[HPforGrownups] Sirius: Sensory Deprivation and Slashing the Fat Lady

[Audra1976 at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 47556

I wrote:
> >>> The characters in the paintings do appear to carry out many
> complex behaviors, but we do not have proof that they experience
> emotions and thoughts in the same way we do....

> 
> What could possibly constitute proof of emotion?  We are encountering
> a problem much discussed in philosophy, the "problem of other minds."
> Since emotions and thoughts are private, there is no way to prove
> that *anyone* else has them, even other humans.  

Me:
Well, that's all true, but I wasn't referring to philosophical proof, which 
as you correctly implied, we can never have.  I meant canon proof, as in JKR 
stating in the books that the painting people are really alive or human, and 
that hasn't been stated.  The point I was trying to make is that Sirius 
slashing the Fat Lady's portait can't really be said to be a character 
inconsistency in an otherwise "good" person, because the Fat Lady's portrait 
is an object, not a person.

Judy again:
> Figures from the paintings move around from picture to picture,
> visiting each other and even having parties.  I'd say that the books
> strongly imply that at least some of the paintings, including the Fat
> Lady, have emotions. For example, Violet, from a painting in the
> anteroom off the Great Hall, is described as being indignant, and the
> Fat Lady tries to soothe her. (GoF, ch. 17.)  

Me again:
Yes, I see your point, but my Sims characters act that way too.  They come 
visit each other, talk about their interests.  When one is in a bad mood, 
another comforts them.  When one gets too friendly with another one's wife, 
the other one punches him in the nose.  But I know they don't have real 
feelings (or I'd feel much worse when they drown in the swimming pool).

I just really think the portrait people are more comparable to my Sims than 
to me.  The portraits, I assume, are created by wizard artists, and wizards 
are powerful, but not gods.  I don't think they would have the ability to 
create a life like that.

Audra




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