X-Message-Number: 21724
From: 
Date: Thu, 8 May 2003 13:18:38 EDT
Subject: thought experiment

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Francois wrote in summary (#21720):

> This thought experiment's aim is to demonstrate that conventional binary
> computers can support a human mind, complete with self awareness. 

Similar thought experiments have been frequently mentioned, possibly the 
first one being mine in 1962. But even if it could be done in practice, it 
doesn't prove anything, as I also said then.

One problem with it is that is does not take account of the possibility that 
qualia must bind space and time. Another problem is that it invites accepting 
either physical duplicates or analogs as self. These problems have not been 
solved, and will only be solved (or shown unsolvable) by a combination of 
theory and physical experiment, not thought experiments, although the latter 
can be useful as hints.

Robert Ettinger

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