Would 'you' be in control of a clone of yourself after you die?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the philosophical question of identity and consciousness in relation to cloning, particularly whether a clone of a person would be considered that person after their death. Participants explore the implications of cloning, the nature of self, and the relationship between biological identity and consciousness.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a clone, despite having identical DNA, would not be the same person due to the absence of memories and experiences from the original individual.
  • Others argue that identity is tied to both genetic and experiential factors, implying that a clone would be a different person altogether.
  • A participant introduces a hypothetical scenario involving a brain-mapping technology that could transfer consciousness to a clone, questioning whether this would still result in death for the original person.
  • Some participants challenge the idea that a clone could be controlled by the original after death, emphasizing that consciousness ceases with the death of the brain.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of identical twins versus clones, with some asserting that clones are not as identical as twins due to environmental influences.
  • One participant posits that the essence of 'self' could be viewed as an emergent property of the brain, suggesting that if the brain dies, so does the individual.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the original poster's understanding of the responses, indicating a disconnect in the interpretation of identity and control over a clone.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the nature of identity and whether a clone could be considered the same person as the original. Multiple competing views remain regarding the implications of cloning and consciousness.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of defining identity, with some emphasizing the role of social and experiential factors alongside genetic material. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the philosophical implications of cloning and consciousness.

  • #31
DaveC426913 said:
We're not sure what processes in the brain create the consciousness. But we're satisfied it is in the brain.

Exactly. We don't know for sure. That's why I thought that maybe if scientists would somehow manage to create a clone exactly like you after you die he would develop the same consciousness and it would sort of be like you? Or there is no such thing as different consciousness?

Also, since we're on the subject, when do we start to develop our conciousness? Do we know that?

Thanks
 
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  • #32
johnnya said:
Exactly. We don't know for sure. That's why I thought that maybe if scientists would somehow ...
In the realm of science, consciousness is in the brain. There is no evidence to the contrary and therefore no reason to go looking.
 
  • #33
OK, I can see this is going literally nowhere. I'm out.
 
  • #34
johnnya said:
Also, since we're on the subject, when do we start to develop our conciousness? Do we know that?

Thanks

This depends largely on how you define consciousness. This is a Philosophy of Mind topic, so it is probably best if you start that discussion as a new thread in our https://www.physicsforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=112".

..I'm finding it pretty hard to explain what I'm thinking.

Then I think this thread is played out (for all the reasons given in the responses) until you want to give it a lot more thought and work out ways to articulate what you are proposing. At this point, I can only see some form of dualism as your escape hatch, and that's going to be hard to defend here.
 
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