Zak,
We see this similarly. I think an exchange on the metaphysics of experiential consciousness might be interesting, but more pressing is: What does it mean to be human and how do we
educate people accordingly? If only we had more educational philosophers and metapsychologists around! Without addressing this issue, it seems highly plausible that the Digital Identity Problem will spiral out of control.
One of my former students, Chance, who chimed in earlier, argued that the key was found in the concept of
relational value. How do we create societies that enable the growth and development of the self in a way that fostered mutual relational value (i.e., from the Matrix, the felt sense of being known and valued by important others)? This was similar to
some thinking that Michael Mascolo has done on concern for self and love of other. In its scientific language, the ToK suggests we need to get the “J I I Dynamics” right, that is the justification investment influence dynamics such that folks achieve
inner balance/harmony and relational connection.
I am sure folks on this list would love to hear any reflections on the problem of sapience you would be willing to offer…
Peace,
G
From: tree of knowledge system discussion <[log in to unmask]>
On Behalf Of Zachary Stein
Sent: Friday, October 18, 2019 4:09 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Two Hard Problems
Hi Gregg,
You would likely find Robert Brandom’s framing of this issue helpful. It is something like:
The (easy) hard problem is about *sentience.* This is the one most everyone goes on about, having to do with *what it is like to be* e.g., a bat etc. That 1st person qualia “magically” arising out of complex meat. (Of course, it only appears
to be magical according to bad metaphysics, but that is another email).
The (hard) hard problem is about *sapience.* This one most nobody is tracking, and has to do with *normativity* or *the intersubjective validity of normative status/claims.*
Not what is it like to be something, but what does it mean to be a something who is a claimer of intersubjective statues.
You can see how this framing fits well with the ToK system, and is I think a more general frame than "the problem of other minds.”
If we can get people working on the problem of *sapience* then we will have people doing philosophy and psychology again, for real, which would be nice, cause the world is going crazy ;-)
zak