And then there’s Timeless Identity, which expressly claims to be the philosophical payoff from the QM sequence. Given that post and the introduction I quoted from Quantum Explanations, I really don’t see how you can deny that his philosophy builds directly on his interpretation of QM.
It appears you are right. Eliezer derives his conclusions regarding zombies, personal identity, and the philosophy of transporters and duplicators from his understanding of QM.
On the other hand, I reach exactly the same conclusions on these issues without really understanding QM. Of course, I have the advantage over Eliezer that I have read far less Philosophy. :)
People shouldn’t build too much of their philosophy on top of the MWI, IMO. If evidence that relatively “distant” worlds are being deleted is found then they would have to revisit it all. That doesn’t seem terribly likely—but we can hardly rule it out. Occam’s razor just doesn’t rule against it that strongly.
On the other hand, I reach exactly the same conclusions on these issues without really understanding QM. Of course, I have the advantage over Eliezer that I have read far less Philosophy.
Well, ISTM that this sort of reductionism/functionalism is still right in a classical universe, just going by the whole notion of beliefs should pay rent; but it’s not forced like it is in the actual universe.
And then there’s Timeless Identity, which expressly claims to be the philosophical payoff from the QM sequence. Given that post and the introduction I quoted from Quantum Explanations, I really don’t see how you can deny that his philosophy builds directly on his interpretation of QM.
It appears you are right. Eliezer derives his conclusions regarding zombies, personal identity, and the philosophy of transporters and duplicators from his understanding of QM.
On the other hand, I reach exactly the same conclusions on these issues without really understanding QM. Of course, I have the advantage over Eliezer that I have read far less Philosophy. :)
People shouldn’t build too much of their philosophy on top of the MWI, IMO. If evidence that relatively “distant” worlds are being deleted is found then they would have to revisit it all. That doesn’t seem terribly likely—but we can hardly rule it out. Occam’s razor just doesn’t rule against it that strongly.
Love the Philosophy jibe! :)
Hah, same here.
Well, ISTM that this sort of reductionism/functionalism is still right in a classical universe, just going by the whole notion of beliefs should pay rent; but it’s not forced like it is in the actual universe.