Damn good question, but a bit outside the parameters of this thread.
Perhaps someone could start a new thread on this idea?
I rode my bike home from work today. And the “me” that arrived home is also different from the “me” who left. The “me” who left existed only for that instant, and is now gone forever. The “me” who arrived at my door, or the “me” who is currently typing this, are very similar to that person, but not exactly the same. The “death of the old self” isn’t a philosophical problem with teleportation; it’s a philosophical problem with existence.
There’s no way to prove otherwise, even without the teleportation.
4-dimensional you is a single object. It has some interaction with the surrounding space, incorporating new matter along its length via diffusion and otherwise, but for the most part it is a distinct object. And of course the 3D cross-section varies along the length, but all changes are continuous. That is not true for teleportation that works by matter assembly. There are multiple distinct objects in that case.
There is nothing special, or privileged about one set of assembled elementary particles compared to another set of similar particles, so you can say one particle assemblage of me is no different than another exact particle assemblage of me. To all outside observers, we are identical, but each “me” feels unique and continual through time.
I don’t believe this feeling of personal identity (PI) continuity is merely a delusion. IOW, if I choose to have my body vaporized, with the assurance an exact replication of my particles will take place somewhere else, I would be committing suicide, and, in essence, giving birth to a new person, with a unique PI.
I believe what is unique about each “me” is that the particle assemblage (configured into neurons and ultimately into a neural network) in each of our brains is in continuous contact within each brain throughout our lives, and that is what allows for the continuity of PI over time. Break the continuity, and you break your PI.
Sure, some particles within neurons will be lost and some replaced throughout our lives, but like the ship of Theseus, the whole remains the same—there is continuity. And, neurons, unlike most other cells in our bodies, are not often replaced. I think that’s another important factor that allows maintaining a unique PI throughout a lifespan.
Self-consciousness is a supervenient process that emerges from higher functioning brains. Once emerged it needs continuity to remain intact. The neurons within our brains allow that continuity to occur. You can’t re-create that at a different location and expect continuity of your personal identity. I wouldn’t bet my life on it.
I believe that’s what many physicalists don’t account for in transporter-type debates—it’s not the configuration of particles that’s important, it’s the continuity of the configured particles.
Could you please take this conversation elsewhere, as it has nothing to do with the subject of this thread?
No problem. I’m done.
I’m picturing the jaunting from The Stars My Destination. An innate skill, that can be taught.
The OP just asked about popular acceptance, not whether I’d personally go for it, so I haven’t said yet.
I think I would, but only as a replacement for air/long distance travel. So one or two return trips a year, probably. Given a good lifespan, I’m looking at one to two days off my life. That’s a fine price to pay for this power.
Tibby or not Tibby? That is the question.
Sorry @Czarcasm, couldn’t help myself. I’m done too 