X-Message-Number: 11273
From: Thomas Donaldson <>
Subject: multiple quantum universes probably not digital
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 00:13:32 +1100 (EST)

Hi everyone!

Mike Perry and I may go on for some time --- so it seems.

First of all, I can see the morality of resurrecting our friends and 
relatives, given that we find out how to do so (which we may not). I do
not see the morality of resurrecting (or creating?) purely hypothetical
beings to which we have no special ties. For instance, if Lucy (the
early hominid which MAY be an ancestor of everyone now living) could be
resurrected, I see no special reason to do so. Sure, we could go back
and resurrect every creature that ever existed or might have existed,
but the more distant they become from us and our associates, the more
that seems to be only a meaningless expression of technical ability.

As for whether the multiplicity of versions of ME (or Mike Perry) can
be expressed digitally, I continue to be doubtful. Our brains are not
(at least obviously) quantum devices, nor is it true that even if they
were they could be assumed to be describable digitally --- especially
since quantum mechanics would give most subatomic parts not a fixed,
digital location but a continuum of possible locations. And so each
possible universe gives us one version out of that continuum. Among other
points, I do not see how I am straining either quantum mechanics or 
neuroscience to make such a suggestion (I'd add that quantum mechanics
is unlikely to play any role in the workings of our brain, but that, I
think, is an irrelevancy here).

If Mike believes that his or my possible continuation in a different 
universe (hived off continually by quantum mechanics) constitutes 
survival, then I know of no means to prove or disprove his belief.
This makes it very close to metaphysics. Not only that, but even if
someday (given that quantum mechanics cannot be a complete theory of
the universe) we find ways to pass between some of these universes, it
still isn't clear that those universes to which we might travel would
constitute the entire continuum. In fact, given that our instruments,
no matter how advanced, are likely to always have some lack of resolution,
it seems likely that we would not be able to dial up an arbitrary 
universe from the continuum. (And yes, that may be where "digital"
issues come into play).

(Actually, it would be nice if we could travel between such universes,
whether they are a continuum or not. We wouldn't want to go to universes
inhabited already by ourselves, though --- but to those which are empty
but can still support human life. Among other advantages, such universes
might be far easier to reach than most stars. But this is a digression.
And besides, for that matter, perhaps they will turn out to be HARDER
to reach than most stars).

			Best and long long life to all,

				Thomas Donaldson

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