Posted by Pierre Charles on August 05, 1998 at 19:16:43:
In Reply to: Response to your question posted by Jason on August 05, 1998 at 18:25:42:
: Here's the real doozy (IMO): the argument implies that the Omega Point could create two or more instances of "me" at the same time! Which one is the real me?! This is the problem that really worries me.
This is the same problem as cloning. If the "original you" is dead your clone will feel more comfortable. But if there is no soul, your self is only a temporary "illusion" created by the way this Universe is organised. Who can be certain that we are not presently living at the Omega Point and we are only bits of data inside a computer chip. The world seem so "real".
If you have problems with this idea, it may be that you see a separation between the "spirit" and the body. If a machine is able to record your exact electro-chemical reactions and "download" them to your clone, theres no way for you to know the difference, unless someone explain it to you. Surely, a civilisation with this knowledge will be taken for "Gods".
Tipler speak of two "resurection" models. The normal one, with a body, and the virtual one, which he calls the "upload" model. You will be able to choose the one you prefer. (p.255)