graph LR
A("A")
B("B")
C("C")
A --> C
B --> C
The Pennsylvania State University
It is not clear what we are asking. Let’s try to be precise:
Person fusion qustion
If \(A\) and \(B\) are distinct persons \(A\neq B\) at \(t_1\), is it possible to create a new person \(C\) at \(t_2\) where (1) \(C\neq A\) and \(C\neq B\) (that is, \(C\) is not one of the surviving persons) but (2) \(A\) and \(B\) both survive (presumably as parts of \(C\))?
graph LR
A("A")
B("B")
C("C")
A --> C
B --> C
Take the bodies of \(A\) and \(B\) and have them touch (contact).
Has fusion occurred?
No.
We need something stronger.
Take the bodies of \(A\) and \(B\) and tie them together with ropes. Now they are hard to pull apart.
Has fusion occurred?
No.
We need something stronger.
Take the bodies of \(A\) and \(B\) and stitch them together. Now we can’t take them apart with damaging them.
Has fusion occurred?
No.
We need something stronger.
Take the bodies of \(A\) and \(B\) and have them share organs, e.g., heart, kidneys, lungs.
Has fusion occurred?
No.
We need something stronger.
Take the bodies of \(A\) and \(B\) and put \(A\) inside \(B\) so \(A\) can control \(B\). \(B\) still has control. Let them fight for control when they disagree.
Has fusion occurred?
Initially, it seems like two people in one body but no new third person \(C\). But, maybe they will fuse into one person.
We need something stronger.
Take the brains of \(A\) and \(B\), get the LH of \(A\) and RH of \(B\). Then connect them together into a single brain.
Has fusion occurred?
Maybe? We have a new brain \(C\), and presumably \(A\) and \(B\) survive, but it is unclear if they survive as “persons”.
Take the brains of \(A\) and \(B\), separate all the hemispheres and then stitch them together into a superbrain that has four hemispheres..
Has fusion occurred?
Maybe? One new brain \(C\), and presumably \(A\) and \(B\) survive (if the person just is their brain).
The general question about fusing people from the psychological perspective is what can we fuse?
Our memory does not need to be consistent since we often have conflicting memories.
It is sometimes claimed that we can only fuse some characteristics.
Our fusion: run on MWF, lift on Tu/Thurs
It is claimed that when characteristics / values conflict, the dominant characteristic would destroy the weaker characteristic.
Fused person loves to dance.
In other cases, it isn’t clear what would happen.
Some claim that we would just waffle back and forth, be horribly conflicted, or completely apolitical.
One view on the fusion question is the following:
No Survival Thesis?
No one ever survives psychological fusion.
Problem 1: It seems we could fuse together some psychological features:
Suppose you have a bad habit (or personality trait). You want to replace it, e.g., smoking, anger, sad memory, hyperactivity.
graph LR
A("You (bad habit)")
D["Bad habit remover"]
B("You (bad habit removed)")
A --> D
D --> B
Exercise
Would you survive?
You want some good habits that you lack. You want to add it, e.g., more social, courageous, hard worker, etc.
graph LR
A("You (normal person)")
D["Good habit adder"]
B("Enhanced you?")
A --> D
D --> B
Exercise
Would you survive?
In both cases, you survive. These changes are commonplace:
graph LR
A("You")
B("Tek")
D["Fuser"]
E("You-Tek")
A --> D
B --> D
D --> E
Exercise
Do you and Tek survive as a new person?