A Puzzle about Further Facts
arXiv Preprint Archive February 4, 2018 Vincent Conitzer
The article explores metaphysical questions about 'further facts'—facts contingent on the physical structure of the universe, such as qualia, personal identity, and time. It presents a sequence of computer simulation examples, starting with one where a protagonist can clearly conclude such further facts exist and ending with one that mirrors our own condition. The sequence prompts the question of at what point, if any, the protagonist can no longer soundly conclude that further facts exist, challenging assumptions about the nature of reality and knowledge.