If we could plug into a
machine in which we could live our own perfect life, would we? We would be
blissfully ignorant of the deficiencies of the world around us. However, by
participating in such an experiment, one would be sacrificing their knowledge
of the authentic world around us. This is the question asked in Robert Nozick’s
“The Experience Machine.” He would argue that the majority would not, for most
people treasure greater things than simply pleasure. Nozick uses the example of
the machine to disprove the idea of Hedonism, assuming his theory that those
who had the opportunity to “plug in” to such a machine would deny it, demonstrating
that pleasure is not necessarily the only thing we value. Perhaps one of these
things we treasure more for the sake of our own happiness is truth. The reality
is, as much as we would enjoy the ultimate pleasure, we acknowledge that such
pleasure is not true happiness. Deep down, we wish to be knowledgeable. We want
to know that the experiences we have are genuine. Of course there would still
be those who choose to plug into such a machine, but could such ignorance lead
to true happiness? I would argue against such an idea.
In order to be blissful
in their ignorance, one would perhaps have to be ignorant of their ignorance.
For in such a state, they know no other way of life. They remain unaware that
they are unaware of the world around them. Perhaps in such a state one would
truly believe they are knowledgeable. This is similar to the case of the
experience machine. However, I would also argue that humans are curious
individuals. No matter whether or not one was aware of their ignorance, at some
point they would seek it. Wisdom, I would argue, is necessary for true
happiness.
"I would also argue that humans are curious individuals" - well, I'd agree that all humans possess the potential for deep curiosity, and that it should be our universally-acknowledged birthright to try constantly to appease it. I've also observed, unfortunately, that a lot of us don't feed our curiosity, don't regard it as the "holy" meaning of life (Einstein's word). Sad.
ReplyDeleteMore on the Experience Machine in your next installment, perhaps? Why would someone (like Cipher in the Matrix) make such a choice? Could virtual illuysion ever be a reasonable alternative to life compromised by illness or injury? Is a preference for reality just that, or does it bear some moral weight?
illusion
DeleteI could certainly be one of the majority to say "no" to the Experience Machine, but I can see why others would choose it. Some people have a rough life, and look for alternatives to it through substances, books, even virtual reality. One could even say that virtual reality games are a step closer to the Experience Machine. Personally, I believe it is far better to be aware of my experiences and want them to be real. People learn from them, good or painful ones.
ReplyDelete