rationalskepticism.org

gobshite wrote:You said as a counter to newolder:

There has to be an original that is distinct from the simulation, otherwise such a proposition or claim makes no sense.

newolder is explicitly saying that it makes no sense for the same reason that you are. Hence the reductio ad absurdum.

Clearly you have not understood the argument. newolder is not saying that it makes no sense for the same reasons that we were. He is saying that it makes no sense because it amounts to special pleading. We have been arguing that it makes no sense because an original is required. newolder is making the assumption that no such proposition could have merit, therefore special pleading for the original to be exempt from also being classified a simulation. But, until someone argues their proposition you cannot know it to be special pleading. It is incumbent upon the one making the proposition to justify their premises.