Are We Actually Fictional Characters?

Welcome to this week’s existential crisis moment: are we merely characters of our own creation? What if we are just merely living in a sci-fi-esque simulation as a random fictional character, subject to the whims of the writer of this story? 

Nick Chater believes this to be true. According to him, our moment-by-moment stream of consciousness is technically us writing our autobiography. He also cites modern scientific fields such as neuroscience, psychology, and AI as pushing toward this narrative. “The conclusion that the stories we tell ourselves about our motives, beliefs, and values are not merely unreliable in their specifics but are fictitious through and through. They are improvisations, created in retrospect by the astonishing story-spinner that is the human mind,” he explained further. 

Image credit: cottonbro


Newest 3
Newest 3 Comments

So, are we in control of our actions or not? Are we creating our own universe? Because if we are then it makes no sense that we should die. If I were in control of my universe I can guarantee you there would have been no Hitler or Trump in my world.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"Are We Actually Fictional Characters?"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More