Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

> Can you provide an objective measure of probability as to whether nothingness is what awaits you after death?

Yes, with some effort, I can start at a default 50:50 and incorporate all the evidence we have access to. The resulting number will be pretty high and as objective as a person can reasonably be asked to be.

> nobody can assign a probability to an unknown unknown

Giving up like that is not a way to make rational decisions.

Also when you have a very precise scenario and question, doesn't that make it a known unknown?

> Wanting to avoid that change is almost definitionally due to a fear of the unknown. You are afraid that the new state you will be in will be worse for lack of those memories.

Wrong. Even with a guaranteed blissful existence, I'm still busy using my consciousness on my current life and don't want it to end.

> it is in fact a common trauma response to block out old, bad memories.

Yeah a few of them, that's not remotely the same as a clean slate.



Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: