Re: The Matrix as Metaphysics, David J. Chalmers

"Janet Wawn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Immortalist ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) 2003-11-21 wrote:
>
> >The Matrix as Metaphysics, David J. Chalmers
>
> Chalmers only seems to be examining and sorting the nature of these
> ideas out, perhaps covertly more for the sake of posterity. If
> intelligence survives long enough, there will be complex virtual
> realities created in the future vastly surpassing anything exhibited
> now. With sophisticated methods of computational solipsism providing
> convincing "illusions" for their "denizens" or external observers
> browsing about.
>
> So the question would eventually have to be explored: how valid should
> we (or whatever form of intelligence exists in that era) consider the
> perceptions or contents of engineered virtual realities to be? Whether
> it be because of legal or ethical matters, metaphysical concerns, or
> whatever befits the time...
>

Chalmers is interested in what consciousness is and he dwells upon arguments
as diverse as Descartes and his evil demon [matrix] to swamp zombies that
slithered together, all this in an attempt to think of analogies that
squeeze out priorly unseen aspects. He tries to communicate about what is
known about consciousness in more traditional philosophical terms.

> ******Janet