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It does push the problem up, but it does let us factor out a lot of complex particle physics which are not needed to run the simulation.

Remember in this case the simulation is not running a model of physical reality - it’s only running a neural net that is fed into your senses.

In that case there are no ‘atoms’ it’s just a concept fed into your mind. Just like in dream it’s hard to question reality, you just go along with it.

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These particle physics are still needed. We generally assume the dream you have at night does not take place within a whole universe, yet it is still governt by some rules - for example you may experience gravity within your dream and understand that to move around when actually there isn't any gravity but it seems like it is.

It's equally important to understand and study the rules of this waking dream you are having while reading, not because there are actually atoms out there but because it behaves like there are. You can do physics without metaphysics, altough the two usually get entangled somewhat.

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