My Brain + Your Body = FUN!
Perhaps the most bizarre and heartrending story recounted by Oliver Sacks in this group of readings on neurological deficencies was that of the Disembodied Lady. In light of this tale, the notion that a person is a brain rather than the owner of one seems feasible. Though I would argue that a brain would not likely feel equally at home in a body that is not its own. The brain does not develop separately from the body it inhabits; and the body, in some respects, is a reflection of the brain, insofar as the brain is the source of self and personality. The reverse, I think, is also true – i.e., the body also exerts an influence on the brain. For instance, suppose John is a rather plain-looking, inactive fellow who is not especially mindful of what others think of his dress or appearance. He showers twice a week and, as a consequence, emits a rather foul odor. He doesn’t take care of his body. He eats poorly and doesn’t exercise. As a result of these qualities, that are at least partially attributable to his personality/disposition (i.e., his unique brain), John has been marginalized by many. He has never had any lasting friends and women are turned off by him. Thus, John has little self-esteem and a lowly self-concept. He considers himself a loner, a life-long bachelor who will likely spend the rest of his days watching old episodes of Magnum P.I. on his living room sofa with his only companion, Luscious (a portly, and mostly blind bloodhound). In this example, John’s self-image is heavily influenced by his body and people’s reactions to it. On the flip-side of the same token is the impact John’s brain (as represented by his personality) has on his body. Different aspects of John’s personality (e.g., his lethargic nature) influences how he cares for and dresses his body. Thus, though it may be right to say that much of what it means for John to be John has its genesis in his brain, I don’t think it is appropriate to say that John’s body could be exchanged for another body and it still be John in the same sense. Brains and bodies develop together; they are a unit – each reflecting different aspects of the other. To say that I would be equally me in whatever body my brain were placed in, I think, is a mistake. Being Collin Barnes is inextricably connected to my body, and vice versa. There’s more to being me than a brain: it is my brain connected to the body it was born with.
posted by cb at 5:24 PM
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