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ncr100yesterday at 7:02 PM3 repliesview on HN

It is a mind bender, yes.

Your argument, written here and As far as I understand it at the moment, goes along with the other argument that everything is a simulation, or that everything that we do is preordained based upon physics. All mindbenders.

I want to believe that I have the ability to make an educated decision when faced e.g. with impulses to suppress or oppress others, I do know that I can consider ramifications and benefits outside of those which directly impact me.

So, perhaps it's better to say, we can be unanimal like rather than simply not animal, at all? What do you think?


Replies

unfitted2545yesterday at 10:52 PM

I do believe in determinism.

I see what you mean by being able to consider the worth of harming something for your own gain. But doesn't this apply to all animals? If a bear was hungry I'm sure they would happily eat you, but they would probably think twice if they weren't. Same for early humans, it's just we have our technologies (which our intellectual nature has enabled) now to prop us up and not have to really think about survival.

The main thing I'm curious to hear your thoughts on is what are we if not animals? Gods? That's surely completely relative, like an anteater to an ant.

WalterBrightyesterday at 11:39 PM

> everything is a simulation

The "simulation" is indistinguishable from god.

pinnochioyesterday at 7:24 PM

> Your argument, written here and As far as I understand it at the moment, goes along with the other argument that everything is a simulation,

What?

This isn't a mindbender. You're just drawing lines.

Edit: I slightly misread your comment as advocating that we're not animals. However, whether one describes us as not animals or able to be "unanimal like" is still a matter of drawing lines.