Would you ride the experience machine?

Discuss any topics related to metaphysics (the philosophical study of the principles of reality) or epistemology (the philosophical study of knowledge) in this forum.
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Maxcady10001
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Would you ride the experience machine?

Post by Maxcady10001 »

The thought experiment of Robert Nozick. Would you use a machine that simulated any experience you wanted? You would not know you were in the experience machine, and you could remain as long as you like.
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LuckyR
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Re: Would you ride the experience machine?

Post by LuckyR »

Who programs the machine?
"As usual... it depends."
Maxcady10001
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Joined: September 12th, 2017, 6:03 pm

Re: Would you ride the experience machine?

Post by Maxcady10001 »

You do. Whatever experience you want.
Eduk
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Re: Would you ride the experience machine?

Post by Eduk »

Sure, but it would be important not too spend too much time in the machine. Although of course 'too' much time would vary from person to person and from time to time.
Unknown means unknown.
Maxcady10001
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Joined: September 12th, 2017, 6:03 pm

Re: Would you ride the experience machine?

Post by Maxcady10001 »

Why is "reality" better than a simulated reality?
Eduk
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Re: Would you ride the experience machine?

Post by Eduk »

because too much time in simulated reality is likely to effect my survivability.
Unknown means unknown.
Maxcady10001
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Re: Would you ride the experience machine?

Post by Maxcady10001 »

I see what you mean. What if you were fed through a tube and had a catheter? All basic needs were taken care of.
Eduk
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Favorite Philosopher: Socrates

Re: Would you ride the experience machine?

Post by Eduk »

I am not thinking only of my own personal survivability I am also thinking of the long term survivability of my expression in the world. Commonly you might think of that as gene survival (my progeny) but it's more than just purely that. I believe while there is no conscious link to my progeny there is a link nonetheless. So while I will lose my sense of I, that doesn't mean my existence is pointless. Not that I am saying there is a point to existence, although now I am rambling as I finding this a complicated thought process to put into words :)
Unknown means unknown.
Maxcady10001
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Re: Would you ride the experience machine?

Post by Maxcady10001 »

Gene survival is important. I did not think about it, but such a machine could bring about the end of the human race, unless humans were being grown in laboratories.
Eduk
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Joined: December 8th, 2016, 7:08 am
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Re: Would you ride the experience machine?

Post by Eduk »

Well that's the plot to matrix, total recall and better than life (for you red dwarf fans).
I think to be honest we already face life in a machine all day everyday. And we all feel uneasy at the prospect of being out of touch with reality or living an unreal life.
I expect such machines will one day be available. They will possibly be banned. Or have safe guards. I doubt they would spell the end of humanity
Unknown means unknown.
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LuckyR
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Re: Would you ride the experience machine?

Post by LuckyR »

As many are fond of saying: truth is stranger than fiction. My current life is better in its entirety than any book I have read or movie i have seen or video game I have played. True there are scenes in a movie or passages in books that are better than an average day in my life, so I would use the machine like going to the movies or reading a book. Perhaps for a couple of hours at a time.
"As usual... it depends."
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