The Incomparable Hanson

January 14, 2007

The Incomparable Hanson

Here is one of the most original philosophical examples I've read in years. It starts:

Imagine you are walking in the wild and come across what looks like a big rock painted with the following words:

I may look like an ordinary painted rock, but I'm actually a conscious mind. I know about you and your life, and I want to tell you: from the point of view of your values, you should commit suicide. You may have good arguments against your suicide, and I will listen to any arguments you offer, but I know of very good arguments in favor of suicide. I will listen, but if these words have not changed, then my conclusion has not changed.

Somehow it seems like this should undermine Robin's views on strong AI...