Adrian Tymes wrote,
> One who wishes to see a
> self-aware, self-actuating soul will see one; one who wishes to see a
> construct will see one; the difference comes out when the two views
> collide - and since the construct view demonstrably applies with no
> conflicts, it wins. (Not sure under what conditions the soul view would
> win as absolutely, but there are many situations where neither one would
> be a clear winner.)
I think you have a very solid understanding of the mechanisms involved in this
particular type of anthropomorphizing. The "soul view" wins, IMO, primarily when
those espousing it use force or coercion to silence opponents, as in the realm
of religion and mysticism.
("This widget is a sacred god, and those who do not believe must be sacrificed
by having their bodies disassembled for parts." --Chief Sheatonetoo)
Stay hungry,
--J. R.
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