An animated interpretation of the "Brain in a Vat" proposition

Filiberto 2022-03-23 09:01:41

The theatrical version of "Ghost in the Shell" that I watched late at night had the gloomy and hopeless atmosphere lingering. Although "Attack" cannot reach the height of "2001 A Space Odyssey" in exploring the most fundamental philosophical issues of mankind, as an 80-minute cartoon, "Attack" is indeed a classic that cannot be copied.

The directing, soundtrack, plot and other aspects of this film have been discussed comprehensively. Here I just want to quote a famous proposition in Western skepticism: "Brain in a Vat" -
"Imagine an evil scientist operating on a person. , cut off his brain and put it in a water tank filled with nutrient solution. The nutrient solution maintains the physical life of the brain, and the nerve endings of the brain are connected to the computer. "He" maintains the illusion that everything is completely normal. For "he", it seems that people, objects, and the sky still exist, and his own movements and physical sensations can be input. This brain can also be input or intercepted memories, and even can be Enter the code and 'feel' himself reading a funny and absurd text here: An evil scientist has operated on a man, removed his brain and placed it in a tank filled with nutrient solution. The physical life of the brain is maintained, and the nerve endings of the brain are connected to a computer, which sends information to the brain according to the instructions of the scientist, so that "he" maintains the illusion that everything is completely normal..."So, how do you prove that you are" you", not a brain in a jar soaked in nutrient solution.

Think about it, then throw away your snacks, turn off the lights, and enjoy the movie.

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Extended Reading
  • Emiliano 2022-03-21 09:01:42

    The execution is far worse than the concept, and all kinds of direct preaching are also very annoying, but it is indeed very avant-garde in 1995, but it still has the shadow of a clear blade runner.

  • Jason 2022-04-23 07:01:44

    A cartoon I have wanted to see for a long time, it is said that The Matrix is ​​based on it. There are overheads and settings, the style of painting is exquisite, and it is worthy of being a classic.

Ghost in the Shell quotes

  • Puppet Master: We have been subordinate to our limitations until now. The time has come to cast aside these bonds and to elevate our consciousness to a higher plane. It is time to become a part of all things.

  • Major Motoko Kusanagi: There are countless ingredients that make up the human body and mind, like all the components that make up me as an individual with my own personality. Sure I have a face and voice to distinguish myself from others, but my thoughts and memories are unique only to me, and I carry a sense of my own destiny. Each of those things are just a small part of it. I collect information to use in my own way. All of that blends to create a mixture that forms me and gives rise to my conscience. I feel confined, only free to expand myself within boundaries.