From: Samantha Atkins (samantha@objectent.com)
Date: Sun Oct 01 2000 - 14:24:05 MDT
James Wetterau wrote:
>
> J. R. Molloy says:
>
> > ... Uploading criminals and the Amish might be the best way to get rid
> > of them. Make video games out of them. ...
>
> I just want to register my extreme dissent from this idea, and
> whatever motivates it. I find it revolting to see transhumanist
> concepts discussed as weapons against religious people.
>
If that was what it was then I would also find it revolting. But I
think a more interesting set of possibilities might be present. Today
we kill or lock away for life those we consider irredeemably criminal.
Putting the person instead in a VR with karmic consequence mode turned
on would a) not involve the irreversible destruction of the individual;
b) give them a chance to learn and grow without harming other people.
Other persons who simply cannot abide what 21st century real-world
brings and who fervently wish to live in a different sort of world can
only have their heart's desire within a tailored VR. Again, they get to
live as they want and experience the consequences of their choices
without being forced to abandon their heart's desire or limiting the
freedom of others. When they change their minds about what they want
they get to move into whatever that new thing is.
Looked at this way the VR might be the best choice that preserves the
most diversity and freedom with the least amount of conflict. It's a
thought anyway.
- samantha
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