RE: c * (positive qualia -negative qualia) + (1-c)* (total complexity of pattern)

From: Ben Goertzel (ben@goertzel.org)
Date: Wed Jan 07 2004 - 07:20:00 MST


> This said, we can think about the philosophical implications of removing
> every little bit of pain AFTER we have gotten rid of the big bulk of pain
> which is undoubtedly immoral. As long as we agree that this is the moral
> thing to do and that hitler's opinion is _not_ just as valid.

Yes, we agree on this...

I just wonder, for instance, how much of the joy of discovery would be left
if one removed the frustration of seeking the answer a while and not finding
it ;) ... Perhaps this is just a high-falutin' example of "hitting your head
on the wall so it feels so good when you stop?" -- or is it something more?

And are there some kinds of insights into the universe that can only be
achieved by going through and transcending a period of existential angst?

But I'm happy to worry about these points after headaches, stomachaches,
chronic depression (which I thankfully don't suffer from ;), and so forth
have been abolished...!

-- Ben G



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