[Enginerrrd]

The only logical path is to download our brains onto computers, which will happen before that point. Once that technology exists, that's the only form of life that will dominate. Robots, nano-machines and hyper-intelligences will blow easily damaged flesh with finite lifespans. Habitable regions would be massively expanded.

[aeonflux]

If we can live inside a computer and create our entire world what will be the motivation to explore the universe?

[Enginerrrd]

Because we'll need energy and resources to run the computers!

[LocalH]

When you can figure out how to physically attach consciousness to a machine, get back to me

[Enginerrrd]

I understand the criticism but I think that moment will come LONG before we start effectively colonizing or terraforming the other planets. Id bet a LOT of money on that.

[jcelerier]

the only thing that matters is for it to look like the consciousness has been attached.

[jessaustin]

I've never forgotten the scene in the OSC short story "Fat Farm", in which the protagonist's mind has been copied to his clone, which clone has left the facility to "continue" to enjoy his fine life, and the protagonist realizes he hasn't thought about what comes next. The answer is grim.

A consciousness might awake in the machine, but it won't be my consciousness.

[sosborn]

But for the consciousness in the machine, does that distinction matter at all?

[nlh]

I think about this a lot. The answer, I think, is No, the distinction does not matter.

The consciousness in the machine will think "Wow this worked!" and go on with life in the machine. The original consciousness (you) will say "well that was dull - look at that machine consciousness having all the fun inside the machine."

But now extend the metaphor. Is there really any difference - in your perspective as the original consciousness - between the consciousness in the machine (your copy) and the consciousness next to you? (Your wife, husband, friend, brother, or sister). Or the consiousness across the street? Or any other consciousness that's not you? Each has its own set of memories that gives it a sense of self. Each sees the world outward from its own perspective.

So really, is there any difference at all? Either they're all totally different...or maybe they're all the same......

[jessaustin]

We'll never know. This is inherently subjective. Philosophers might suspect zombies...