Realistic approach to "The Matrix"?

Question

Consider the existence of the following technologies and their development potential:

Artificial vision:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/606938.stm

Brain controlled artificial limbs:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/03/22/btsc.oppenheim.bionic/

Then it's already possible to replace a living being's vision with artificial vision, and sense the being's movement intent with computer technology.

If using these technologies, a subject's vision was artificially replaced with a virtual environment such as "The Sims" since birth, and if the subject's movements were replicated in the virtual environment, then the subject would only know this virtual environment, and would not be aware of the existence of the "real world".

Of course the subject would sense its "real body" but it would have no understanding of its existence since it has only seen and interacted with the "virtual world".

On a purely theoretical level, isn't this a realistic approach to a "Matrix"?

Answer 1

Hi. Even more important, it is exactly what happens in the 'normal' world. Flip on your PC and the screen shows a certain range of wavelengths. We reach for a key and the chemicals that make up our bodies cause some matter in your finger to approach some matter from which the key is made. Not too much different, reality vs virtual reality. This is one of my favorite videos of Richard Feynman, my favorite scientist. Not very long. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AU8PId_6x...