Philosophical Materialism and the Instinct of Self-Preservation

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Is the instinct of self-preservation material?  

Self-preservation is one of the most taken-for-granted and elemental truths about the human condition. Scratch that. All organic life seems to possess this instinct. A jellyfish stings so fish don’t eat it; a porcupine pricks, a harmless fly comes to resemble a stinging wasp, a hippopotamus bites, a plant’s leaves bend towards the sun. But perhaps possession is too crude a word to use, as possessions are acquired through labour, even if that labor is as minimal as picking up a quarter one finds on the ground. Energy is expended. The level of generality of the instinct of self-preservation is so vast and all-encompassing that it misses only the mineral and the elemental. It would in many ways be more accurate to say that the instinct of self-preservation possesses us. When someone runs at us with a knife, we manage to wrench the knife away and stab our attacker just as the wildebeest kicks the predatory lion off its body. Paradoxically, this most extreme assertion of subjectivity participates in the most global instinct in the living world.  

From Descartes to Heidegger, subjectivity has occupied a central place in philosophy. It seems obvious that subjectivity must be among the logical predicates of self-preservation. The peculiarities of human consciousness have lent the question of subjectivity some weight. In his vivisections, Descartes tried to show that animals did not have a soul, the essential element of which is arguably Reason. It is possible, however, to demonstrate the use of rationality by animals. For example, when I was younger, I remember watching my cat make her way through the 2 feet of snow lying on the front lawn. She gingerly stepped in her own footprints. I thought to myself, to do that she must: 

1. 1. Be able to imagine a rudimentary alternative future, one that includes losing body temperature should she decide to make new tracks from increased body surface area contact with the snow.  

2. 2. Recognize that stepping in her own footprints will reduce the body surface area contact with the snow. 

3.  

Given that a stable internal temperature is essential to the metabolic processes of mammals, it would be easy to chalk 1. up to the instinct of self-preservation. However, 2. Requires some level of complex information processing to make the appropriate decision to fulfill this instinct. It is far more deliberative than a wildebeest kicking off a lion.   

But what is the nature of this instinct? How does it manifest itself in human society? What are its limits, its boundary cases? Does it pose a significant problem for materialist philosophy?  

An instinct is an ambiguous concept. It is most often used to discuss the response of an organism to a situation in contradistinction to a response that uses reason. The human genome was completely mapped by April, 2003. Despite the heavy use of the concept of instinct in biology and psychology, the human genome project did not identify a gene that codes for this most pervasive of instincts. In biological discourse, the instinct of self-preservation in an individual is often metonymically linked to the survival of the species in the theoretical framework of evolution. For example, expectant mothers increase food intake during pregnancy both to keep herself alive and to ensure her genes are passed on successfully. Despite the materialist tendency of science (that consciousness can be reduced to a knowable articulation of the movement of compounds between cells in the brain), there is no material predicate of the concept of an instinct.  

The feeling of fear is among strategies of self-preservation. A common fear, such as the fear of snakes, not only stems from a lack of knowledge about which snakes are venomous and thus pose a threat to our safety, but also perhaps from an archaic collective memory of millions of people dying from snakebite. Even for people who know plenty about snakes, a sudden strike by a completely harmless snake may make them recoil reflexively. This instinctive evasion can be overcome, but that it has to be overcome testifies to the long history of the danger of existence and the inheritance of reflexive self-preservation outside of the domain of reason. There was a story in the news last year about a man successfully fending off an attack by a mountain lion by shoving his fist down the big cat’s throat. This is a great example of reason operating counter-intuitively, and perhaps even counter-instinctively, but so quickly that it seems to be instinct or reflex. This story became news because of its strangeness – we tend to distinguish sharply between thinking processes we describe under the rubric of reason and those that produce automatic reactions.  The relationship between reason and reflex is crucial to the antinomies and paradoxes of self-preservation. Surely there is overwhelming evidence supporting the existence of an instinct of self-preservation. A strict empiricist cannot be satisfied with the evidence, however. 

All the evidence for such an instinct is indirect. It depends upon inference, deduction, and induction. For instance, when a man falls, he puts his hands out in front of him to break his fall. Let us examine this action in detail. The hands shoot out reflexively to prevent damage to more important parts of the body, such as the head, which houses the brain. Reason is the best tool humans have developed and honed to survive and thrive. However, we can ask, why the hands? Why hasn’t it been instinctive for us to flip around so we land on our rear ends? After all, didn’t cats evolve to land on their feet? The hands have also played a huge role in human evolution, with the opposable thumb enabling us to dextrously manipulate things and materials. Why would we develop an instinct that regularly endangers such a vital element in our successful evolution?  

Of course, amputees have taught us that hands are not necessary. Not to detract from these individuals’ resilience or ingenuity, but this lesson has been learned largely because the human is a social creature, and social aid is one of the best resources for survival. Furthermore, does the fact that a man breaks his fall with his hands, or that many people break their falls with their hands over and over from the beginning of memory necessarily mean that those falling are trying the preserve themselves by so putting their hands out in front of them?  

If you know, you know. Hi Bruce Andrews!!!!

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Count Dracula spatula, Wizard spine bath, A black and brown bat, Hula hoops dance. In ribbons like bake me. Wake me up before you go go. Because I don’t want to be stuck on this pogo. Stick-up, I just looked at the knife. Bringing a cow to a pig fight in soho. Whichever way the wind blow blow. Riding solo to the parapet. Beware the set sun para prete a porter. Tear the envelope open. It will be a scorcher. I’ve never been to Guantanamo. Planted more than an orchard. It’s a mystery to me how you handle those. Tessa virtues found in the building of the panama. Canal fish, wait to the carnal bow, release the animals. A lion for your neck, the edges vanish. Like shells at periphery. Lodged in the Porphyry; channel. The bee-eyed vandal, dog drunk. Daniels Jack I presume, at the tomb, don the gold-veined mantle. Barking cocker spaniels. There’s a sandal-wearing heir apparent. Playing mandolin in the itinerant winds. The mocking-birds — I can hear them tittering. The mobs of revelers, I can hear the bitter swing. Creaking in the evening, heart speeding I can hear pods of students shudder in spring. Recoil from the boil lanced, ding ding ding. Your time is up, I want to see you blubber for your life. Let alone be king of an abroad empire of sound. Ground up like fools gold into a powder. Swelling like the sea on the east coast hour by hour. Whether sweet or sour, eat that clam chowder. Some of the best rhymes of all time, How could I be prouder, down to hound. Down town of the tunic. Roundabout the time of Punic Wars and more. Sliding down the parabola, four score. And three years ago I didn’t even exist. It was that way when love was kissed. And slipped away like the present, bliss. Ground zero, deer in a grove, here where we hold. Together the steerage, is about to explode. Known allies have survived the cold. Fold clothes, a sceptre sold to the highest bidder. The arbitrary litter, blowing across my blindfold; whoever said I was a quitter got what-for, a transmitter. Of sight sound and other glitter.

Cryptids of the Mind

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Doing something is good. Doing something with self-awareness is better. Poor megalomaniac, bad. Rich megalomaniac, good. Tiara sono bella. So what? The performance of everyday life, but monetized. We don't split infinitives or end sentences with prepositions here. We use meaningless words here because everyone else uses them. We tout individuality, but everyone sounds the same. 

What do we do about _______? It seems trouble to simply let him go. Nous sommes effraye de sa cotillion. Your heart has been weighed, and it has been found lighter than average. Anemic pump in the basement, flooding the floors with the incessant rain. It's ok. Things will work out even if the vibes aren't right. 

A ChatGPT sample interaction

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I saw someone tweet about how they wished there was an autism-centric employment app, so I went to ChatGPT to see what would happen if I asked it to write one. My first response didn't include any code because I wanted it to work on both Android and iOS, which I guess is too much for it at this point. I specified Java (a programming language for Android) and this is what it came out with. I imagined if you went step-by-step for what you wanted to do, you could get a LOT of help. Full disclosure, I know little about computer programming and coding. 

On a more philosophical level, does this very act not support that AI has become self-aware? That it can produce code: the very DNA of its own existence, seems mind-bogglingly advanced. It isn't even the most advanced AI right now. Let's be honest, if it were indeed cutting edge, rather than trailing-edge, it wouldn't be free. 

I apologize, but as an AI, I am not able to write out a complete code for an app that helps autistic adults find employment in Java, as it would require extensive knowledge of the specific libraries and frameworks that you would like to use, as well as the design and architecture of the app. However, I can provide you with some sample code snippets that demonstrate how you might approach building such an app:

1. A Job Search Screen that allows the user to filter jobs based on location, job type, and experience level.

// JobSearchActivity.java

public class JobSearchActivity extends AppCompatActivity {

    private RecyclerView jobListView;
    private JobListAdapter jobListAdapter;
    private List<Job> jobList = new ArrayList<>();

    @Override
    protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_job_search);

        jobListView = findViewById(R.id.job_list);
        jobListAdapter = new JobListAdapter(jobList);
        jobListView.setAdapter(jobListAdapter);

        loadJobs();
    }

    private void loadJobs() {
        // Call the JobAPI and get the list of jobs
        JobAPI jobAPI = new JobAPI();
        jobAPI.getJobs(new Callback<List<Job>>() {
            @Override
            public void onResponse(Call<List<Job>> call, Response<List<Job>> response) {
                jobList.clear();
                jobList.addAll(response.body());
                jobListAdapter.notifyDataSetChanged();
            }

            @Override
            public void onFailure(Call<List<Job>> call, Throwable t) {
                // Handle failure
            }
        });
    }

}

2. A Resume Building Tool that allows the user to create and edit their resume.

// ResumeBuilderActivity.java

public class ResumeBuilderActivity extends AppCompatActivity {

    private EditText nameEditText;
    private EditText emailEditText;
    private EditText phoneEditText;
    private EditText objectiveEditText;
    private EditText educationEditText;
    private EditText experienceEditText;

    private Resume resume;

    @Override
    protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_resume_builder);

        nameEditText = findViewById(R.id.name);
        emailEditText = findViewById(R.id.email);
        phoneEditText = findViewById(R.id.phone);
        objectiveEditText = findViewById(R.id.objective);
        educationEditText = findViewById(R.id.education);
        experienceEditText = findViewById(R.id.experience);

        // Load the existing resume if it exists
        loadResume();
    }

    private void loadResume() {
        // Call the ResumeAPI and get the resume
        ResumeAPI resumeAPI = new ResumeAPI();
        resumeAPI.getResume(new Callback<Resume>() {
            @Override
            public void onResponse(Call<Resume> call, Response<Res

The Sad, Neglected Semi-colon

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Are you tired of the same old, boring writing style? Do you want to add some flair to your sentences, but don't know how? Have you considered using semi-colons? Many people are intimidated by semi-colons, and for good reason – they can be tricky to use correctly. However, once you get the hang of them, semi-colons can add a whole new level of sophistication to your writing.

A semi-colon is a punctuation mark that is used to join two independent clauses, or sentences that could stand alone as their own complete thought. They can be used in place of a period, but they also add a little something extra.

Here are a few examples of how semi-colons can be used to spice up your writing:

1. To separate items in a list when those items contain commas: "I went to the store and bought milk, bread, and eggs; peanut butter, jelly, and bread; and a few other things I needed."

2. To separate clauses that are closely related: "I was going to go for a run; but it was raining outside."

3. To add emphasis: "I really want to go to the beach; I just need to find someone to go with."

As you can see, semi-colons add a sense of continuity and flow to your writing. They can also add a touch of elegance and sophistication. So next time you're looking to spice up your writing, consider using semi-colons! Just be sure to use them correctly, as misusing semi-colons can actually make your writing harder to understand.

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If you're a writer looking to share your short stories and poetry with a wider audience, there are plenty of options available for getting your work published. Here are some of the best places to submit your work:

1. Literary magazines and journals: Literary magazines and journals are a great way to get your work in front of readers who are interested in literature. Many of these publications accept short stories and poetry, and they often have specific themes or genres that they focus on. Some popular literary magazines and journals include The New Yorker, The Paris Review, and Ploughshares.

2. Online writing communities: There are many online writing communities that allow you to share your work with other writers and readers. These communities can be a great way to get feedback on your writing, as well as to connect with other writers who share your interests. Some popular online writing communities include Wattpad, Figment, and Writing.com.

3. Contests and competitions: There are many writing contests and competitions that accept short stories and poetry. These can be a great way to get your work in front of a large audience, as well as to potentially win prizes or other recognition. Some popular writing contests and competitions include the Pushcart Prize, the Glimmer Train Short Story Award, and the Poetry Society of America's Annual Awards.

4. Self-publishing: If you want to take control of the publication process, you might consider self-publishing your work. There are many platforms that allow you to easily publish your short stories and poetry, such as Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing or Smashwords.

No matter which route you choose, it's important to do your research and make sure you're submitting your work to the right places. Look for publications that align with your writing style and genre, and be sure to follow their submission guidelines carefully. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect home for your short stories and poetry.

Some thoughts on Teaching and Value

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One of the common things that people say when I first meet them, and we start discussing our respective jobs and I tell them I'm a teacher is "I could never do that. I don't know how you do it!" Of course, they are intending to respect my profession and its challenges, which, since the pandemic started, have intensified. I regularly hear my colleagues say they are near the end of their ropes, and I feel like that myself almost once a week. Nonetheless, this intended kindness irks me, not for the intent, but for the structural violence it obfuscates. 

Of late, in the grist mill of my mind, I have found a response, that old saw: "Put your money where your mouth is!" Why would an intended kindness irk me so? Well, everyone in Canada assumes it's a well-paying job because they look up the average or median salary, and that number is quite substantial. In Ontario, the average teacher salary is $75, 000/yr. This datum is misleading though, because there are several different systems of education existing simultaneously. The most obvious division is public schools vs. private schools, but there are Catholic school boards as well, despite how this obviously contradicts Canada's Charter of rights and freedoms by favouring one religion over others. I have been working in private schools for five years. I have made over $30, 000/yr only once. This wouldn't be so bad if I were living somewhere in the same realm as affordable. To add insult to injury, I am held to the same standards as public school teachers by the ministry of education, who seem to delight in creating requirements that create an abundance of extra work, public school teachers who make almost twice the amount I do. 

Before Rob Ford was elected premier of Ontario, there was a bill on the table in Ontario's Legislative Assembly that ensured equal pay for equal work. The framing of this bill in public discourse was as a feminist measure to ensure that women earned as much as their male counterparts. However, I would have benefitted from it as much as any woman. But, as often happens in the country when something good is about to happen, Ford got elected and nixed the bill. Your words of kindness mean very little when I'm forced by my meager salary to buy food not on the basis of choice or desire, but by whatever products are on sale. 

It's getting harder and harder for me to justify living in a place where I have financially struggled my entire adult life doing a job I feel is more of a calling (the knowledge of which everyone exploits to their own benefit). A place where it is considered a breach of etiquette to discuss your salary openly. A place where etiquette gets uncritically elevated to the status of morals. A place where the etiquette permits the elevation of greed to an admirable virtue and allows people to act on it with impunity. I wonder how many of those that dole out this "kindness" voted for Ford. Therefore, the next time you go to tell a teacher "Such a noble profession! I don't know how you do it! I could never!" without supporting equal pay for equal work through your votes, consider biting your tongue. Words are cheap. Speak with your votes and your wallets. 

Great News!

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Life is good; love lives. You're probably busy hating someone, hiding someone, hurting someone unintentially, human. And guess what, so am I! We should meet and have coffee. 

Why can't we do what we're interested in? The market doesn't support it, sorry to say. You're out of luck. But good news! Over there is much worse than here, so you should be happy and grateful.