Of course, from the POV of any such simulation, the simulated suffering is real within the context of the simulation.
But realistically, it's already a giant leap - a thought experiment, mostly - to wonder if we're in a simulation. To then extrapolate our IRL experiences to some parallel In-Simulation-Life (ISL) value is pushing the thought experiment to ridiculous levels.
I fully understand some people disagree as you’re saying. But I believe they aren’t being intellectually honest with themselves and are actually just trying to excuse the reality of simulated suffering.
Well, if I enjoy it (to some degree, because it serves the story), wouldn't some other entities do too ?
You imagine suffering from our point of view. Try to imagine that a God might see you as you see Bruce Wayne in the comics.
As a counterpoint to your "Last Action Hero" argument, ask Arnold Schwarzenegger how much it hurt to film the Last Action Hero. Jack Slater is just a role Arnold played and Bruce Wayne is a character. You can never produce an unintended reaction from either of them because there's nothing there to react. They aren't even simulations of people. A person in the simulation is aware of their existence in some reality and are able to react to stimulus. Bruce Wayne can't do that, it does exactly what the writer and artist will. The only place that Bruce Wayne the thinking thing exists is in our imaginations.
[6] Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, [7] Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. [8] Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous? [9] Hast thou an arm like God? Or canst thou thunder with a voice like him? [10] Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; And array thyself with glory and beauty. [11] Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: And behold every one that is proud, and abase him. [12] Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; And tread down the wicked in their place. [13] Hide them in the dust together; And bind their faces in secret. [14] Then will I also confess unto thee That thine own right hand can save thee.
AI Overview
In the Book of Job, chapter 40, God challenges Job to address the wickedness and pride in the world, highlighting the fact that only God can truly subdue the forces of evil. God uses the examples of the Behemoth (a powerful land creature) and the Leviathan (a sea monster) to demonstrate his immense power and to show Job that he cannot handle these issues himself. Essentially, God is revealing Job's limitations and his own divine power, urging him to submit to God's justice and wisdom. Here's a more detailed breakdown: God's Challenge: God asks Job if he can "tread down the proud" and "make the wicked turn to their place". This is a test to see if Job can embody God's justice and power. Behemoth and Leviathan: God uses the Behemoth and Leviathan as examples of his power. They are creatures of immense strength, representing the forces of chaos and pride that only God can control. Job's Submission: Through these examples, God is showing Job that he cannot understand or control all of God's work. Job eventually acknowledges this, expressing his humility and submission to God. Theme of Divine Sovereignty: The chapter emphasizes God's power, wisdom, and justice, contrasting it with Job's limited understanding and ability. Suffering and Justice: The suffering Job endured is a backdrop to this chapter. God uses the suffering to demonstrate the mystery of his ways and the importance of trusting in his justice.
It seemed a fitting reply to the observation about having issues, though the moderation did not agree.
Which has a better outcome, a mom/dad that gives their child everything and protects them from all exposure to the world, or parents that introduce their children to difficult/frustrating learning situations? As C.S. Lewis put it, what you want is a potential higher being to be a grandparent not a parent.