X-Message-Number: 2700
Date: 24 Apr 94 23:28:36 EDT
From: Michael Riskin <>
Subject: CRYONICS: Philosophy

   Ettingers use of the phrase "self circuit" interested me. Concerning
the oft debated free-will/ determinism question, I hypothesized 20 years
ago in a graduate school paper that there existed an as of yet
undiscovered "organ of will". Like ones heart, this is a structure all
normal beings are born with, with varying degrees of potential. It can
develop and grow, or conversely, atrophy. To the degree that one takes a
normal organ and nurtures it, one will have a greater ability to create
action options outside of those likely dictated by cause and effect.
   The self that we hope will come back when we reanimate....Many
discussions of this seem to attempt to reduce the meaning of self to a few
basic definitions but keep  encountering the unacceptable
conclusion (at least to ones ego) that these reductions are inevitably
computer compatible. These typically include such as "values, memories,
skills" and tend to be of absolute or black/white nature. My sense of
self derived from introspection is a dynamic being in an unending gray
state of relatively supportive or conflicted information and values and
memories....the never ending ending process of attempts at integration 
in my behalf.  When we talk about reanimating and reentry, anyone would
probably choose to come back not only free of the disease that deanimated
them, but of any other weakness in the organic structure, let alone a
brand new artificial body. But....do you want to come back free of what
we now call "mental illness?". Those bothersome "Mental illnesses" of the
DSM 3R category such as mood disorders, anxieties, or gender identity
conflicts are also part of what we conceive of as our "self" on a day to
day basis. Would it not be confusing to awaken with those gone? Who among
us does not at some time or level self identify at least partly with our
doubts, or insecurities ? 

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