Should we fear quantum torment?

Ratio 25 (3):249-259 (2012)
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Abstract

The prospect, in terms of subjective expectations, of immortality under the no-collapse interpretation of quantum mechanics is certain, as pointed out by several authors, both physicists and, more recently, philosophers. The argument, known as quantum suicide, or quantum immortality, has received some critical discussion, but there hasn't been any questioning of David Lewis's point that there is a terrifying corollary to the argument, namely, that we should expect to live forever in a crippled, more and more damaged state, that barely sustains life. This is the prospect of eternal quantum torment. Based on some empirical facts, I argue for a conclusion that is much more reassuring than Lewis's terrible scenario.1

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István Aranyosi
Bilkent University

Citations of this work

Naturalistic Theories of Life after Death.Eric Steinhart - 2015 - Philosophy Compass 10 (2):145-158.
Forever and Again.Alexey Turchin - 2018 - Journal of Ethics and Emerging Technologies 28 (1):31-56.

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References found in this work

Understanding Deutsch's probability in a deterministic universe.Hilary Greaves - 2004 - Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 35 (3):423-456.
How Many Lives Has Schrodinger's Cat?David Lewis - 2004 - Australasian Journal of Philosophy 82 (1):3-22.

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