in this train of thought[1] is to discard the idea that there’s a privileged “real world” at all. Rather, from the perspective of an agent, there is simply sensory input and the decisions you make. There is no fact of the matter about which of the infinitely many possible embeddings of your algorithm in various mathematical structures is “the real one”. Instead you can make decisions on the basis of which parts of mathematical reality you care about the most and want to have influence over.
You could consider the totality of mathematical truths to be “reality” if you want. Or if you mean you care about “the real world, which I am actually in”, then this perspective tries to dissolve that notion.
If you care about reality, that’s your prerogative.
Well, the notion of “objective reality” could itself be confused, an incoherent thing to care about. Analogously, you might initially care about carrying out the will of God but later become an atheist. You need to somehow refactor your goals to match your new ontology.
I think the next logical step in this train of thought[1] is to discard the idea that there’s a privileged “real world” at all. Rather, from the perspective of an agent, there is simply sensory input and the decisions you make. There is no fact of the matter about which of the infinitely many possible embeddings of your algorithm in various mathematical structures is “the real one”. Instead you can make decisions on the basis of which parts of mathematical reality you care about the most and want to have influence over.
which I don’t necessarily fully endorse. But it is interesting!
What happens if you care about reality per se?
You could consider the totality of mathematical truths to be “reality” if you want. Or if you mean you care about “the real world, which I am actually in”, then this perspective tries to dissolve that notion.
Surely, the “utility function isn’t up for grabs”. If you care about reality, that’s your prerogative.
I don’t, I am mathematical anti- realist.
Well, the notion of “objective reality” could itself be confused, an incoherent thing to care about. Analogously, you might initially care about carrying out the will of God but later become an atheist. You need to somehow refactor your goals to match your new ontology.