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Free will or pleasure? Which is more important to you? Let's find out with a twist on Robert Nozick's famous Experience Machine thought experiment.
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First, the original for context:
Image a machine you plug into that simulates reality, like the Matrix. You can choose what you want to experience, allowing you to live the life you've always dreamed of. Once connected, you won't know you are, so you won't question this reality.
Image a machine you plug into that simulates reality, like the Matrix. You can choose what you want to experience, allowing you to live the life you've always dreamed of. Once connected, you won't know you are, so you won't question this reality.
Now consider Machine A:
Instead of getting to program or select your desired life, it will be pre-selected for you by the machine. It will analyze a profile about you to select an experience that maximizes your satisfaction and pleasure.
Instead of getting to program or select your desired life, it will be pre-selected for you by the machine. It will analyze a profile about you to select an experience that maximizes your satisfaction and pleasure.
Now Machine B:
In this machine you get to live freely, making your own choices. You won't get absolute pleasure, but will have a life on par with that of an average citizen in a first-world country. You'll have a normal life with ups and downs, but you'll be more happy than not.
In this machine you get to live freely, making your own choices. You won't get absolute pleasure, but will have a life on par with that of an average citizen in a first-world country. You'll have a normal life with ups and downs, but you'll be more happy than not.
So which do you choose?
If you selected Machine A, then you value hedonism over freedom, and the opposite if you chose Machine B. If you're interested in a more in-depth exploration of this topic through the lens of Westworld, check out our essay here. https://multilarity.substack.com/p/the-free-will-of-westworld
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