Help Alexandra Write
Adjudicate:
Should a mostly-rationalist character feel embarrassed over considering themself a divine entity due to being 1) the largest-known single consciousness; 2) the most powerful known single being; 3) in theory functionally immortal (as long as conditions continue to be met)?
Optionally, additional and independent question, should other fairly rationalist characters (friends) consider this belief correct, or at least reasonable?
Help Alexandra Write
@alexandra
The character would probably feel some embarrassment, although the third point strengthens the case. The friends would probably find the belief reasonable, but their degree of belief would depend on what they consider a "divine entity".
There would be less doubt and less embarrassment if the setting includes substantive evidence for the existence of divine entities, even if no such entities had been directly observed up to this point.
Further, depending on the setting, the character might alternately suspect some kind of simulation, especially if they are familiar with the mediocrity principle. In this case, the friends would probably doubt this hypothesis, but not discount it entirely.
As epistemic rationalists who are friends, they are likely to discuss the topic at some length with genuine curiosity.
As instrumental rationalists, the risk of strained friendships due to the lopsided power dynamic, regardless of the answer to the divinity question, will be common knowledge.
