I've finally been able to put words to some things I've been pondering for awhile, and a Google search on the most sensible terms (to me) for these things turned up nothing. Looking to see if there's already a body of writing on these topics using different terms, and my ignorance of such would lead to me just re-inventing the wheel in my ponderings. If these are NOT discussed topics for some reason, I'll post my thoughts because I think they could be critically important to the development of Friendly AI.

implicit utility function ('survive' is an implicit... (read more)

I gave a similar answer to a question on Quora that was originally about whether it was possible to distinguish between a simulation and reality.

https://www.quora.com/Is-it-safe-to-say-we-will-never-know-what-we-are-truly-made-of/answer/Matt-Dodd-2

Oh, I see, I suppose. Have you never come across the compelling logical argument that we most likely, in fact, live in a simulation (and are thus virtual entities)? I suppose I assumed that was a commonly known idea in rationalist circles, since I've seen it discussed frequently OUTSIDE rationalist circles.

The ultimate conclusion that I came to (and still hold) is that my medical event is neither proof for, nor against, such a scenario. Therefore, since the scenario is highly probable, it remains highly probable. But not immediately relevant.

I suppose the ... (read more)

Interesting article. I've read some of Dick's works and enjoyed them. I'm not sure I understand the significance to my post, though? My case seems to be the opposite, if anything. Instead of trusting my senses beyond reason, I considered much more likely that my senses (and memories) were compromised and untrustworthy.

Thank you for the response.

My leading theories, based on the research I've been able to do, are either a dissociative episode or a stroke, as they seem to fit my experience the best--although not what I consider WELL.

I discussed it extensively with my aunt, who is a psychologist, and her theory is (predictably) dissociative episode, although she admits it doesn't fit terribly well. Her recommendation was to wait and see, since I seem to have returned to normal and don't show any signs of permanent damage.

I would very much like to have a basic CT and/or M... (read more)

Since it seems I'm not allowed to create a new thread, I suppose I'll just post it as a reply here.

natureofreality.txt

Scenario 1: I observe objective reality, I am suffering from delusions. Other people are genuinely trying to help me.

Scenario 2: My existence is in some way important enough to an external entity or entities that I am being systematically, intentionally, deceived. Other people are fully or partially under the control of the deceiving entity and acting to further the deception.

Scenario 3: My existence is unknown and/or considered unimportant... (read more)

Hey, never posted here before. Although I've sort of circled around the site for years and years, and I guess now I'm going down the drain, so to speak.

Well anyway, I registered because I had a very interesting experience earlier this week and I thought it might be of some interest to the community here. I suffered some sort of psychological or medical event (still not sure what, although my leading theories are dissociative episode or stroke) that seemed to either suppress my emotions or perhaps just my awareness of them. What followed was a sort of, as I... (read more)