From: Rafal Smigrodzki (rms2g@virginia.edu)
Date: Thu Nov 14 2002 - 10:02:09 MST
The discussion so far beautifully demonstrates the gulf between our rational
cognitive capacities and the lower-level cortical and subcortical motivation
mechanisms. We do have a number of separate systems which cooperate over
various timespans. We have the nucleus accumbens for analysis of reward, the
amygdala for remembering and processing aversive conditioning, the
frontomedial cortex for integration of reward and punishment over longer
periods of time, and the prefrontal+anterior cingulate cortex for abstract
reasoning (a big simplification here).
These systems are frequently in disagreement even under natural conditions,
and I don't think this is evidence of any insuperable and deep existential
problems - this is merely sloppy workmanship by our mother nature.
My main conclusion from the torture experiment is that once advanced methods
for modification of goal systems and subjective experiences are available, I
should make some changes in my psycho-architecture. I could start with a
switch for removing pain perception, which is already present in the form of
the endogenous opiate system but is not sufficient to cope with all the mad
Nazi experimenters lurking in the depths of space. Then I could streamline
the goal system, for example, to eliminate reward and punishment from
decisions about survival (I don't know if that is possible).
I would be absolutely safe from Nazis, except the ones with direct neural
access to my brain. I guess that appropriate firewalls and physical access
protection (blasters, grasers, antimatter warheads and singularity
generators) could take care of that, too.
Rafal
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