If You Upload Your Mind to a ComputerAre You Still You?

One of the most mind-bending far future predictions you'll hear fromsome futuristsis this: Eventually, thetechnology will exist to copy your brain (every bit of data that makes you, you) onto a computer.

Technical details and exact predictionsaside (the conceptis still firmlyscience fiction) mind uploading makes for a fascinating and disturbing thought experiment.If you had the power to upload yourself, would you?

Living in a computer might not be so bad. Wed likely be able to make the digital realm a really nice place for our digital selves. All the enjoyable parts of lifewould still be available (and more). Think the Matrix without robot overlords or glowing pods of goo. Which is a central point. Wewouldn't have bodies in need of goo anymore.

Separatedfroma body doomed to slow down, break, get diseases, and eventually die, the only limit on thisnew digital existence would be the health of the computer itself. And not just a singlemachine. Ourinformation could be spread overa vast network of computers, independent ofany one. Wecould live as long as welike.

Sounds like a good deal right? Sure. But here's where it gets a little squirrelly.

Let's say I opt toupload my mind to a computer: Wouldit be methat wakes up online? Or wouldit be a facsimile, perfect in every way except onethat it isnt me. That is,if I'mstill alive, Idont suddenly have a split-screen sense of me-ness. And if I'mdead, well, thats it. I'mjust dead. Even though the digital facsimile goes on living.

I've not read a completely convincing argumentone way or the other. This is partly because we don't have a clear scientific theoryto explain what gives us oursense of "me-ness." It's still a mystery. But the topichas been longdiscussedin philosophy, and Tim Urban has a greatpost on the subject. I highly recommend it.

Also, I imagine some of you have thought about this in depth. (Star Trekfans, I'm looking at you.)

In any case,for the more visually inclined, here's a greatscience fiction short film on the topic: "The Final Moments of Karl Brant." Fewthings beat philosophy and sci-fi on a lazy Sunday. Enjoy!

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If You Upload Your Mind to a ComputerAre You Still You ...