From: Chris Ledwith (chris.ledwith@gte.net)
Date: Fri Jun 01 2001 - 15:44:10 MDT
> If I were copied by a teleport machine, xeroxed elsewhere by a `transporter
> beam', and the one at the transmitter end was to be killed (to even up the
> metaphysical balance of the universe), I'd go kicking and screaming... I'd
> be not one whit reconciled by the simultaneous existence of my double in
> the receiving pod-- *unless* I had remained, throughout, in perfect
> nonlocal continuous connection/identity with him. In that case, I'd swiftly
> get used to the notion that it was just like dropping off to sleep on the
> jet and waking up in another town. Of course, I could be *fooled* into
> believing that this were the case, even if a destructive-uploading expert
> knew it wasn't, which would soothe my dread. `Just step into the nice warm
> shower, Damien...' But I'd rather not be deceived in that way.
>
Ignorance is bliss? Well I think that's exactly the point. You go on thinking
that continuity was preserved, even if it wasn't on a purely objective level.
Yet how is that different than doing a copy, waiting a period of time and
killing the original. You have to go through death but afterwards that
experience is gone forever (you're dead, you can't think about it).
But permit me to repeat what I said in another thread
(http://www.lucifer.com/exi-lists/extropians/3086.html):
"How about this: you are unconscious when the copy is made. The
copy comes into the world, also unconscious (in fact, in the very
same state you are in). The original is then hacked to pieces with
an axe, and the copy awakes. You are now the copy, and notice
no discontinuity. You probably don't even feel remorse for the loss
of the other, at least not on the same level as you would for a loved
one. Is that better?"
I think one point that isn't expressed enough from this side of the fence is
that it doesn't matter if the original copy (you) are aware that the copy isn't
you and cry foul, because you're dead, therefore you know absolutely
nothing. Your copy can continue where you left off. The original cannot be
deceived because the original is worm food. You still get to do all the
wonderful things in life you wanted to do.
Is it murder? Well, sure: we had two individuals and now we have one. But
we can in theory make as many copies as we want from the copy to make
up for the loss. Yeah, it still seems wrong to us, but you have to seriously
question why. So I think our notions of human identity and rights if copying
or pasting (like that?) comes about are going to undergo fundamental
changes. It seems like your camp is arguing from the traditional perspective.
I don't want to be argumentative and you've definitely thought about this way
more than me, I just really want to understand your POV, exchange
empathy, though that might be impossible since neither side can agree
even after years of arguing. I wonder if there have been any converts? If you
are still fully convinced that you're right about this then you (or preferably
someone updating the FAQ) have to be prepared to shoot down every
reasonable argument that the other side has.
-Chris L.
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