What is Feldenkrais? Answers written by AI (Part 1)

Below you will see a series of questions that I posed to GPT-3 over at Open AI. AI generated the answers to each question and I posted them without editing.

What is The Feldenkrais Method?

The Feldenkrais Method is a form of somatic education that uses gentle movement and directed attention to increase awareness, improve posture and movement, and reduce pain and tension. Developed by Moshe Feldenkrais in the 1940s, it is based on the idea that movement and awareness can be used to improve the functioning of the brain and nervous system. The Feldenkrais Method can be used as a form of physical therapy, bodywork, or movement education. It can help people with chronic pain and injury, as well as those who wish to improve their physical and mental well-being.

Who was Moshe Feldenkrais?

Moshe Feldenkrais (1904–1984) was an Israeli engineer, scientist, and physician. He is best known for developing the Feldenkrais Method, an approach to physical therapy, movement education, and somatic learning. His method is used globally to help with pain reduction, improve posture, balance, and coordination, and to generally enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of those who practice it.

What is Feldenkrais good for?

Feldenkrais is a form of movement therapy that can be used to improve posture, coordination, flexibility, and balance. It can also help to reduce pain, stress, and tension. It can also be used to improve posture, coordination, and balance. Additionally, it can be used to improve sports performance and help people recover from injury or illness.

Is Feldenkrais a cult?

No, Feldenkrais is not a cult. It is a form of physical therapy and movement education that uses gentle, low-impact exercises to improve posture, reduce pain, increase flexibility and coordination, and help people become more aware of how they move and how they use their bodies in everyday life.

Give me an answer to the question, "What is Awareness?" in the style of Moshe Feldenkrais.

Awareness is the capacity to observe and understand our own behavior and the behavior of others. It is the ability to recognize patterns, make connections, and respond appropriately to our environment. Awareness allows us to be mindful of our actions and reactions, enabling us to make conscious choices that lead to greater well-being.

Ryan's update: I could write several pages on what is wrong with that answer. The main error is the assumption that we can "understand our own behavior and the behavior of others." We can attempt to make better and better guesses at understanding our own and others' behaviors, yet at the end of the day, there in no epistemological privileged position, space or vantage point from which a correct answer can be proven. It is all subjective. Unsurpisingly, AI missed the finer details.

Why?

As I wrote on my Second Order Somatics Facebook page and also via email, my impression is that AI is derivative, not creative. The answers that it can give are only about the past and what has been written and published. It cannot extrapolate into the future and talk about ideas that only live in someone's experience. AI is based on ideas that have already been published and it cannot share new ideas. Given that Moshe Feldenkrais himself did not seem to understand the subjectivity of human utterances, it is not surprising that Moshe did not pick it up!

What is Second-Order Somatics?

Second-Order Somatics is an approach to somatic movement that emphasizes the role of the observer in the experience of movement. It utilizes awareness training to bring attention to the subtle sensations and feelings that come with movement. This approach recognizes the importance of the body's ability to self-regulate, allowing for a greater sense of connection between the body, mind and environment. It also emphasizes the importance of being mindful and present in movement, allowing for greater clarity and freedom of movement.

Note: Below, I am asking Open AI about myself. I am clearly not yet famous enough for AI to know who I am nor where I live!

Who is Ryan Christopher Nagy?

Ryan Christopher Nagy is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing with the Ontario Reign in the American Hockey League (AHL). He was originally drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the fifth round, 149th overall, of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Who is Ryan C Nagy?

Ryan C Nagy is an American filmmaker, writer, and producer. He is best known for his work on the films The Call of the Wild (2020), The Mule (2018), and Patriots Day (2016). He has also directed several TV series and films, including the ABC series The Catch (2016).

Does Ryan Nagy live in Mexico?

No, Ryan Nagy does not live in Mexico. He lives in the United States.

My non-AI answer: The Ryan C. Nagy who pulled this blog post together is the creator of Second Order Somatics. He is an awareness teacher of Hungarian and Italian descent who was born in Texas and currently lives in Mexico.