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When you’re locked in, how do you know you’re locked in and not just dead, and this is what eternity will be like for you forever? Sure you might think you’re a

by xwdv 6y ago

When you’re locked in, how do you know you’re locked in and not just dead, and this is what eternity will be like for you forever? Sure you might think you’re alive at first, but then what if you get a crazy idea that you died and you’re just a Boltzmann brain right now or something. Any way to prove you’re alive?

jquery 6y ago
I have the same fear. I think this is where social interaction would be absolutely key, even if as a vegetable I’m not responsive. Isolation would lead to insanity. Regardless, if I was in such a state, I would like the option to self-euthanize. Assuming I had the ability to hear, they could use brain-scanning to figure out my ultimate desire in that area, and ask me on a regular basis if I wished to continue living as a locked-in patient.
forgotmypw17 6y ago
I experienced this briefly a decade ago, give or take. Not much of a drinker or toker, I did a bit of both in the company of a friend. I then vomited all over the bar we were in, passed out, and was taken by ambulance to a hospital. You may know that it is typical for EMTs to assess and keep patient's mind active by asking questions, such as what is your name, today's date, during this type of situation. Well, high as a kite and simultaneously blackout drunk, I experienced this as a detached consciousness in an endless black void, being questioned about my existence by the voice from the void about who I am. It was something that stuck with me... Be nice. Cultivate positive thinking and keep fear in its place.
- tharkun__ 6y ago
  Sounds a bit like my experience waking up from anethesia after an operation. I couldn't see but that didn't disturb me for some reason. I felt that I was lying down but had no idea why. I tried to sit up but couldn't. Whenever I tried something, some unknown force would push me down again. I tried over and over but couldn't do it. At some point I gave up. A bit later I was able to open my eyes and my mum told me the nurses had been in panic because I was still hooked up to all the machines and the IV and they were afraid I'd pull it all out and/or hurt myself. They were the ones pushing me down when I tried to sit up. I think I was like 10 or 12.
amelius 6y ago
Isn't it so that the brain, merely by thinking, can still evoke physiological responses (heartbeat going up, respiration, transpiration) even when locked in? I can't imagine if you're very upset about something, the body wouldn't react in any way.
luma 6y ago
This question is somewhat akin to the problem that Decartes eventually chose to resolve with "I think, therefore I am". The way I understand it, you can't really decide this so presume it to be true or nothing at all can be decided.
Baeocystin 6y ago
I remember nothing of any of the 14-odd billion years up until this point in time. I take that as a sign I will have the same (non)experience once I'm dead. Based on that, if I am consciously aware, that means I'm alive as I expect, and not a dreaming goldfish, so to speak.

by xwdv 6y ago

jquery 6y ago

I have the same fear. I think this is where social interaction would be absolutely key, even if as a vegetable I’m not responsive. Isolation would lead to insanity. Regardless, if I was in such a state, I would like the option to self-euthanize. Assuming I had the ability to hear, they could use brain-scanning to figure out my ultimate desire in that area, and ask me on a regular basis if I wished to continue living as a locked-in patient.

forgotmypw17 6y ago

I experienced this briefly a decade ago, give or take. Not much of a drinker or toker, I did a bit of both in the company of a friend. I then vomited all over the bar we were in, passed out, and was taken by ambulance to a hospital. You may know that it is typical for EMTs to assess and keep patient's mind active by asking questions, such as what is your name, today's date, during this type of situation. Well, high as a kite and simultaneously blackout drunk, I experienced this as a detached consciousness in an endless black void, being questioned about my existence by the voice from the void about who I am. It was something that stuck with me... Be nice. Cultivate positive thinking and keep fear in its place.

tharkun__ 6y ago
Sounds a bit like my experience waking up from anethesia after an operation. I couldn't see but that didn't disturb me for some reason. I felt that I was lying down but had no idea why. I tried to sit up but couldn't. Whenever I tried something, some unknown force would push me down again. I tried over and over but couldn't do it. At some point I gave up. A bit later I was able to open my eyes and my mum told me the nurses had been in panic because I was still hooked up to all the machines and the IV and they were afraid I'd pull it all out and/or hurt myself. They were the ones pushing me down when I tried to sit up. I think I was like 10 or 12.

amelius 6y ago

Isn't it so that the brain, merely by thinking, can still evoke physiological responses (heartbeat going up, respiration, transpiration) even when locked in? I can't imagine if you're very upset about something, the body wouldn't react in any way.

luma 6y ago

This question is somewhat akin to the problem that Decartes eventually chose to resolve with "I think, therefore I am". The way I understand it, you can't really decide this so presume it to be true or nothing at all can be decided.

Baeocystin 6y ago

I remember nothing of any of the 14-odd billion years up until this point in time. I take that as a sign I will have the same (non)experience once I'm dead. Based on that, if I am consciously aware, that means I'm alive as I expect, and not a dreaming goldfish, so to speak.