_ECD AUGMENTAION

Philosophers and even some scientists have long debated the relationship between mind and body, the nature of thought, the hard problem of consciousness, ontology, and reality itself.  Aether 2d12: Ghost in the Machine explores the philosophy of mind and subscribes to the doctrine of dualism. 

Within the doctrine of dualism there are two primary philosophies: property dualism and substance dualism.  Property dualism proposes the world is made up of one type of substance – the physical kind – that exists with two distinct properties: physical and mental.  In this philosophy non-physical mental properties exist naturally on certain physical substances, like a brain. Substance dualism proposes the universe is made up of two fundamentally different kinds of substance: physical (matter) and non-physical (consciousness).  Substance dualism allows both the body and mind to exist together or one without the other. 

The hard problem of consciousness has been controversial in the field of philosophy.  Why do we need a hard problem of consciousness?  Because easy problems can be solved by specifying a mechanism to perform a function.  Easy problems can be broken down and studied using the scientific methodologies no matter how complex or poorly understood the phenomena being studied is.  The hard problem of consciousness in sentient creates attempts to explain individual instances of subjective, conscious experience and awareness of internal or external existence.

Aether 2d12: Ghost in the Machine will delve into these philosophical topics and how they can be applied to your Starfinder game.   The body of this work is heavily influenced by magna artist, streaming services, and movie trilogies.  Some of the content and concepts presented in this book have been presented in other Gevity Age work but have been reorganized and greatly expanded to present a coherent set of rules.

René Descartes' mind-body dualism was once described by British philosopher Gilbert Ryle as the “ghost in the machine”.  This phrase highlights the view that mental and physical activity occur simultaneously but separately.  Technology in a Gravity Age enhanced Starfinder universe elevates this philosophy to scientific principle, the mind is distinct from the body.

What is a ghost?  A ghost is the substance of consciousness or mind.   It is comparable to a spirit or soul.  Your ghost is your true self, your mental reality, and your awareness of being.  A ghost is also your life force and without a ghost you simply don’t exist in our collective reality

What is a machine?  A machine can be many things.  At conception, every ghost is tied to a specific machine.  In most cases the first machine is an organic body and in much rarer occurrences a cluster of akasha particles.  There is a strong spiritual or mystical connection between a newly formed ghost and its machine.  The machine is simply the physical substrate on which the ghost resides.  Technologies available in the Gravity Age universe allow ghosts to transfer between machines.

A ghost in many philosophical and mystical traditions is the incorporeal essence of a sentient being.  In the Gravity Age universe, the “doctrine of dualism” has become a scientific principle allowing a ghost to be moved from one physical machine to another.  During this transfer a living being’s mental abilities including; reason, character, feeling, consciousness, memory, and mental reality are carried forward and imprinted on the next machine.

A ghost can be separated from a machine in many ways; the most common are mnemonic transfer or the use of an encephalon cyberdeck.  It should be noted that although a ghost can be removed from a machine it must be imprinted on a new machine as part of the removal process or risk suffering true death.

Although the doctrine of dualism is accepted as a scientific principle in the Aether universe, it is not yet scientific law.  Many principles have exceptions that cannot yet be fully explained.  Principles provide scientists with a group of ideas used to make predictions and develop new scientific laws.  The principles presented here will provide players and Game Masters with a game mechanic that can be expanded or contracted to meet the needs of their campaign.  It is important to remember a specific rule or principle always takes precedence over a general rule or principle.

In gameplay, dualism opens up unique storytelling opportunities. Characters might face moral dilemmas when considering pneumoic transfer—whether for survival, enhancement, or exploration. The ethical ramifications can be significant: Is it justifiable to move one's consciousness for personal gain, or does this undermine the sanctity of the original organic connection between ghost and machine? These dynamics invite players to explore themes of self, transformation, and the boundaries of life and death through their in-game choices.

Moreover, dualism serves as a bridge between science fiction and mystical traditions within the Aether 2d12 setting. It enables the blending of advanced technology with spiritual elements, such as akasha particles and life force, to create a rich tapestry for narrative development. By embracing the doctrine of dualism, both players and game masters can delve into scenarios that challenge conventional understandings of existence and consciousness, ultimately enriching the philosophical depth of their in-game choices.

Moreover, dualism serves as a bridge between science fiction and mystical traditions within the Aether 2d12 setting. It enables the blending of advanced technology with spiritual elements, such as akasha particles and life force, to create a rich tapestry for narrative development. By embracing the doctrine of dualism, both players and game masters can delve into scenarios that challenge conventional understandings of existence and consciousness, ultimately enriching the philosophical depth of their Aether 2d12 adventures.

Life is a journey, a compilation of experiences the sum of which determines who you are.  Despite proof of the doctrine of dualism there are drawbacks to freeing your ghost too soon.  Cognitive development is tied to the structural development of the brain as it ages. 

When your ghost is transferred from its original machine your cognitive development will cease to advance with age.  A ghost from a 23-year-old host will learn and interpret their surroundings as a twenty something while an 80-year-old ghost will see the universe with the wisdom associated and foresight that comes with age.  However, there are serious drawbacks and ethical questions to imprinting the ghost of a young person that has not yet completed their cognitive development. Imprinting a child’s ghost creates a state of arrested development and traps their ghost in a state of eternal childhood.  Once a ghost is imprinted on a new machine it cannot be undone.

The dogma of nearly every religion across the ‘verse’ has defined the body as nothing more than a vessel for the soul or spirit.  The soul or spirit becomes a ghost when it is removed from its original vessel and continues its existence in a new medium.  For the Aether 2d12 it assumes the ghost has been imprinted on a new machine whether that machine is physical of virtual is up to the individual when they are imprinting on that machine. 

The substance of a ghost is a single point of existence and cannot be split across multiple machines.  To possess a ghost a creature must be sentient and not possess the Swarm Mind special ability.  Attempting to remove a ghost from a creature that doesn’t possess one is fatal.

An exception to the principle of one is dual imprinting.  Occasionally an attempt is made to imprint a ghost on multiple machines.  Although dual imprinting is technically possible it guarantees a mental disease called personality fracturing.