From: Michael Lorrey (retroman@together.net)
Date: Sun Dec 14 1997 - 02:40:01 MST
Wayne Hayes wrote:
>
> Anders Sandberg <asa@nada.kth.se> wrote:
> >>> An MRI scanner will change the quantum state of your brain and thus it will
> >>> change you, so will reading this post or being bitten by a mosquito.
> >>
> >> Dr. Chao is this correct?
>
> >Yes, it is correct. A MRI scan makes most of your hydrogen atom nuclei
> >align their spins, and then electromagnetic fields twist them around
> >so that they emit telltale radiation. Very elegant, and quite dramatic
> >on the quantum level.
>
> Right. So, to be clear, the first line of the first quote is correct,
> but the second is *not*. An MRI makes dramatic changes on the quantum
> level, but absolutely *no* detectable change in the personality,
> memory, etc., of the individual. Thus, the spin state of the hydrogen
> atoms in your brain is absolutely irrelevant to the health and welfare
> of your mind, and thus, need not be duplicated by a teleportation
> device.
Only if you beleive that the "quantum mind" stuff is true. The spin
states of nuclei are all random normally.
-- TANSTAAFL!!! Michael Lorrey ------------------------------------------------------------ mailto:retroman@together.net Inventor of the Lorrey Drive MikeySoft: Graphic Design/Animation/Publishing/Engineering ------------------------------------------------------------ How many fnords did you see before breakfast today?
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