Carnal Reason

Zombies are not just movie fodder. They feature prominently in certain philosophical discussions about consciousness. Naturally, such discussions lead inevitably to song. The following is set to the tune of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now”. Via Philosophy Songs

Two Sides Now

Folds of lobes beneath the hair
reuptake serotonin there—
C fibers firing everywhere—
I’ve thought of brains that way.
But I conceive them making puns,
and sobbing, singing, having fun—
with nothing mental getting done—
it’s just a brain’s array.

I’ve thought of brains from two sides now
with mind inside a zombie’s brow—
but that’s delusion I forestall—
a zombie cannot think—at all!

Incorrigible inner spiel,
the irrefutable raw feel,
conflation of ideal with real—
I’ve thought of minds that way.
But how a thermostat could know
how high a heating bill should go,
a little stupid so-and-so
with widest content, eh?

I’ve thought of minds from two sides now
the a priori tells me how
to strongarm Armstrong’s view to fall—
it cannot speak for minds—at all.

“Possible” comes in two brands,
one gives us paws (instead of hands!),
the other Kripke understands—
I see the world that way.
So I conclude I have two sides—
my one can kiss, one fantasize—
which no zombie could cognize
(though zombies still could date!).

I see the world from two sides now,
that brains exist I must allow,
but mind’s inclusion in them calls
for double-aspect view—of all!

Posted on July 3rd, 2006 by pwyll
Filed under: culture