On 28/06/07, Matt Mahoney <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
When logic conflicts with instinct, instinct wins and the logic gets contorted. The heated discussion on the copy paradox is a perfect example. Your consciousness is tranferred to the copy only if the original is destroyed, or destroyed in certain ways, or under certain conditions. We discuss this ad-infinitum, but it always leads to a contradiction because we refuse to accept that consciousness does not exist, because if you accept it you die. So the best you can do is accept both contradictory beliefs and leave it at that.
Well, maybe consciousness does not really exist, but even if it's just the state of being able to interact with the environment in a particular way, or something, I want it to continue happening in just the same way after I upload.
So how do we approach the question of uploading without leading to a contradiction? I suggest we approach it in the context of outside observers simulating competing agents. How will these agents evolve? We would expect that agents will produce other agents similar to themselves but not identical, either through biological reproduction, genetic engineering, or computer technology. The exact mechanism doesn't matter. In any case, those agents will evolve an instinct for self preservation, because that makes them fitter. They will fear death. They will act on this fear by using technology to extend their lifespans. When we approach the question in this manner, we can ask if they upload, and if so, how? We do not need to address the question of whether consciousness exists or not. The question is not what should we do, but what are we likely to do?
How does this answer questions like, if I am destructively teleported to two different locations, what can I expect to experience? That's what I want to know before I press the button. -- Stathis Papaioannou ----- This list is sponsored by AGIRI: http://www.agiri.org/email To unsubscribe or change your options, please go to: http://v2.listbox.com/member/?member_id=4007604&user_secret=7d7fb4d8
