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
  • Conrad 2022-03-23 09:01:41

    In short, modern science simply cannot define what life is. When I was a child, everything I said was a child. If you are confused like a child, what you think is like a child. Only when he is an adult, he abandons his innocence. A person's view of the world and things is limited by the "self", which in a broad sense refers to the information you come into contact with every day, the articles you read, the music you listen to, the movies you watch, your childhood memories, your Your life experience, your three views, everything that constitutes "you". Therefore, it is said that character determines destiny. Your choice is actually bound by yourself, and you can only choose a certain option. All actions and opinions of children are limited by the "self" of children, so they are just children.

  • Connie 2022-04-22 07:01:10

    It has been brushed three times, and it is still a masterpiece after a few years. Compared with the original Coyote, it is more detached, and the technology/shootout/fight/suspense is not too much investment, but adds a layer of thoughtful stare, especially the original soundtrack theme song of the streets, raindrops and crowds on the street. , the distant beings, what is existence, and where is the boundary? This makes the film more serious and solemn than the entertainment elements of ordinary animation.

Ghost in the Shell quotes

  • Major Motoko Kusanagi: If we all reacted the same way, we'd be predictable, and there's always more than one way to view a situation. What's true for the group is also true for the individual. It's simple: Overspecialize, and you breed in weakness. It's slow death.

  • Major Motoko Kusanagi: If a technological feat is possible, man will do it. Almost as if it's wired into the core of our being.