A Machine Of Hapiness

Use this forum to discuss the philosophy of science. Philosophy of science deals with the assumptions, foundations, and implications of science.
User avatar
LuckyR
Moderator
Posts: 7935
Joined: January 18th, 2015, 1:16 am

Re: A Machine Of Hapiness

Post by LuckyR »

Greta wrote:
Greta wrote:... I don't think such a machine would pose issues to those of reasonably sound mind who can simply be grateful for good experiences without always expecting or craving repetition.
LuckyR wrote:Those without an addictive personality do not understand those with one.
I'd dispute any claim that I don't have an addictive personality but I agree that it depends on the individual. Some people need to know what's out there, others are probably better off not knowing although it feels a tad patronising to say so.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that Society should limit exposure to the Machine, I am saying that individuals should be wary of exposing themselves to conditions that would likely have negative consequences.
"As usual... it depends."
User avatar
Burning ghost
Posts: 3065
Joined: February 27th, 2016, 3:10 am

Re: A Machine Of Hapiness

Post by Burning ghost »

So, is the general consensus that happiness is bad and shouldn't be spread to those unable to handle it?

What a great view! Haha
AKA badgerjelly
User avatar
Sy Borg
Site Admin
Posts: 14995
Joined: December 16th, 2013, 9:05 pm

Re: A Machine Of Hapiness

Post by Sy Borg »

LuckyR wrote:
Greta wrote:... I agree that it depends on the individual. Some people need to know what's out there, others are probably better off not knowing although it feels a tad patronising to say so.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that Society should limit exposure to the Machine, I am saying that individuals should be wary of exposing themselves to conditions that would likely have negative consequences.
Fair enough. As with anything powerful - be it relationships, art, drugs, meditative practices etc - some will be better suited to it than others. As the gurus like to say, only some will be "ready" ... Grasshopper :)
User avatar
Felix
Posts: 3117
Joined: February 9th, 2009, 5:45 am

Re: A Machine Of Hapiness

Post by Felix »

So, is the general consensus that happiness is bad and shouldn't be spread to those unable to handle it?
It's bad for business: permanent bliss is inimical to societal progress.
"We do not see things as they are; we see things as we are." - Anaïs Nin
User avatar
Burning ghost
Posts: 3065
Joined: February 27th, 2016, 3:10 am

Re: A Machine Of Hapiness

Post by Burning ghost »

Felix wrote:
So, is the general consensus that happiness is bad and shouldn't be spread to those unable to handle it?
It's bad for business: permanent bliss is inimical to societal progress.
:lol: :lol:
AKA badgerjelly
User avatar
LuckyR
Moderator
Posts: 7935
Joined: January 18th, 2015, 1:16 am

Re: A Machine Of Hapiness

Post by LuckyR »

Burning ghost wrote:So, is the general consensus that happiness is bad and shouldn't be spread to those unable to handle it?

What a great view! Haha
There is a big difference between happiness and ecstasy
"As usual... it depends."
User avatar
dwilliams
New Trial Member
Posts: 1
Joined: June 20th, 2020, 11:04 am

Re: A Machine Of Hapiness

Post by dwilliams »

Have you tried using psychedelics like Ayahuasca? The trips can be either hell or heaven but one thing is for sure: they are a real mind-opener. Although not guaranteed to make you happy, you'll be able to understand yourself deeper every trip. However, keep in mind that it comes with a risk. Since it's a psychoactive drug, you'll experience hallucinations that may or may not make you happy.

I recommend you to try going to an Ayahuasca retreat if you have the time — you won't regret it!

I believe it works quite similar to your "machine of happiness".
Steve3007
Posts: 10339
Joined: June 15th, 2011, 5:53 pm

Re: A Machine Of Hapiness

Post by Steve3007 »

The orgasmatron?
User avatar
Jack D Ripper
Posts: 610
Joined: September 30th, 2020, 10:30 pm
Location: Burpelson Air Force Base
Contact:

Re: A Machine Of Hapiness

Post by Jack D Ripper »

I would absolutely not voluntarily be hooked up to such a machine. There are multiple reasons for this.

First, I could not know that it would work without trying it. And frankly, I question the ability of anyone to ever make such a machine. So, ultimately, I would not believe that it would work, and therefore I would not agree to be hooked up to it. There are so many things that people make false promises about, that it would be foolish to just believe it when someone tells you that this will give you perfect happiness.

Second, as has been stated by someone else above, someone could turn the machine off. But it is even worse than that, because if they can make a machine that can make you happy, presumably the same technology would allow them to give you the greatest misery imaginable. What is to stop those outside the machine from switching it to do that instead? So, you may end up being tortured for the rest of your life, after you were promised perfect bliss for your entire life. You really have no reason to suppose that that will not happen, so, again, it would be foolish agree to be hooked up to such a thing.

Third, I do care about some people and things in the world, and I do not want to "leave them behind." Although I might experience perfect bliss once in the machine, the decision to be hooked up is made before one is hooked up. I would be abandoning my wife and every responsibility that I have if I agreed to be hooked up to the machine.

Those are the reasons that strike me most when first thinking about the question.
Post Reply

Return to “Philosophy of Science”

2023/2024 Philosophy Books of the Month

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise
by John K Danenbarger
January 2023

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023

The Unfakeable Code®

The Unfakeable Code®
by Tony Jeton Selimi
April 2023

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
by Alan Watts
May 2023

Killing Abel

Killing Abel
by Michael Tieman
June 2023

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead
by E. Alan Fleischauer
July 2023

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough
by Mark Unger
August 2023

Predictably Irrational

Predictably Irrational
by Dan Ariely
September 2023

Artwords

Artwords
by Beatriz M. Robles
November 2023

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope
by Dr. Randy Ross
December 2023

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes
by Ali Master
February 2024

2022 Philosophy Books of the Month

Emotional Intelligence At Work

Emotional Intelligence At Work
by Richard M Contino & Penelope J Holt
January 2022

Free Will, Do You Have It?

Free Will, Do You Have It?
by Albertus Kral
February 2022

My Enemy in Vietnam

My Enemy in Vietnam
by Billy Springer
March 2022

2X2 on the Ark

2X2 on the Ark
by Mary J Giuffra, PhD
April 2022

The Maestro Monologue

The Maestro Monologue
by Rob White
May 2022

What Makes America Great

What Makes America Great
by Bob Dowell
June 2022

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!
by Jerry Durr
July 2022

Living in Color

Living in Color
by Mike Murphy
August 2022 (tentative)

The Not So Great American Novel

The Not So Great American Novel
by James E Doucette
September 2022

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches
by John N. (Jake) Ferris
October 2022

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All
by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
November 2022

The Smartest Person in the Room: The Root Cause and New Solution for Cybersecurity

The Smartest Person in the Room
by Christian Espinosa
December 2022

2021 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Biblical Clock: The Untold Secrets Linking the Universe and Humanity with God's Plan

The Biblical Clock
by Daniel Friedmann
March 2021

Wilderness Cry: A Scientific and Philosophical Approach to Understanding God and the Universe

Wilderness Cry
by Dr. Hilary L Hunt M.D.
April 2021

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute: Tools To Spark Your Dream And Ignite Your Follow-Through

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute
by Jeff Meyer
May 2021

Surviving the Business of Healthcare: Knowledge is Power

Surviving the Business of Healthcare
by Barbara Galutia Regis M.S. PA-C
June 2021

Winning the War on Cancer: The Epic Journey Towards a Natural Cure

Winning the War on Cancer
by Sylvie Beljanski
July 2021

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
by Dr Frank L Douglas
August 2021

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts
by Mark L. Wdowiak
September 2021

The Preppers Medical Handbook

The Preppers Medical Handbook
by Dr. William W Forgey M.D.
October 2021

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress: A Practical Guide

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress
by Dr. Gustavo Kinrys, MD
November 2021

Dream For Peace: An Ambassador Memoir

Dream For Peace
by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah
December 2021