Is a Flesh Computer Conscious?

 Science Fiction  

When his cybernetic pet project is put in jeopardy, the handyman of a decaying apartment building is forced to take a stand, blurring the lines between human and machine.

The short film sci-fi film Flesh Computer from writer/director Ethan Shaftel, explores the nature of consciousness by jumping between the perspectives of an eclectic group of characters including a young girl, a vicious bully, and a tiny housefly.

Flesh Computer examines consciousness from the seemingly insignificant act of killing an the housefly. "The huge difference in scale between myself and a fly means this is not a particularly upsetting or meaningful occurrence for me, though it is very significant for the fly: the end of its existence and its awareness, however limited it may be, of the universe," says Shaftel.

"The huge difference in scale between myself and a fly means this is not a particularly upsetting or meaningful occurrence for me, though it is very significant for the fly: the end of its existence and its awareness, however limited it may be, of the universe."

Shaftel is a director, editor, and game designer based in Los Angeles. In addition to his feature film debut Suspension released by Warner Brothers, Ethan has directed award-winning short films, a line of games for Hasbro, and screen content for musicians ranging from Tiesto, to Jane's Addiction and Foster the People.

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Noted philosopher David Chalmers appears in the film and raises some fundamental questions on consciousness in counterpoint to the action.  The actions of the film reflect the possibility of panpsychism, the theory that every particle in the universe may have a degree of consciousness.

The full interview with Chalmers used in the film is below.

Flesh Computer also stars Rob Kerkovich (NCIS: New Orleans), Anthony Guerino, and introducing Elle Gabriel.

By 33rd Square

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