X-Message-Number: 20962
From: "michaelprice" <>
References: <>
Subject: Swapping with copies
Date: Sat, 25 Jan 2003 09:25:33 -0000

Jonathan Hinek:
>
>> The other point to make (again) is that according to quantum mechanics
>> all identical objects are swapping locations with each other, even large
>> complex objects.  Any identity you assign to one object you have to
>> assign to all of its copies.  In particular this applies to our notions
>> of consciousness or identity.  If you have the information preserved that
>> enables the physical reconstruction of someone (at some time) then you
>> also have preserved their identity (at that time), since that information
>> can be used to create a perfect copy that must share identity with the
>> original.  Physical continuity is not required for identity preservation.
>
> Would this "swapping" between the 'original, and the 'copy' continue even
> as their experiences diverge, or would any divergence immediately undo
> their shared identity?

It would essentially end as they structurally diverged at the molecular
level.  By "essentially" I mean it is all a matter of degree.  Electrons
(for instance, although it applies to all particles) "prefer" to swap with
their immediate neighbours over their more distant kin.  So they swap
intra-atomically more than intra-molecularly and more, yet again, than
inter-molecularly.  Also a collection of bound particles (i.e. an 'object'
with internal structure) is more inclined to swap (with an identical
neighbour or copy) as a collective entity than as its individual discrete
sub-units.

With two macroscopic copies the degree of swapping would be very low to
begin with but would further be greatly suppressed as they diverged in
structure.  Indeed the degree of swapping (or interference effects observed)
between two identical macroscopic objects would be so slight so as to be
ignorable for all practical purposes - and even more ignorable once they
ceased being copies.

> If they continue to "swap" would they have memories
> of one instance or both instances of themselves?

There is no cross-over or sharing of new memories between copies,
because the degree of swapping would be so slight, and growing
ever slighter as divergences (including new memories) continue to grow.
The practical effects of these things is rarely noticed above the molecular
scale.  Its main import at our level is not practical, but philosophical.

Cheers,
Michael C Price
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http://mcp.longevity-report.com
http://www.hedweb.com/manworld.htm

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