TheOtherDave comments on Open Thread: March 4 - 10 - Less Wrong

3 Post author: Coscott 04 March 2014 03:55AM

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Comment author: TheOtherDave 22 March 2014 10:38:54PM 0 points [-]

Well, let's approach it from the other direction, then. Would you say that the chance that I've experienced at least one perception not caused by processing signals from a distal stimulus that conforms in all significant ways to the perception within the last 12 months is indistinguishable from zero? Indistinguishable from one? Somewhere in between?

Comment author: CCC 23 March 2014 05:04:00PM 0 points [-]

Hmmm. Tricky.

  • There are substances that, when ingested or perhaps inhaled, will trigger hallucinations.
  • There are certain mental conditions which may trigger hallucinations.
  • Dreams might also count, given the wording you've used.

If I assume that you haven't ingested any hallucinogens, knowingly or not; and that you are mentally healthy, and not counting dreams, then I'd say it falls into the "small enough as to be near indistinguishable from zero" category. (If you have ingested hallucinogens, the probability shoots up; potentially quite a lot).

Comment author: TheOtherDave 23 March 2014 06:31:35PM 1 point [-]

OK, cool... that answers the question I was trying to get answered. Thank you.

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