A Puzzle about Further Facts

TL;DR

This paper explores the metaphysical question of 'further facts' through computer simulation examples, examining when and if such facts can be conclusively identified.

Contribution

It introduces a sequence of simulation scenarios to analyze the epistemic limits regarding the existence of further facts in metaphysics.

Findings

Examples show varying degrees of epistemic certainty about further facts.

Highlights the difficulty in conclusively establishing further facts.

Raises questions about the limits of metaphysical knowledge.

Abstract

In metaphysics, there are a number of distinct but related questions about the existence of "further facts" -- facts that are contingent relative to the physical structure of the universe. These include further facts about qualia, personal identity, and time. In this article I provide a sequence of examples involving computer simulations, ranging from one in which the protagonist can clearly conclude such further facts exist to one that describes our own condition. This raises the question of where along the sequence (if at all) the protagonist stops being able to soundly conclude that further facts exist.