Did your PC just glitch out? You could be dealing with a hacker or “a ghost in the machine.” This post unpacks everything you need to know about the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression “a ghost in the machine” refers to a conscious mind entering a physical entity, such as a computer or electronic device. The phrase was originally a scathing review by an author on a publication involving the discussion of “Dualism,” as outlined by René Descartes.
Descartes stated that dualism is the idea that the mind exists in a separate state from the brain. While the two systems occupy the same space, they act independently of each other. The central theme in the book discusses the fact that the human brain evolved over millennia, building new brain structures over the old “primitive brain.”
The theory is that emotions can activate these old brain structures, causing us to act in ways that overpower our higher logic, resulting in destructive decisions and actions. The phrase went on to apply this to systems like computers, where “a ghost in the machine” refers to an electronic glitch where the device seems to act on its own accord.
Example Usage
“I swear I saved my work before I left the office on Friday. I even remember backing everything up in the cloud. I got in this morning, and everything’s gone. It’s like there’s a ghost in the machine or something.”
“The electronic billboard keeps flashing a subliminal message every few minutes, and I can’t read it. There’s a ghost in the machine that wants to get out.”
“We all think there’s a ghost in the machine. The CRM system keeps popping up with errors for no reason.”
“Did you hear that story about Alexa saying creepy stuff or waking people up at night with evil laughter? It’s like there’s a ghost in the machine with that device.
Origin
The origin of the expression "ghost in the machine" comes from British philosopher Gilbert Ryle. Ryle's 1949 publication of "The Concept of Mind" used the saying as a demeaning description of René Descartes' concept of "mind-body dualism."
The saying emphasized that mental activity and physical action occur in different systems, and no one can explain how they interact.
Arthur Koestler published a book, "The Ghost in the Machine," in 1967, using Ryle's phrase for the title. The book describes the lunacy of man's innate nature to destroy itself, focusing on the arms race in the 60s as the thesis.
Phrases Similar to A Ghost in the Machine
- A glitch.
- An unexplained event.
- The machine has a life of its own.
Phrases Opposite to A Ghost in the Machine
- Unknown.
What is the Correct Saying?
- A ghost in the machine.
Ways People May Say A Ghost in the Machine Incorrectly
“Ghost in the machine” was the title of a 90s anime movie with a similar theme to the original saying. Some people may refer to the film, not the actual event in a network or device. The phrase does not mean that ghosts inhabit a computer.
The saying refers to strange, unexplained occurrences that usually have a reasonable explanation or may end up never being solved. Using the phrase to describe strange things occurring to mechanical devices would be the incorrect use of the saying.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase A Ghost in the Machine
You can use the phrase “ghost in the machine” when referring to glitches or unexplained outcomes in digital devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets.
You can also use it to describe glitches in electronics and other electrically-powered devices. For instance, your computer could have a “ghost in the machine,” or your blender could have a “ghost in the machine.”