‘What is it like to be a Bat?

’ - Thomas Nagel

The main argument of this theory is that even though we can learn about technicalities of a Bat's life
and actions, we cannot comprehend or understand how the Bat feels to be a Bat. This is obviously
more widely related to all animals, plants, states of consciousness and foreign phenomena.

I can relate this to my project about my ponies. I have researched their body language, I know their
habits and characteristics, but I have no idea how they feel about being themselves. This is
something that even if I became a horse, acted like one and lived the life of one I still would not
understand how my ponies feel being ponies.

Another argument of Nagel, mental properties are real, such as emotion and perspectives. But we
again cannot understand these points of view by looking at the physical aspects. I cannot look at my
ponies' brain and then understand how they feel. But even though we cannot understand this, it is
undeniable that my ponies, and all ponies have experiences, thoughts and feeling of being a pony.

It can be argued that because of our different brain structures and points of view that we could
never be able to understand a pony's perspective of anything. Even if they gave specific body
language because we are interpreting those signs from our point of view, not theirs.

This brings me to different points of view. If mind and body are two different things, how can the
body understand on a physical level what our consciousness experiances on a mental level. Just like,
how can another person, understand someone else's point of view when explained, even if perfectly
accurate. You could say how can one pony understand other ponies experience because everyone’s
point of view is somewhat subjective.

In relation to my project this has inspired me to switch my perspective where I can. How does my
pony think? How do they see other ponies? These are now questions that I want to answer.
Regarding physical work in this project, I could take it in relation to the mind-body problem. The
‘mind’ being my research of their behaviour, and the ‘body’ being something that cannot
comprehend. My work could show how little understanding there is between us, even though I have
known all my ponies for years and trust them undeniably.

Bing Videos - Video of e-book

What Is It Like to Be a Bat? on JSTOR

(96) What is it Like to be a Bat? Summary and Analysis - YouTube