Depends on the episode.
Based on Second Chances, due to the fact that two Rikers are created, it shows that the “self” can be created or destroyed by the transporter.
Based on Realm of Fear, you are conscious throughout the whole transport, and it shows that you maintain your existence.
Different writers do different things and you are free to head canon it however you want.
While not an exact or consistent science, I’m ok with the existential quandry. I just hope that handsome devil on the other end of the transport lives their lives fully and tries to make better decisions.
“I’ve had a good 17 minutes or however long that away mission lasted. Might as well make way for the next iteration that’ll take over once I cease existing forever.”
Based on Realm of Fear, you are conscious throughout the whole transport, and it shows that you maintain your existence.
Is that the only episode where that is mentioned? Because there have been a lot of transporter accidents that copy, clone+alter, combine, etc, transporter victims.
Scarfolk Council on behalf of Starfleet:
With that technology you’d think you could just send a clone on away missions and share the experiences with the original
That’s entering Doctor Who goo people territory.
Hyperion suggests that you do not think about the fact that this is only a digital reconstruction of your original body, which died the first time you respawned. Do NOT think about this!
Yep, that’s why it’s mentioned in the body notes.
fair
The fact that it’s word-for-word wasn’t a clue?
For all I know I’m a boltzmann brain and this is my first and last thought I’ll ever have. Fuck it.
If you
know what a Sampo isknow the metaphysical answer to this philosophical problem, write it down on a piece of paper, throw it away, and try not to think about it. You’ll be glad you did.
