X-Message-Number: 25377
Date: Wed, 22 Dec 2004 05:49:03 -0500
From: Thomas Donaldson <>
Subject: CryoNet #25368 - #25376

Hi Bob, Mike, and RBR:

We seem to have spent some time arguing about a subject which is almost
metaphysical. I assume that our QE, whatever system it may turn out to
be, is also a physical entity in the broad sense of that phrase. A 
direct copy of my QE will remain the same as me, given that I fail
to continue for some reason --- if only because it is a physical copy.
However what we all really want to be revived after our (unfortunately
likely) cryonics suspension. 

The basic reason for the view that Bob calls "patternist" comes directly
from this issue. And since none of us has yet been both suspended
and revived, the only true test of whether or not cryonics in its
present form will allow us to continue is that of whether we think 
we're the same person after our revival, even if we use whatever 
facilities and technology is available to us after our revival to 
verify that we are the same. Perhaps we'll be wrong about that, despite
it verification by all the hyperadvanced means then available.

But it's at that last point that some become quite metaphysical. If
I am the same person not only by all present tests, but by all tests
available after I'm revived, I think I won't bother about the possibility
that all those tests might still be wrong. I would still be alive,
and as ready to take on the world as I ever was.

And as cryonicists we each get to work out how we'll feel about the  
issue of identity AFTER we're revived. 

            Best wishes and long long life to all,

                 Thomas Donaldson

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