Cogito Ergo Sum In Sci-Fi Anime

Due to Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex & Ergo Proxy I have found a close similarity in between both anime series that uses the philosophical statement from the philosopher Rene Descartes who’s a famous French philosopher, mathematician, & physicist. Quoted “Cogito Ergo Sum”.

The usual translation of this famous quote from one of his books is “I think, therefore I am”, or more precisely “I am thinking. therefore I exist” which have become a foundation in today western philosophy. This simple phrase bear a meaning is that if someone is wondering whether or not he exists, that is in and of itself proof that he does exist (because, at the very least, there is an “I” who is doing the thinking).

Thanks to GITS, Ergo Proxy, Bacanno!, and other related anime series I have been attracted to philosophy itself due to the ideas of these anime provide that make the viewer really crack their heads to question the world as it provoke thoughts and learn to question the answer you think you have already acquired through out your life. Moreover, philosophy is a part of life and if you wonder do you really need one you can read more about it here.

In episode 15 of GITS: Stand Alone Complex the tachikoma (think tank) shows their complexity of A.I versus the gynoids who are also working for Section 9 and how these tachikoma have attained a level of intellectuality that is equivalent to a human being. To the Major dismay she did not foresee that these tachikoma actually have acquire individuality through constant accumulation of data and synchronizing with each others. In other word, they acquire “Ghost“! But at episode 25 she finally realize what she have lose due to an error in judgment with an excuse that the tachikoma A.I. have been evolving too rapidly and scared it might become rogue.

It’s really an interesting reality if and only if robots can attain a “ghost” just from the constant data accumulation through out the years that will create a pattern for itself to become conscious. This would greatly debunk the theory for a soul in order to function the body of a human and religion will go down the dumps.

Ergo Proxy also ponder on the philosophical statement whereby a series of murders committed by the robots and AutoReivs that are infected with the Cogito virus (which causes them to become self-aware) begins to threaten the delicate balance of the Romdo’s social order. In short thanks to a virus the robots & AutoReivs have acquire self consciousness and begin to escape from the captivity of human. I can’t says much on it because if I do I’ll be leaking too much spoiler out due to the whole story that are base on the quote itself. Overall, the anime contain an amazing yet complex storyline, intriguing characters, and an awing visual experience.

In conclusion, I don’t know why but I’m really drawn into this quotation alone maybe I’m into metaphysics itself and like to question the existent of everything while enjoying anime that provide it and help me to shed some lights on these philosophical questions.