Re:Staying Alive
by martindbp on Sunday June 25, 2023 @12:36PM
(#36470010)
We replace the cells in our body every few months, correct? The gradual replacement is key to the continuity. I'd be ok replacing every one of my neurons one at a time but not to upload my brain to a computer and then kill myself. To an outside observer the result may be the same, but not something I'd be comfortable with. I know my consciousness is an illusion and I probably "die" every time I go into deep sleep but the key is to uphold the illusion, otherwise why go on?
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But why would the feeling of continuity be broken by an instant replacement?
In both cases (gradual and instant replacement), at any given moment, there exists only one entity with your consciousness and self of sense and continuous memories leading up to that moment.
It's not a replacement, a collection of atoms is assembled on a remote planet. And it needs not be a single entity, as the thought experiment with the failure to destroy the original body shows.
I think my point is, maybe there's no such thing as continuity of experience (since we sleep every day) and consciousness itself may be an illusion. With an instant replacement, and also with a large distances, it makes it clear this is not me any longer, but if I replace my neurons gradually with digital components it's essentially equivalent to what is already happening with my brain cells, so it doesn't break the illusion. My identity and consciousness is an illusion and I just don't want to break it. I know that is contradictory and makes no sense, but that's the reason I would not use the transporter.