Journal Entry #9

Jorja Mason

Professor Matyakubova

Eng 101

November 20, 2017

After reading the Experience Machine written by philosopher Robert Nozick it made me

think on the way we actually view life and the idea of “authenticity”. Nozick proposes such a

machine that could allow you to be plugged in and neurotransmitters would allow you to feel

anything you desired, and could give you an array of memorable experiences, common to the

human race. Anyone could plug in and little dilemmas like a wait time to be plugged in and what

kind of power system could support that, be ignored. Also things this consciousness as well,  

Because when you're in the machine everything feels real as if you are actually there. The

lingering  question while reading this and which he asked is “Would you plug into this

machine?”

Initially when thinking of this your first response would be yes as anything you desired to

feel be at your fingertips however, I believe people posses the desire to feel things and actually

be them in reality. Pride is taken in integrity and the reassurance that something is actually what

it appears to be. It is an undeniable difference between the two. Also I fear that if you know that

this machine is available after death if you choose, is  somewhat negative on the idea of

motivation to try your best at things because in some way you get a second chance with the

machine. It is like you would be living a lie and that is very unsettling so after some reflection  

I’ve came to the conclusion,  I would not partake in this machine.