← Famous thought dilemmas
Dilemma 2 of 10
The Experience Machine
You can plug into a machine that gives you perfect experiences — love, success, joy — all simulated. Would you choose the illusion over reality?
Imagine
A technician tells you that once you plug in, you’ll forget the real world — and be endlessly happy.
Origin
Proposed by philosopher Robert Nozick in 1974.
Ask yourself
Would you trade truth for the feeling of joy?
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Show all ten dilemmasHide the list
- 01The Trolley ProblemDoes saving more lives outweigh taking a life through your action?→
- 02The Experience MachineWould you trade truth for the feeling of joy?→
- 03The Ship of TheseusWhat makes you you — the parts, or the continuity?→
- 04The Heinz DilemmaDoes morality bend for love — or for survival?→
- 05Buridan’s AssCan indecision itself be a dangerous decision?→
- 06The Bystander EffectWhat makes someone take the first step to help?→
- 07The Omelas DilemmaCan happiness be built on someone else’s suffering?→
- 08The Prisoner’s DilemmaIs mutual trust stronger than self-preservation?→
- 09Experience vs. MemoryDo we live for how things feel in the moment — or how we recall them?→
- 10The Lifeboat DilemmaWho decides who’s worth saving when not everyone can be?→