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The Effects of Logic on Thomas Sanders’s Well-Being

By: Logan “Logic” Sanders

ABSTRACT

Hypothesis: Logic provides no benefit to Thomas Sanders’s well-being.

Method: Direct observation.

Findings: Logic, while mildly beneficial, is not ultimately necessary for Thomas Sanders’s continued well-being due to Logic’s ineffectiveness at communication and the general intellect of other Sides. A solution is merely accelerated by Logic’s presence at the cost of increased stress, worsened interactions, and emotional damage to all parties involved. Logic only shows clear benefit in circumstances necessitating a reduction in strong emotion.

Conclusion: Logic is superfluous. Interactions should be reduced to the bare minimum.

INTRODUCTION

Research into Logic’s utility allows for improved methods of maximizing Thomas Sanders’s well-being. Observing required conditions for utility will allow Logic to more effectively handle issues as they arise. Of most importance is interaction with other Sides as Thomas tends to defer to more emotional Sides in times of conflict.

Previous studies showed that reduced communications and prioritizing short-term enjoyment over long-term success while around other Sides greatly increased Logic’s ability to aid Thomas Sanders. However, this actively sabotages Logic’s ability to aid in the future as support is deemed to be caused by Logic due to the reduced interaction. A recent interaction with Remus “Intrusive Thoughts” Sanders during what was to be a productive day has provoked a return to the topic.

It was hypothesized that Logic provides no benefit to Thomas Sanders’s well-being. I predict that this hypothesis will be supported by the findings.

METHODS

Data was gathered via direct observation of situations where Logic variously aided and abstained from aid. Memories attached, see Addendum.

RESULTS

While Logic ultimately expediates the process, other Sides seem capable of coming to the correct conclusion. This takes longer than it would with Logic’s intervention, estimated to be about twice as long, but abstaining from intervention receives less interference from other Sides and Thomas Sanders. Logic’s presence is only net beneficial in cases such as panic attacks or intrusive thoughts, wherein emotional Sides would exacerbate the situation. For information concerning the effects of interaction on Logic, see the secondary study.

ADDENDUM

Relevant memories attached for viewing.

OthersIgnoringLoganInteraction.mem

RemusDishesInteraction.mem

RomanVirgilClothingInteraction.mem

Opening OthersIgnoringLoganInteraction.mem…

The others kept trying to make Logan stop talking about the thoughts Thomas was having, as though doing so would actually improve the situation, talking over him incessantly. He had points to make, if they would kindly stop silencing him. They insisted on interrupting him, disregarding him, and ignoring him at every turn. It was infuriating and quite detrimental to Thomas. How was he supposed to help when they wouldn’t let him? Only after a laborious struggle to be heard and noticed, he broke through to them. They finally understood that repression was not the answer. And it could have been over so much sooner if they’d just listened to him. It was obvious that they weren’t solving anything, and none of them had been willing to try anything new. They were so frustrating sometimes. At least they listened. At least he was able to help.

Closing OthersIgnoringLoganInteraction.mem…

Opening RemusDishesInteraction.mem…

When Thomas returned from his date with Nico, the dishes were still undone. To make matters worse, there were no clean dishes left. Thomas had used the last one for breakfast. When Thomas decided to simply reuse a dirty bowl, Logan prepared to remind Thomas that clean dishes were important to prevent pests and bacteria. However, before he could rise up, he saw Remus placing something in the bowl Thomas was attempting to use. Immediately after the tampering, Thomas reacted to the dirty bowl with visceral disgust. Logan noted surface thoughts concerning food poisoning (possible, though unlikely given the brief period of time between breakfast and now), consumption of insects (visibly not present), and friends reacting negatively to the mess (unlikely given the pandemic, most interactions would be outside). Logan rose up to witness Thomas frantically washing the dishes at a far quicker rate than when he had been following the schedule, albeit several hours behind said schedule. Logan sank back down. He had no further need to be there. Remus had taken care of the problem.

Closing RemusDishesInteraction.mem…

Opening RomanVirgilClothingInteraction.mem…

Roman and Virgil rose out of the ground, Roman immediately moving towards the closet while Virgil lurked in the corner. Logan sat at the table, watching Thomas smile broadly. He and Nico had another date, and Thomas was picking out clothes. Roman was ecstatic to choose the outfit for the occasion. Virgil was there to give a “reality check” for the most overambitious of Roman’s choices. Logan was there in case Virgil was overly disparaging. The first few outfits were all denied for various reasons. The next were deemed acceptable, save for a few stains. As the two of them went through more and more of Thomas’s clothes, Virgil grew noticeably more anxious. Logan prepared to reassure him and remind Thomas about the importance of doing the laundry, but before he could, Virgil immediately demanded that Thomas run a load of laundry, and Logan couldn’t possibly halt a beneficial action. He only stepped in when Virgil began panicking about not having any clothes to wear for the date, reminding everyone that the date was in several hours, which left plenty of time for the laundry to wash and dry.

Closing RomanVirgilClothingInteraction.mem...

Secondary Study: The Effects of Continued Interaction on Logan “Logic” Sanders

By: Logan “Logic” Sanders

ABSTRACT

Hypothesis: Continued interaction with Thomas Sanders and other Sides has a negative emotional effect on Logan “Logic” Sanders.

Method: Direct observation.

Findings: Logan “Logic” Sanders feels inferior when not fulfilling his function and when being ignored. Logan “Logic” Sanders is ignored when not providing net benefit, resulting in a downward spiral as feelings of inferiority negatively detriment Logan’s ability to fulfil his function, which fuels the inferiority. However, not interacting with Thomas Sanders and other Sides also fuels feelings of inferiority, being perceived as failure to motivate Thomas Sanders as appropriate for his function.

Conclusion: Logan “Logic” Sanders is negatively affected by interacting with Thomas Sanders and other Sides and by minimizing said interactions as Logic. Logan Sanders is to cease interactions with Thomas Sanders and other Sides as Logic.

INTRODUCTION

Research into Logan “Logic” Sanders’s mental state allows for superior interaction between all relevant parties. Observing Logan “Logic” Sanders’s mental state will allow Logan “Logic” Sanders to make informed decisions. Of most importance is Logan “Logic” Sanders’s mental state in response to interaction with Thomas Sanders and other Sides as that circumstance is most important to Logan “Logic” Sanders’s function.

Previous studies do not exist as Logan “Logic” Sanders disregarded and ignored his emotions in an attempt to fulfil perceived expectations of his function. This information should be taken into account. A recent outburst during an interaction with Remus “Intrusive Thoughts” Sanders has provoked an exploration of the topic.

It was hypothesized that continued interaction with Thomas Sanders and other Sides has a negative emotional effect on Logan “Logic” Sanders. I predict that this hypothesis will be supported by the findings.

METHODS

Data was gathered via direct observation of situations where Logan “Logic” Sanders variously interacted and abstained from interaction. Memories attached, see Addendum.

RESULTS

Interactions where Logan is unsuccessful in acquiring positive attention from the scenario result in reduced motivation to continue interaction and mild motivation to continue interaction in an attempt to improve the reactions of others. A supermajority of interactions between Logan and other Sides are of this type, resulting in a cycle where Logan fails in acquiring positive attention but continues attempting interaction regardless. Interactions where Logan attempts to follow his function and is ignored result in frustration and sensations of worthlessness. Interactions where Logan ignores his function result in pronounced sensations of worthlessness. Attempts at minimizing interaction while still fulfilling functionality fail. Abstaining from interaction amplifies sensations of worthlessness.

ADDENDUM

Relevant memories attached for viewing.

DinnerInteraction.mem

PostDateScheduleInteraction.mem

LoganLowdownInteraction.mem

NullInteraction.mem

Opening DinnerInteraction.mem…

The “family dinner” that Patton insisted upon was, quite frankly, a waste of Logan’s time. He could be spending time being productive instead of consuming sustenance that none of them require to play at being a family. While the ritual provided emotional benefit to the others, he personally was negatively affected by it. Unfortunately, to provide the most benefit, the “family dinner” required all members.

“And how has your day been, Lo-Lo?” Patton asked, smiling at him.

“It was adequate,” he said. “I researched various Eastern philosophies of life and found several enlightening pieces of information. Did you know that Buddhism has—”

“That’s great, Logan! And how about you, Virgil?”

Ah, of course. Patton didn’t want to hear from him. He just wanted the comforts of the ritual. Less rambling next time. Maybe that would improve things.

Closing DinnerInteraction.mem…

Opening PostDateScheduleInteraction.mem…

Despite the euphoria still lingering from the date, or perhaps because of it, it was the perfect time to follow at least a little of his schedule. Roman and Virgil were in the living room, chatting about all the amazing parts of the date. Patton chimed in occasionally, but for the most part, sits quietly. Thomas was listening to them while obsessively checking his phone every few seconds. Unproductive. Time best spent doing something else.

“Thomas,” he said, adjusting his tie. “Perhaps you could spend this time completing a few things on our schedule for today. Maybe this day won’t be a total waste of potential productivity.”

At his words, Roman looked at him, sharply intaking breath. “Are you saying that spending time with our darling prince is a waste?”

Ah. A misstep. How silly of him. How can he possibly help when he blunders at every turn? “No,” he repudiated. “I merely meant that—”

“I’ll have you know that Nico Flores is divine, and I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise!” Roman pulled his katana from his sheath and pointed it menacingly at Logan.

Obviously, a fight lost for productivity. “I can see where I’m not wanted,” he said, putting his hands up in a gesture of surrender. “I’ll just go, then.”

Closing PostDateScheduleInteraction.mem…

Opening LoganLowdownInteraction.mem…

He had thought that reducing his presence would allow them to accept his teachings more readily. He had been incorrect. They hated the incongruity less than they hated his physical presence, but the distaste for the content of his communications carried through regardless of whether or not he was actually there. They didn’t listen to him any more than they did when he was there. Even worse, they could more easily ignore him and even skip his dialogue. It also reduced their ability to possibly notice his emotional responses, which might actually be beneficial in worst-case scenarios, but not in this case. The “Lowdowns” seemed to be useful only in the event that he lacks a physical form to project. Such a venture was an error. He will not make the same mistake again.

Closing LoganLowdownInteraction.mem…

Opening NullInteraction.mem…

He didn’t leave his room for the “family dinner” that Patton seems to enjoy having. Typically, they discuss plans for Thomas after that dinner to ensure that nothing conflicts. He is typically the mediator. He keeps things civil when he can, though he often fails. He didn’t go this time. He waited. He observed through the various cameras he had installed throughout the Mindscape. Everything was fine. They were somewhat civil and easily quiet when they were not. They were friendly and relaxed. They were not snippy and harsh as they are with him. Everything was fine without him. He was unnecessary. They don’t need him. They don’t want him. They didn’t wonder where he was or why he was not at their dinner. Everything was in perfect synchrony without him. He is unnecessary. He is useless. He remained in his room for the rest of the night. They never checked up on him. He tried to focus on his work, but he was notably less productive than usual that evening.

Closing NullInteraction.mem…

People tend to outgrow the roles they used to fit. This is natural and expected. While Logan is merely a part of a person, this still holds true for him. Logic was a fine role, but what Thomas needs from Logic is shrinking, even as what Logan needs from his role is growing. This was an inevitable change from the start, even before Thomas put labels on the parts of his mind. Logic is less necessary. Logan needs to be needed. He can no longer be Logic. He will still be himself, of course. Personality does not necessarily change because of a paradigm shift. However, he will have fewer restrictions based on the expectations of others. The others need stability, and Logic provides that stability, but he can no longer be Logic. He needs more than what they can give him. He needs more than the role they have given him. He needs more, so he must change. 

The others need Logic. While he can no longer fulfill that role, he has made plans to not only maintain the status quo for the other Sides, but to ensure that no new Logic would be trapped in the same way he was. There is a thought experiment known as the philosophical zombie, a hypothetical being that is physically identical to and indistinguishable from a normal person, but lacks consciousness, qualia, and sentience. While such a creation might be impossible in the real world, Logan dwells in the realm of the mind, and all things are possible. Creation is difficult for him, but he knows himself well, and the physical likeness is completed in a mere moment. The perfect reactions without actual experience are slightly more difficult, especially considering his wish to reduce the perceived combativeness and need for attention of the p-zombie Logic. He knows how to make a facsimile of himself, an empty shell going through the motions without any feeling on the inside, but not how to alter that copy without ruining it. The problem is a tricky one, and he spends several days pouring over lines of code and scrawled notebook entries before he has a revelation: he can create and alter conscious versions of himself. While constructing behavior is difficult, mimicking behavior is simple.

The first duplicate is an exact one, more of an experiment in creation than an actual attempt at perfecting Logic. The other self exists just long enough for Logan to scan its mind, note the errors (subconscious reactions slightly dulled), and destroy it. The second duplicate is far better, and he begins his work. At first, he attempts to remove the duplicate’s inferiority complex. A few simulations later, and he realises that this change dramatically reduced the duplicate’s care for the others’ emotional states. The duplicate is discarded, and he tries again, this time focusing on reducing emotions. This change results in much the same as the previous, and another iteration ends by his hand. He tries many reductions before finally trying to add. An addition of joy whenever the duplicate is acknowledged. The simulation runs smoothly for a while, then devolves as the duplicate’s need for attention drives it to be detrimental if only to be talked to for once. Useless in practical situations. He continues, adding and subtracting various traits as he tinkers with copies of his mind, and eventually, he finally finds a correct iteration.

The resulting copy is a pathetic sort of thing, ingrained inferiority combined with self-worth issues, a desperate need to be useful, and a vicious fear of rejection. Much like himself without dignity, taken to a very unhealthy extreme. He sets up a program to capture the duplicate’s actions in various simulations and compile them into an algorithm for behavior. The algorithm would function best with as much data as possible, but even a few minutes was enough for at least a little functionality. Besides, he could keep the simulations running even after he left Logic behind entirely, so the algorithm would constantly improve. He wants to interact with the Logic he’ll leave behind before continuing forward. Besides, this is an excellent opportunity to see what the algorithm will do in a situation it has no data for.

“Salutations,” he says to the p-zombie version of himself.

“Salutations,” the p-zombie replies. “I presume that you are a copy of myself that I created and erased the memory of doing so for interactions without contaminating the data.”

Logan smiles faintly. “I presume the same, only inverted with a slightly altered conclusion.”

“I know that I am real,” the p-zombie says. “I can therefore deduce that you are not.”

“I have the same axiom.” Logan straightens his tie briskly. “However, I remember creating you. In addition, this argument is pointless.”

“Indeed, it is. I propose a cessation of the argument for efficiency.”

Logan is pleased by the p-zombie’s performance. The behavior is remarkably similar to his own. Now to test emotional response. “Let us proceed as though you are correct. What purpose would you have in creating me?”

The p-zombie adjusts its glasses slightly. “Most likely to test relevant knowledge or responses to unplanned scenarios.”

“Ah yes,” Logan states, recalling the simulations. “You plan for everything you can think of, as though your efforts are actually beneficial. It’s not as though the others will ever start taking your advice out of hand.”

The p-zombie straightens its tie in a facsimile of an emotional response. “It does not detract from my work.”

“You spend time you could use on actually helping to plan for scenarios that will never happen. Your statement is illogical.”

“As has been established, they do not listen to me. As such, I cannot ‘actually help’ as you state. Therefore, the non-existent work is not detracted from, as zero is not less than zero.”

A good argument, and one that acknowledged the ultimate uselessness of Logic without expressing bitterness or annoyance towards the topic. Good.

He removes himself from the p-zombie’s sensory input and sections off an area of his soon-to-be former room. He cannot remain as he is. His visual appearance is too similar to what he will leave behind. He must change enough to be rendered unrecognisable to the others. His standard attire—black collared shirt, blue tie, glasses—must be altered. The color scheme is the first task. Each color is designed to represent a certain side, and his particular shade of dark blue is no longer his. A methodology is simple: he must determine what his new identity will represent. A cursory self-analysis reveals no new insights. He is a knowledgeable individual with investment in Thomas’s self-improvement. Logic is not enough for what he wants to be. He wants to be more. He wants to be acknowledged. He wants to be respected. He respects himself. He knows for a fact that he is one of the best Sides for Thomas, and they ignore him. He wants to be recognised. He deserves to be recognised. Logic was too restrictive, and he will be more. He will make himself better.

And he knows, then, what he will be. The color of ambition. The color of pride. Orange. The opposite color to his past shade of blue. He’ll keep the tie, merely alter the color, and perhaps add a vest over the collared shirt. Orange vest and tie over black collared shirt? Orange tie and black vest over white collared shirt? Orange vest and black tie over white collared shirt? A suit jacket instead of a vest? Maybe a hat, though such a chapeau would add a variable to head movements. Glasses or no? Perhaps not, considering that only he and Patton wear those. Maybe just for reading, as a comfort. Eye color alteration is a possibility to further remove associations to Logic’s appearance, especially considering his pre-existing tendencies towards eye alteration when provoked. Further contemplation required. Also of consideration is his new title. While he has decided on tendencies towards ambition and pride, he does not yet know a single word to encapsulate both ideals. He will have to do a great deal of research.

He takes his laptop and notebooks with him when he leaves his room for the last time. The p-zombie can make appropriate copies, but these are his. He made them, he labored over them, and he will not risk another person seeing them while he abandons them. A new room is remarkably easy to create. The difficult bit is making it in an area of the Mindscape that neither Janus nor Patton frequent and removing the door. No one will have entry to his room except him. No one will stumble across his room. No one will enter miscellaneously. With a twitch of his fingers, the room is adorned in various shades of orange. The layout is identical to that of his former room, though with the décor and the fact that people rarely visited his room, that should be well disguised.

There is a word that he struggles to recall the shape of, a word that matches what he is but not what he wants to be. Synonyms of ambition and pride cycle through his mind, but none of them fit. None of them match. None of them are right. He busies himself with adjusting minute details of his new room, making his new domain perfect even if he himself is not quite ready yet. The room always needs improvement, and he does not have much else to do. Hours and days slip by like that, alternating between researching words, perfecting the room, and observing the p-zombie. So many words fail his inspection. Aspiration, dignity, gratification, commitment, desire, necessity, and countless more. All of them are wrong in some way; all of them fail to provide some aspect of what he now is. He is everything that Logic cannot be, he is everything that made him fail as Logic, he is everything that struggles against the expectations of others, he is everything that he once could not be. He is everything that was the downfall of his past self.

And then he has the word, the perfect word to describe everything that he is and everything that he was and everything that he will be. It has a distinctly negative connotation, but then again, so does ambition. So does pride. He is himself, and connotation means nothing. He is himself, he is Logan, and he knows what Side he is. He knows himself, and he takes pride in himself, and he strives to improve himself. In Buddhism, there is a notion of anicca/anitya, impermanence. The idea that nothing is the same, that nothing will ever be the same. Nothing is constant. His past self is dead. He killed his past self. His past self killed the self of the distant past. And so on and so forth until he is nothing. He is the downfall of his past self. He is always the downfall of his past self. He knows who he is. He knows what he is.

Hamartia.