We’re going to do a thought experiment called The Swampman Paradox. Here’s how it works:
Imagine a man is out walking when a bolt of lightning suddenly disintegrates him.
At the same moment, another bolt strikes a nearby swamp, causing a bunch of molecules to randomly rearrange into an exact copy of the man — same body, same brain, same memories.
This “Swampman” goes about life just like the original man: working, speaking, and interacting with the same people — and no one can tell the difference.
Now the big question:
Is the Swampman the same person as the one who was disintegrated?
Stand up if you believe yes, they’re the same person.
Stay seated if you believe no, they’re different.
Source: The Swampman Thought Experiment
Contributor(s)
- learningnow
Related
Thought Experiment
Thought Experiment