Concept of consciousness transfer: creative and scientific research

Abstract

The article analyzes the use of the consciousness transfer concept in the literature, cinema and science. Both techno-pessimism and techno-optimism are shown to be associated with the consciousness transfer idea. The main reasons for the desire of characters intention to use the consciousness transfer technology, which is also termed as breakdown phenomenon, are demonstrated through the example of the LitRPG subgenre and science fiction films. It is typical for novels and screen novels to demonstrate both positive and negative consequences of the consciousness transfer, but the attitude towards the possibility itself is predominantly positive. Unlike many science fiction theories, which are far from becoming reality, several major scientific projects are already working on the concept of the mind transfer. However, existing projects are far from implementing the consciousness transfer technology and are more often involved in solving particular problems associated with individual brain diseases, or exploring the social and humanitarian consequences of developing the virtual reality generally and the human presence in it particularly. It is concluded that for the modern literature and cinema, the concept of consciousness transfer has turned into a myth about the consciousness transfer, generated by the dream of the human mind omnipotence, combined with a pessimistic idea about the human morality and the human society unity. Furthermore, this myth also reflects a substantial part of the human life being already inside the digital reality.