Bob Young on Nostr: Me: "Please tell me the history of the expression, 'the ghost in the machine.'" ...

Me: "Please tell me the history of the expression, 'the ghost in the machine.'"

Google Gemini: "The expression "the ghost in the machine" is most famously associated with the British philosopher Gilbert Ryle, and it's a critical term used to describe and dismiss a particular philosophical viewpoint. Here's a breakdown:
* Cartesian Dualism:
* The root of the concept lies in the philosophy of René Descartes, who proposed a dualistic view of the mind and body. He argued that the mind (or soul) is a non-physical entity separate from the physical body.
* This idea, known as Cartesian dualism, suggested that the mind is like a "ghost" inhabiting the "machine" of the body.
* Gilbert Ryle's Critique:
* In his 1949 book, "The Concept of Mind," Gilbert Ryle strongly criticized this dualistic view.
* He coined the phrase "the ghost in the machine" to ridicule what he saw as the absurdity of separating the mind from the body.
* Ryle argued that this separation leads to a "category mistake," meaning that it treats the mind as if it were a separate thing, when in fact, it is better understood as a set of abilities and dispositions.
* Ryle essentially said that the mind isn't a seperate thing, but rather, it is how the body behaves.
* Later Usage:
* The phrase has since become a widely used metaphor in philosophy, psychology, and even popular culture.
* For example, Arthur Koestler used it as the title of his 1967 book, "The Ghost in the Machine," which explored the human condition.
* It is also used in modern discussions concerning artificial intelligence, and what consitutes consciousness.
In essence, "the ghost in the machine" is a powerful image that highlights the long-standing debate about the relationship between the mind and the body."