[MUD-Dev] Re: Introductions and descriptions

[coder at ibm.net]

On 10/12/97 at 02:36 PM, Matt Chatterley <root at mpc.dyn.ml.org> said: >On
Tue, 9 Dec 1997 coder at ibm.net wrote:
>> On 19/11/97 at 09:19 AM, Matt Chatterley <root at mpc.dyn.ml.org> said: 

>> >There are also a number of shaky areas in
>> >the theme (for instance, the way by which transporter technology
>> >functions precludes the possibility of persons having a 'metaphysical
>> >soul' in the sense often intended), least of all areas of technology
>> >which cannot be explained.
>> 
>> Actually that bit is rather easy to rationalise given a metaphysical soul. 
>> A few possibilities:

>Hmm, it is? I don't generally sortie into these areas; I'm a scientist
>(more engineer) by nature, and tend to get confuddled by things I can't
>grab hold of and test to destruction (or dismantle).

I'm a mathematician by background, and spent far too long with irrational
amd complex numbers.

>>   -- The soul is extra-dimensional, and thus is not affected by the
>> transporter.  The sould also keys to the identity of the body (take your
>> pick of identifying characteristics) and there-by remains linked.

>Hmm, we are talking about stripping the body into component atoms, or
>even subatomic particles here, though - whatever it is 'keyed' to would
>be completely destroyed, and debating on how you view transporter
>'theory' either moved to the destination, or actually never moved.

Ahh, but the soul is able to sense ot otherwise lock onto that "key".  Why
assume that the recreation of that key elsewhere would not also be locked
on to.  This parallels the several Star Trek comments that teleporting a
person without dissassembling them (ie just duplicating their body at
their target without removing their current body) is a very Bad Thing.

>>   -- The soul's connection to the body exists partially in normal space,
>> and is thereby translated with the body with no net effect on the
>> relationship.

>As above. :)

Also, as above.

>>   -- The soul, as the seat of identity thus the posessor of the entire
>> awareness and knowledge of the individual, knows about the upcoming
>> translation and thus reconnects once done.  (This raises the interesting
>> phantom of unexpected transports being deadly).

>Now this is fascinating, particularly from the point of view of creating
>a more original Sci-Fi environment..

<bow>

I'm not fond of the mechanics, but I love the "unpredict" feature.

--
J C Lawrence                               Internet: claw at null.net
----------(*)                              Internet: coder at ibm.net
...Honourary Member of Clan McFud -- Teamer's Avenging Monolith...