The following essay will concentrate on the construction of the other, the cybernetic and synthetic body in relation to the mind and the self, such as in Mary Shelley´s 'Frankenstein', E.T.A. Hoffmann´s 'Der Sandmann' as well as Mamoru Oshii´s 'Ghost in the shell'.
What are the relations of the different spheres of body, mind and society and how do they effect one another ? What are their effects on the self ? What makes up human beings ? These are the central question I will talk about. 1. Olimpia
If we take a look at the representation of Olympia´s body in 'Der Sandmann' we find out that there are a few mayor qualities concerning her physiognomy as described by Nathanael and the narrator. Nathanael thinks that he had never seen a more beautiful stature than hers (p.26) but on the other hand he describes her as numb and her eyes as lifeless (p.26, p. 27). Olimpias appearance at the ball is described as being strange concerning the form of her back and hips (p.29). It seems as if she is forced into her physiognomy by a corset or something comparable.
When Nathanael touches her hand (p. 30) he describes it as cold as ice and it reminds him of death. These are just a few features of Olimpia´s body, but I think they are representative for her in general. The descriptions seem to fit to that of an advance sex doll, which I think is not so far away from what Hoffman intended it to be like. Olimpia´s body has one mayor function, that is to serve one´s delight, rather than having a function of self-referential purpose. Professor Spalanzi built her to satisfy his scientific hunger, Nathanael uses it as an object to project his own desires onto it (as we have already pointed out in the course). She is just a means to an end. She is also described as to move in a rather measured and prim way. Her whole appearance is artificial and unnatural, one might say discrete and digital.
Table of Contents
1. Olimpia
2. Motoro
3. Frankenstein´s creature (I will simply call it Frankenman)
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This essay explores the construction of the "other" by examining cybernetic and synthetic bodies in relation to the mind and the self. It investigates the intersection of body, mind, and society, questioning what defines a human being through an analysis of key literary and cinematic figures.
- The role of the physical body in self-perception and social interaction.
- Distinctions between mechanical automata, cyborgs, and assembled human-like creatures.
- The impact of societal perception on the "self" and identity.
- The relationship between mind, body, and consciousness in artificial entities.
- Philosophical definitions of humanity and the "other."
Excerpt from the Book
1. Olimpia
If we take a look at the representation of Olympia´s body in 'Der Sandmann' we find out that there are a few mayor qualities concerning her physiognomy as described by Nathanael and the narrator. Nathanael thinks that he had never seen a more beautiful stature than hers (p.26) but on the other hand he describes her as numb and her eyes as lifeless (p.26, p. 27). Olimpias appearance at the ball is described as being strange concerning the form of her back and hips (p.29). It seems as if she is forced into her physiognomy by a corset or something comparable.
When Nathanael touches her hand (p. 30) he describes it as cold as ice and it reminds him of death. These are just a few features of Olimpia´s body, but I think they are representative for her in general. The descriptions seem to fit to that of an advance sex doll, which I think is not so far away from what Hoffman intended it to be like. Olimpia´s body has one mayor function, that is to serve one´s delight, rather than having a function of self-referential purpose. Professor Spalanzi built her to satisfy his scientific hunger, Nathanael uses it as an object to project his own desires onto it (as we have already pointed out in the course). She is just a means to an end. She is also described as to move in a rather measured and prim way. Her whole appearance is artificial and unnatural, one might say discrete and digital.
Summary of Chapters
1. Olimpia: This chapter analyzes the automaton Olympia from E.T.A. Hoffmann's 'Der Sandmann', characterizing her as a machine designed solely to satisfy male desires without self-awareness.
2. Motoro: This section examines the protagonist from 'Ghost in the Shell', exploring her identity as a cyborg who experiences a conflict between her synthetic body and her human consciousness.
3. Frankenstein´s creature (I will simply call it Frankenman): This chapter discusses Mary Shelley’s creature, focusing on his emergence of consciousness and the struggle for self-identity in a society that rejects him based on his appearance.
4. Conclusion: The concluding part synthesizes the findings, arguing that the self is formed by the harmonious interaction of body, mind, and society, while emphasizing that the label of "human" remains a matter of perspective and convention.
Keywords
Self, Other, Automaton, Cyborg, Frankenstein, Body, Mind, Society, Ghost, Identity, Human, Perception, Consciousness, Synthetic, Cybernetic
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this essay?
The essay examines the construction of the "other" and the synthesis of body and mind through the lens of specific literary and cinematic figures like Olympia, Motoro, and Frankenstein’s creature.
What central themes are explored?
The text focuses on the relationships between the body, the mind, and society, and how these spheres interact to construct or threaten the individual self.
What is the primary research question?
The essay aims to answer what constitutes a human being and how the spheres of body, mind, and society influence the concept of the self.
Which scientific approach is used?
The author employs a comparative literary and philosophical analysis, utilizing a monistic materialist perspective to interpret the status of artificial or assembled beings.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body investigates three case studies: the automaton Olympia, the cyborg Motoro from 'Ghost in the Shell', and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein creature.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
The work is characterized by terms such as self, identity, cyborg, automaton, and the interaction between the body, mind, and society.
How does the author distinguish between Olympia and Motoro?
The author argues that while Olympia is a mere machine without self-awareness, Motoro is a cyborg who possesses a "ghost" and maintains an ambivalent, aware relationship with her synthetic body.
Why does the author classify Frankenstein’s creature as a "human being"?
The author suggests that despite his assembly, the creature experiences a growth of consciousness, sensations, and a desire for self-preservation that aligns him closely with the human condition.
- Quote paper
- Fabian Scholz (Author), 2007, The construction of the other, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/68739
