What Is It (not) Like to Be a Bat?

Berlin-based media artist and composer Leon Eckard has created a unique headset that invites users to explore philosophical questions through sound. Drawing inspiration from Thomas Nagel’s 1974 paper “What Is It Like to Be a Bat?”, the project uses ultrasonic sensors and a gyroscope to create an interactive musical experience.

A Philosophical Inquiry Through Sound

The work questions the hard problem of consciousness and the boundaries between subjectivity and intersubjectivity. Using real-time data from sensors, the headset simulates a bat’s sonar navigation. While users can perceive space through this “Bat-Theme”, the project emphasizes the inherent limitations in truly understanding another being’s subjective experience.

The Bat-Headset: Technical Overview

The headset consists of a Bela Mini, three ultrasonic sensors, and a 9 DoF gyroscope. These components translate spatial information into sound, processed entirely within SuperCollider running on Bela.

The ultrasonic sensors detect obstacles, creating an arpeggiated sonic representation of the surrounding environment, while the gyroscope modulates the harmonic relationship of these sounds, giving a unique auditory perspective.

Towards a Shared Experience

Future iterations will explore intersubjectivity by creating multiple headsets for collaborative performances. By inviting other artists to contribute their own musical interpretations, the project seeks to create shared sonic experiences that probe the nature of consciousness and perception.

About Leon Eckard

Leon Eckard is a media artist, performer, and composer based in Berlin. His work often intersects technology and philosophy, challenging conventional perceptions of reality through immersive installations and performances.

Find out more about Leon’s work on his website.