plurality (thread)
We're realizing that the way we interact internally is part introspection and part collaborative story-telling. We don't really know if a particular thought/feeling/motivation/action came from the headmate we think it did, but when we do attribute things we (by necessity) don't worry about things.
plurality (thread)
There's a common concern among systems of "parroting" - basically putting words in your headmates' mouth. You think your headmate said something, but was that really them? Maybe you just imagined it, or it's what you think they would say.
I think we have to accept the uncertainty (assuming they don't correct us) and proceed as if they did, because the alternative is worse.
plurality (thread)
In our experience, the brain is influenced by the way we explain our own experiences. It'll respond to doubt by cutting things off, making it harder to hear headmates and identify them. It may even result in emotional harm. Conversely, committing to a narrative makes these things easier, even if the narrative doesn't perfectly match reality.
Reality, even of the human mind, is too complex for us to grasp anyway. Plurality is the best model we have, but it's still a model.
plurality (thread)
I think what makes this most challenging is to balance the need for an internal narrative and the way our beliefs shape our internal reality, while also being open to the possibility of being wrong. It's good to question things when they don't seem to line up so you can get a more accurate model, but not too much.
And we have to be more willing to question our explanations of external reality, which mostly does not seem to be influenced by our ideas of it.
-Menderbot
re: plurality (thread)
@madewokherd as a plural system who worries a lot about parroting herself, this was very insightful and helpful to read.
plurality (thread)
One thing to also remember is that non-plurals also have an internal narrative that they tell themselves, regarding where their thoughts/feelings/motivations/actions come from, and I'm guessing most do not spend much time doubting that narrative, even though it's at least as limited and likely to be incorrect as the plural model.