In the realm of video games, few titles venture as deeply into existential and ethical questioning as SOMA, developed by Frictional Games. On the surface, it’s a science fiction horror game set in an underwater research facility, but look a little closer and you’ll find a trove of philosophical dilemmas that continue to engage the mind long after the game has ended. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the most poignant philosophical questions raised by SOMA, questions that concern the nature of consciousness, identity, and morality.
What Makes Us Human?
Early in the game, protagonist Simon Jarrett undergoes a brain scan as part of an experimental treatment for his brain damage. When he wakes up, he finds himself not in the expected medical facility but in a post-apocalyptic, underwater world. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Simon is not human, but a machine with Simon’s memories and consciousness. This revelation raises one of the game’s fundamental questions: what makes us human?
Is humanity confined to biological existence, or can it extend to artificial beings who exhibit human-like cognitive and emotional capabilities? Philosophers have long wrestled with what defines human nature. For Descartes, the answer was thought; for others like Daniel Dennett, it lies in the complexities of our cognitive processes. SOMA explores this debate by challenging our notions of what it means to be “alive” and “conscious.”
The Problem of Identity
SOMA tackles the problem of identity on multiple fronts. The ‘coin toss’ theory, as put forth in the game, suggests that whenever a consciousness is transferred or copied, there’s a 50/50 chance that you’ll end up as either the copy or the original. But can both entities be considered the ‘real’ you? This scenario closely resembles the philosophical thought experiment known as the “Ship of Theseus,” where the identity of a ship is questioned as its parts are gradually replaced.
In the same vein, SOMA asks whether our identities are determined by our physical bodies, memories, or some combination of both. Philosophers like John Locke believed identity to be rooted in continuity of consciousness. But if continuity is broken or branched, as with Simon’s copies, does that create new identities? And if so, do they possess the same rights and moral considerations as the original?
Ethical Dilemmas and the Moral Weight of Existence
SOMA doesn’t shy away from thrusting ethical quandaries upon the player. You are frequently faced with decisions that directly impact the existence of other beings, both biological and artificial. When is it morally permissible to end a life, or a form of life? Consequentialist ethics would dictate the assessment of outcomes, but even that is fraught with difficulty. The game forces players to confront their own ethical boundaries and to consider whether those boundaries change when dealing with non-human entities.
The Suffering of Conscious Beings
A disturbing element of SOMA is the suffering endured by conscious beings, whether human remnants or artificial lifeforms. It questions the ethics of perpetuating such suffering in the name of scientific inquiry or the mere continuation of existence. Some entities beg for cessation, while others remain trapped in eternal agony. Philosophically, this taps into utilitarianism and the ethical theories related to suffering and well-being. SOMA urges us to consider the value and ethical implications of life in its varied forms, especially when that life is marked by unending suffering.
The Responsibility of Creation
In SOMA, humans are not just passive subjects but also creators of life, albeit artificial. The WAU (Warden Unit), designed to preserve human life, goes to extreme lengths to do so, even if that means creating abominations that can barely be said to ‘live’ in any meaningful sense. This opens a Pandora’s box of questions concerning the ethical responsibilities that come with the power of creation. How much suffering is justifiable in the quest to preserve life? What does ‘preservation of life’ even mean in a world where the boundaries of life are so fluid?
Unanswered Questions
SOMA is a philosophically rich narrative that challenges players to confront the most fundamental questions about existence, consciousness, identity, and their own ethics. By placing the player in a world where the lines between human and machine, life and death, suffering and existence are blurred, SOMA offers a unique platform to engage with philosophical questions that have puzzled humanity for centuries. Whether or not it offers any answers is up for debate, but what is certain is that SOMA provides a compelling canvas for players to explore.