Robert Nozick introduced the experience machine in Anarchy, State, and Utopia (1974) as an argument against hedonism, the view that pleasure is the only thing good for us.

What this evidence bears on

• Supports: We don't just want to feel like we did something; we want to actually do it. Someone in the machine hasn't written a novel or helped anyone, however it seems to them.

  • A reason for “Stay out: a good life has to be real”