The duplicates paradox?

Question

The duplicates paradox


Here is a very fascinating paradox, I often think of it. Let us assume that we can make an exact duplicate of you. I know how this is completely impossible, but let us use our imagination and say this is in the far future. If you were to die, and later a duplicate of you were to be created would this duplicate be you? Here is why I think it is fascinating, a lot of Atheists will say it is not. But when asked to give a reason why it is not them they can not give a good reason.

I myself am an Atheist and I would think it would be me, I think it would be a continuation of my self identity and conscious. But let us add another factor. If by mistake you were still alive and a duplicate of you were to be made, then which would be the real you?

Honestly now, does this not throw you into complete confusion, take a few seconds and think about it. My answer is that they would both be me as self awareness is an illusion, but honestly it is ..

it is very difficult to grasp. How would you answer this paradox.

Again, I know that such technologies do not exist, but really in such a situation which may be able to occur in the future.. how would you answer this question.

The Last Ent Wife,

But that is the catcher, the duplicate has all of your memories, they are an exact duplicate. Memories will equal experiences.

The Last Ent Wife ,

Here is the weirdest part, all of are atoms are replaces several times throughout our lives.
If all of our atoms were replaced at once would that mean that you are no longer yourself? Does this mean that every second that we live we are no longer ourselves? I don't think that is true. If two of you existed at once which would be you? I have to say that both of you would be the real you. Although separated in thought you both would have the illusion of being the one and only original you. This is where most people get confused. I myself am guilty. It is very difficult for me to imagine this, but without something that has to be unique you both would be you at the same time without experiences being exchanged between one another.

Answer 1

Theory 1.
The duplicate would not be you. The continuity of identity and consciousness (a.k.a. self) requires a continuity of a physical body.

Theory 2.
The duplicate and you are both you. The 'self' can transcend discontinuities of the physical being, and can contain multiple but separate awarenesses. (If there are alternate universes, then all your duplicates are part of one larger 'self')

Theory 3.
The continuity of self is an illusion. You are not the same 'conciousness' that occupied your physical body yesterday. Perhaps sleep is the death of one conciousness, and awakening is the birth of a new one. Or perhaps conciousnesses flash in and out of existence from moment to moment. I might not be the same "me" that began answering this question a minute ago.

I tend to go with theory 1, but you never know.

Answer 2

The duplicate would not be you since it is in a different location. You are where you are, the duplicate is not. This is a huge mystery because common sense tells us everything we think and feel should come from our brain circuits alone. However, it also comes from our location too, as the Duplicates Paradox suggests. Position must be a non-material ingredient of consciousness. Perhaps "self" is entirely non-material and follows the body. Something very strange is going on.

Answer 3

No, I do not think it would be me.

"Me" ended at my death. This new creation would have a whole new set of experiences and memories that I did not have, hence, it's not me.

We are the product of our past experiences, I don't see a paradox here, but thanks for posting, it was an interesting read.

Isn't this almost like saying what if you had an identical twin and you were separated at birth? I see it the same way. There would similarities between the two, but we would not be the same.

EDIT- I see what you are saying, they would have all my memories and we would be duplicates right up until the moment I died. From that second on we would be different, because she would have different memories.

Answer 4

I don't think self-awareness is an illusion; to make that claim would be to say I only think I'm self-aware. I know for a fact I'm self-aware (I can't vouch for the rest of you, though).

As for the duplicate, would I (me, the guy sitting here now) see through the duplicate's eyes? What would my experience be? Can awareness survive death? Can it migrate to a new body? I don't think the duplicate would be me. The duplicate, however, would probably disagree with that assertion.

Answer 5

Define duplicate: no ifs and buts. Its ME down to my deepest hidden letter of my DNA down to the exact copy of my brain and it's wiring down to the very last thought memory EVERYTHING. Then IT is ME no paradox no nothing there can be countless ME at any time or place. ME no ifs and buts. The legalities involved are mute in this argument.