Which reminds me that there are people who can hold their breath for insane amounts of time, so presumably they overcame this instinct, and start breathing only by intellectually deciding that they must do so to survive (and they likely know a lot about the properties of this danger).
I am with you in disagreeing with Eirenicon’s assertion that self drowning in a bucket is impossible with probability 1, though I believe with high probability that it is difficult beyond the ability of most people. I was mainly objecting to your assertion that this couldn’t be studied.
Also, merely holding your breath is not dangerous. You would pass out before suffering any permanent damage, and breathe normally while unconscious. It would be dangerous in an environment, such as under water, in which you could breathe normally after passing out.
Which reminds me that there are people who can hold their breath for insane amounts of time, so presumably they overcame this instinct, and start breathing only by intellectually deciding that they must do so to survive (and they likely know a lot about the properties of this danger).
I am with you in disagreeing with Eirenicon’s assertion that self drowning in a bucket is impossible with probability 1, though I believe with high probability that it is difficult beyond the ability of most people. I was mainly objecting to your assertion that this couldn’t be studied.
Also, merely holding your breath is not dangerous. You would pass out before suffering any permanent damage, and breathe normally while unconscious. It would be dangerous in an environment, such as under water, in which you could breathe normally after passing out.