Let’s explore the fascinating concepts of Soulkiller from Cyberpunk 2077 and homologous imprinting from David Brin’s novel “Kiln People.”
Soulkiller (Cyberpunk 2077):
Function: Soulkiller is a digital program that kills the original person while creating a copy of their mind.
Process:
It records the person’s consciousness.
It wipes away the original’s personality, leaving an empty shell.
The copy retains all memories and thoughts up to the moment of duplication.
Purpose: Arasaka Corporation uses Soulkiller for interrogation of the dead.
Implications: Philosophically intriguing—does it matter if the copy is still “you”?
Rich Corpos’ Choice: Despite the existential implications, it offers a form of immortality by preserving memories and experiences.
Homologous Imprinting (Kiln People):
Setting: In a near-future America, people can create temporary clay duplicates called “dittos” or “golems.”
Ditto Mechanics:
Dittos retain memories up to the time of duplication.
They last only a day.
The original person can choose whether to upload the ditto’s memories.
Usage:
Dittos perform work, experience pleasure, and even solve mysteries.
Different colors signify quality and intended roles (e.g., green for housework, gray for business, ebony for data analysis).
Ebonies specialize in pleasure and sexual fulfillment.
Ship of Theseus Paradox: Is the ditto still the same person? Similar to the philosophical debate around identity.
In both cases, technology blurs the line between self and copy, raising profound questions about consciousness, existence, and continuity.