Intelligent Things is starting to get some reviews, which is always a relief. Nothing’s worse for a published work than silence. But I did have a slight panic attack as I re-read a proof copy. In the novel, the creator of intelligent bots driving the internet of things dismisses the idea that a thermostat might be conscious.
I chose that example because it is well-known among students of Consciousness Studies as one featured in philosopher David Chalmers’s groundbreaking book, The Conscious Mind: In Search of a Fundamental Theory (www.amazon.com/Conscious-Mind-Search-Fundamental-Philosophy/dp/0195117891). My character says that Chalmers got it all wrong.
But wait, I thought. Professor Chalmers probably doesn’t agree. What if he should see my book and take offense? I’m not in the business of offending anyone. So I sent him a copy, saying “I hope you appreciate the good-humored ribbing.” Actually, I’ve met Dave several times at academic conferences and he does seem to have a good sense of humor, but you never know about people.
Ten minutes later I got an email back: “I didn’t get the attachment.” He wanted to read it right now! I explained that the paperback was on its way to him, and I attached a PDF.
In another ten minutes, I received another email. “The Holy Prophet Chalmers? Excellent!” He must have done a search of his name because that phrase does not appear until late in the novel. I breathed a sigh of relief. I believe I’m going to get away with it.
Thank goodness for philosophers with a sense of humor!
