In lieu of losing someone, you could put yourself through a realistic simulation (of the first stages).
Really though, we’re all qualified to defend either deathism or immortalism. I’d love to hear what a deathist thinks is the strongest arguments for deathism.
If someone asked me to arrange one… Firstly I’d schedule a random date a year or more hence, and not look at it. I’d determine how much cooperation I could expect from simulated and family and friends. More cooperation makes it easier. On that random day, I’d get an email, and I’d let people know, and start things moving. Anything from one parent calling about the other’s death to “police” calling to their partner summoning them home… The better people are at acting and the further away the simulated death occures the more realistic and longer experience they get. Given a specific situation there are probably better ideas.
Then there are less normal possibilities, perhaps hypnosis?
Hypnosis could work if you’re susceptible to it. I don’t think I would fool myself with the “wait a year or more” thing. Unless said person was really competent, and said “What the hell kind of request is that? You need professional help.” (or something to the same effect, but more plausible and less exaggerated) when you asked, and then did it anyway a few years later.
I don’t know anyone with the skills to do either plan who I think would be willing to entertain weird requests like that. Also I wouldn’t like to make my reaction known to other people without knowing it myself first, because I might not be sad enough for their expectations. Especially the expectations of the person I’m supposed to think has died.
In lieu of losing someone, you could put yourself through a realistic simulation (of the first stages).
Really though, we’re all qualified to defend either deathism or immortalism. I’d love to hear what a deathist thinks is the strongest arguments for deathism.
How would you do that?
Ask a creative friend to arrange one.
If someone asked me to arrange one… Firstly I’d schedule a random date a year or more hence, and not look at it. I’d determine how much cooperation I could expect from simulated and family and friends. More cooperation makes it easier. On that random day, I’d get an email, and I’d let people know, and start things moving. Anything from one parent calling about the other’s death to “police” calling to their partner summoning them home… The better people are at acting and the further away the simulated death occures the more realistic and longer experience they get. Given a specific situation there are probably better ideas.
Then there are less normal possibilities, perhaps hypnosis?
Hypnosis could work if you’re susceptible to it. I don’t think I would fool myself with the “wait a year or more” thing. Unless said person was really competent, and said “What the hell kind of request is that? You need professional help.” (or something to the same effect, but more plausible and less exaggerated) when you asked, and then did it anyway a few years later.
I don’t know anyone with the skills to do either plan who I think would be willing to entertain weird requests like that. Also I wouldn’t like to make my reaction known to other people without knowing it myself first, because I might not be sad enough for their expectations. Especially the expectations of the person I’m supposed to think has died.