In "Escape from Spiderhead" by George Saunders, Abnesti and Verlaine have been spearheading research that explores the human body and mind with great depth and detail. Their research has proven that chemicals like Verbaluce, Darkenfloxx, and ED289/290 are responsible for the traits that we believe make us human. These chemicals assume the decision-making/thinking function of the mind, ruling out the existence of an incorporeal or spiritual component. It is this component, that people believe bestows us with the gift of free will. Because its existence is negated in this story, so is the concept of free will. Is it then possible for Abnesti and Verlaine, with their advanced knowledge of the human brain, to exercise Benjamin's theory of mutual recognition of subjectivity?
After spending so much time with these chemicals and studying their subjects, Abnesti and Verlaine are aware of the mind's purely physical make-up. With that understanding, is it possible for them to truly view others subjectively? Is this why they seem to be unfazed by the blatant torture of their subjects? Without this free moral agency, do they consider their subjects to be anything more than lab rats?
Interesting read. I've never though about free will being a prerequisite for empathy, but it makes sense. Take away the human element, and the phrase "subject" becomes more and more accurate.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Seth. It appears that Abnesti and Verlaine only consider Jeff and his counterparts to be experimental subjects and not human, which is interesting because if that is true, then Abnesti and Verlaine disregarded the HUMAN/animal binary we have been discussing in class.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post. The beliefs that you bring up regarding the chemicals replacing our human component are incredibly interesting. I also enjoyed your incorporation of Benjamin's Theory of Mutual Recognition as it helped further your points on Abnasty and Verlaine. I agree with your points and think that they do consider their subjects as lab rats and maybe even justify this idea with the fact that their subjects are prisoners.
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