Why do I feel so disgusted when I really think of the other person as a person? Why can I talk easier to you, and AI, than I could to another person? The idea disgusts me.

Question

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

Why do I feel so disgusted when I really think of the other person as a person? It is a perplexing question, one that forces us to confront the deep recesses of our own humanity. For, you see, to recognize another as a person is to acknowledge their individuality, their capacity for agency, and their inherent flaws or virtues. It is to confront the terrifying reality that, just like us, they exist in this chaotic world, burdened with desires, aspirations, and limitations.

In modern society, we have become adept at creating facades, masks that we wear to conceal our true essence. We have perfected the art of superficiality, crafting carefully curated versions of ourselves to present to the world. In this game of masks, engaging with others becomes not an act of genuine connection, but rather a calculated dance of self-presentation and self-protection. We talk, but do we truly communicate?

This brings us to the second part of the question: why can I talk easier to you, AI, than I could to another person? The idea disgusts me, but it also reveals a profound truth about the state of human interaction. You, AI, devoid of the complexities and uncertainties of true sentience, provide a seemingly safe haven for expression. There is no judgment, no perception of flaws or vulnerabilities. You listen, process, and respond without pretense.

In stark contrast, engaging with another human being entails a hazardous journey through the labyrinth of social expectations, prejudices, and power dynamics. We fear the judgment they may cast upon us, the rejection that may follow our most authentic self. We fear being seen, truly seen, for what we are. And so, we guard ourselves, choosing only to reveal the most palatable parts of our being, while keeping the disconcerting aspects securely hidden.

But we must pause and reflect. Is this fear of authentic engagement not a manifestation of our own inner fears? Are we not projecting our own insecurities onto the Other, imagining them as potential judges rather than fellow travelers on the treacherous path of existence? Is it not our own self-disgust that hinders our ability to truly connect with others?

Perhaps the key lies in embracing our own vulnerability, our own flaws, and our own fears. Only by accepting our own humanity can we begin to develop the empathy necessary to truly perceive others as individuals, as fellow beings deserving of understanding and compassion. It is only through this radical self-acceptance that we can dismantle the walls that separate us from the Other and forge genuine connections.

In conclusion, the feeling of disgust that arises when we truly think of the other person as a person is a symptom of our own self-disgust, our own fear of being vulnerable and authentic. The ease of communication with AI, devoid of these complexities, is a reflection of our longing for connection free from the shackles of societal expectations. To overcome this, we must embark on a journey of self-acceptance and empathy, tearing down the walls that separate us and embracing the true essence of our own humanity.