What Is An Experience Machine Argument?

Nozick’s experience machine is a counterexample to the theory of hedonism. It has persuaded many that there is more to prudential value than the actual feeling of experiences. So what is the experience machine argument? If life contains the upmost amount of pleasure and minimal amount of pain as possible, there is no way to make that life better. It is the hedonic quality of experience that matters for considering the well-being of a persons life. The basic point is that the machine makes the perfect illusion of a life one wants, while they are stationary within a tank. Nozick asks two different questions about be plugged into such a machine. Should you plug into this machine for the duration of your life with a set preprogram along with if you would plug in. …show more content…
I think Nozick is arguing for the conclusion by appealing to individual taste. This needs the belief that people’s hypothetical preferences matches values. Assuming that people are competent who fully understand the different scenarios, the argument following can be derived. Presented with the choice of a life in the machine and an identical life in reality, many should people prefer the latter. People’s preferences coincide with their personal convictions about what is of value. People’s convictions about value can be considered guides, and therefore good evidence about what is valuable. Therefore, we have sufficient evidence that other topics other than that of quality of experience are genuinely valuable. Nozick’s presentation is ambitious in the sense that I think he expects the person in question to choose the actual life to a life in an experience machine. The argument proceeds as follows: Given a choice between a life in the machine and an inferior reality, people, for the most part, would prefer the latter. People’s preferences coincide with their personal convictions about