The Butterfly Dream

 

In the previous post, Professor Jennifer Nagel in the 'The Problem of Skepticism' video refers to the Story of the Butterfly Dream by ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi as an example of skepticism.  However, there may be other ways of understanding the story. 

The video above gives three other interpretations of the butterfly dream story:

• A philosophy of life and death - death is a transformation analogous to dreaming, 
• A reflection on being at ease - one should be at ease with life and death,
• A philosophy of identity - identities are temporary and contingent.

An important feature of the last interpretation above is transformation.  When Zhuang Zhou is transformed into a butterfly in his dream, he acquires a different body, including sensory organs and brain.  Thus Zhuang Zhou and the butterfly perceive the world quite differently.  In addition, Zhuang Zhou needs knowledge to function effectively in society.  The butterfly, however, probably does not.  Most insects probably just react to things instinctively. 

It may be difficult for many people to understand why some people can be skeptical about knowledge when it seems to be essential for everyday lives.

Perhaps the story of the butterfly dream gives some ideas of why and how some people can be skeptical about knowledge.  Some people may wish to live simpler lives.  If people live lives in a more instinctive way, like a butterfly flying at ease, then knowledge is not that important to them.  However, if people wish to function effectively in complex societies, then knowledge is essential and they cannot afford to be skeptical about knowledge.

Note:

1. The text of the story of the Butterfly Dream can be found in the following site: https://ctext.org/dictionary.pl?if=en&id=2732#s10024770