Re: The copy paradox

Harvey Newstrom (harv@gate.net)
Thu, 06 Nov 1997 13:48:10 -0500

Leevi Marttila wrote:
> 0) I walked into a non destructive transporter.
> 1) I walk out of it and look at machine and say: "I am the original"
> 2) I walk out of reproducer and look at machine and say: "I am the copy"
>
> What is the problem?

Here's the problem:

> 1) I'm listening what my copy says and following brain waves.
> 2) I'm going to jump into a volcano. I'm going to die but so what.

Would you really be willing to jump into a volcano, just because another
copy of you will continue living? I wouldn't, and I assume that copies
of me wouldn't either. The problem is that some people believe that
copying is an acceptable way to prolong my life. Even if the technology
becomes available, this solution is unacceptable to me, as I will not
experience any lengthening of life.

-- 
Harvey Newstrom  (harv@gate.net)