Games and Determinism.

[OurGloriousLeader]

Do computer games realistically provide empirical evidence against Determinism? I think they do. A notable example is Halo 3. (DON'T lurch into 'I love Halo' or 'Halo is totally overrated' here!) If you have a chance, go back and play this game and get to a point where a checkpoint puts you back to where you can see all the other units without moving i.e you're not effecting them. They act completely differently. It's not like in other games, where enemies will react differently because you are, but in Halo they might run one way, another, or hide there. It's truly random.

RTS games have done it for a while now. We all used to do that thing in Age of Empires or similar where we used the scenario builder to just plant armies next to each other watch men, women and elephants slaughter each other. At least I hope we all did. Because I did.

But what I noticed was each time there was a slight difference. If they were totally even matched, each time one side or another would win.

So, should philosophers take note?

 

[Logan Westbrook]

It's not totally random. It's programmed to appear that way, but it isn't.

Looking for the secrets of the universe in Halo may not be the most sensible course.

 

[OurGloriousLeader]

Where would you suggest looking for the secrets of the universe? When it comes to wondering whether if the universe was run again with the same starting conditions, would the exact same thing happen, I think a computer game that, at the very least as you say, gives the appearance of randomness is an excellent place to start.

 

[Kovash86]

Surely not in a Halo game. I would however suggest looking at the way people behave, this will reveal a great deal about the way the universe works, or at least the human universe, learning psychology and tactics (specifically on how to apply your psychology) will provide a great deal of insight when dealing with humans, animals to an extent as well. This is how I do it anyhow.

 

[Logan Westbrook]

...When it comes to wondering whether if the universe was run again with the same starting conditions, would the exact same thing happen...

Or course it would. Einstein summed it up best when he said that "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

I would make a terrible philosopher.

 

[Ultrajoe]

thats his theory of stupidity actually.