The problem of the "pleasure dial"

A common theme in science fiction today is the question of "mind uploading." As neuro- and cognitive scientists reverse-engineer the workings of the brain, the biological organ which produces the mind, we are increasing interested the possibility of replicating nature's technology. Using a sufficiently powerful computer, we might simulate a brain in all of its neural complexity, thus establishing a platform upon which to emulate a mind and even consciousness. In fact, attempts are currently underway to simulate the brains of mice (http://bluebrain.epfl.ch/).

Supposing we attain the technical prowess to emulate a human brain and all its outputs, including mind and consciousness, raises many questions which are both interesting and troubling. This is a favorite variety of question among science fiction authors and philosophers, who have now spilled many electrons before them. For example, if a virtual human is emulated on a computer, would wiping that computer's data constitute murder? This theme was taken up in the recent film Ex Machina. A secondary theme the film delved into was the titillating question of whether a virtual being should be programmed to experience corporeal desires. Aren't our sex drives and appetites essential elements of the human experience? If not for these desires, to what might consciousness be directed? In another recent example out of Hollywood, Transcendence, a young scientist (Johnny Depp) succeeds in "uploading" his entire neural connectome to a computer, thus creating a virtual copy of himself. Shortly thereafter, the scientist is assassinated. Those he left behind must take on the question of whether or not the virtual copy is really him. The digital Depp claims that he is, and by all accounts appears to possess the memories, sentiments, and dreams of the man who died. But how can we be sure?

Technological developments that raise exciting possibilities for the future also tend to attract attention among science fiction authors and philosophers. Certainly the possibility of uploading our minds to a potentially faster, more upgradeable, and longer lived platform than the 3 lb glob of fat between our ears excites us. By uploading, we may transcend the limitations of biological existence, unlocking the possibilities of exponentially increasing intelligence and functional immortality. Living as informational beings, we are unhindered by physical mass. Able to travel at the speed of light, the confines of time and space can no longer hold us. The universe thus opens up to humanity and a truly space-faring civilization becomes possible. I could go on about that one.

With these possibilities, of course, come new fears. One of the problems that worries me is what I call the "pleasure dial." If our senses and appetites are virtual, why can't they be tweaked so that I feel joyful all the time? Or better yet ecstatic? What's to stop an individual from cranking the pleasure dial full blast, achieving a state of ecstasy that never ends? It would be the theoretical maximum of happiness and satisfaction. Bliss unadulterated by any form of want. Why would anyone ever want to leave this state since it is by design perfect? I wouldn't. And nobody else would. So what then would come of humanity? What would inspire us to do new works? I fear we will reach a stable equilibrium, wherein we are all locked away in our own private euphorias. And in such a condition we would persist, unmoving and unchanging, until the power goes out. And when it does, there will be nobody around to fix it. And that is how humanity would end.