Self-Quiz 1.2: Robert Nozick, The Experience Machine

Nozick's aim in discussing the experience machines is to

describe a device that he predicts will soon be invented and widely used.

give an example of a machine that he thinks will be forever beyond our technological capabilities.

create a thought experiment that sheds light on what we value in life.

show that pleasure is the only thing desirable in itself.

Nozick claims that we should not get into the experience machine because

we couldn't be sure whether it was going to malfunction.

we would not actually be able to do anything in the experience machine.

our loved ones might need us while we are inside the machine.

technology is inherently bad.

From the experience machine thought experiment, Nozick thinks we should conclude that

pleasure is the only thing desirable for its own sake.

technology is helpful but can be dangerous when taken too far.

we often desire things that are not good for us.

we care about things besides how our lives feel from the inside.

If all that mattered to us were our experiences, then we would enter the

experience machine.

transformation machine.

Both of the above

None of the above

According to Nozick, the most disturbing thing about the experience, transformation, and results machines is that they all

deprive us of actual contact with reality.

deprive us of accomplishments.

live our lives for us.

All of the above

Which of the following theories of a good life is the experience machine a threat to?

A life is good to the extent it produces positive change.

A life is good to the extent that it is filled with pleasure.

A life is good to the extent that its desires are satisfied.

A life is good to the extent that it pleases God.

Which of the following are not attainable in the experience machine?

Achieving one's goals

Feeling proud

Believing in God

All of the above

What does Nozick think that we desire that the experience machine can't provide?

To live in contact with reality

To feel deeply loved

To feel that we've achieved something truly great

To never have to worry about the future

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