Changing the present by changing the past

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AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around the hypothetical scenario of erasing someone's children before they were born and the implications of such an action. Participants explore the philosophical and practical aspects of this idea, questioning the possibility of retroactive erasure and the mechanisms required for time travel. There is a consensus that without a feasible method for time travel, the concept remains purely speculative. Some contributors express sympathy for the emotional struggles of parenting, while others criticize the notion as absurd or disturbing. The conversation touches on the complexities of identity and existence, emphasizing that if one were to erase their children, it would fundamentally alter their own existence. Overall, the thread reflects a mix of philosophical inquiry, humor, and skepticism regarding the feasibility of such a scenario.
jaynebeal
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I have two children...they are 9 and 7 years old. If some one wanted to erase them b4 they were born would it be possible to do so? I mean I wouldn't just wake up one day with one child and no knowledge of the other, living in a different house..etc, etc.
 
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If they were erased, you wouldn't exist.
 
er...why would I not exist if my children were erased?
 
'You' is a rigid designator of course, so you wouldn't exist. It would be a different you.
 
Understood and thought of, thanks...but the question remains..is it possible to erase someone backward?
 
jaynebeal said:
Understood and thought of, thanks...but the question remains..is it possible to erase someone backward?

Well, since you asked the question, is there anything that makes you think it is possible?
 
but the question remains..is it possible to erase someone backward?

I would say that possibility requires a mechanism. Unless you can come up with a mechanism for one to travel through time, forget it.
 
If you fantasizing about your children not existing you are a ...

Well, actually, you're just a parent. I understand and sympathise!
 
I think I saw this movie... You know, it was that one where that guy kept going back to the future and the past? I think it was called...
























The Time Machine
 
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  • #10
What about
The Forgotten?
 
  • #11
HallsofIvy said:
If you fantasizing about your children not existing you are a ...

Well, actually, you're just a parent. I understand and sympathise!

:smile: Good to see you down here in the dungeon for a change!
 
  • #12
It actually is possible. Just kill them and bury them somewhere they will never be found. The only thing u have to do after that is cause such braindamage in urself that u will have forgotten ur past.
 
  • #13
I don't know about you, but this guy sounds kinda creepy to me.

"If you wanted to get rid of a child and make sure no body knew they existed, how would you do it?"
 
  • #14
yea, sounds kinda nutty. lol
 
  • #15
I'll go with verty on this one. If it could be done, your parents would have done it to you.
 
  • #16
I know one little bastard who should be the poster-child for retroactive abortion; unfortunately, it isn't possible.
 
  • #17
I came here from sciforums to get away from the nutjobs. Well, at least they're less prominant here.

But yeah, I agree, not possible. My parents would've done it already.
 
  • #18
jaynebeal said:
I have two children...they are 9 and 7 years old. If some one wanted to erase them b4 they were born would it be possible to do so? I mean I wouldn't just wake up one day with one child and no knowledge of the other, living in a different house..etc, etc.

I've never encountered such a "profoundly" stupid question before...the moron has been exposed...
 
  • #19
Okay, I think this has gone on long enough. I'm pulling the plug.
 
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