Declaration of Qualia Fundamentalism Ken Mogi AXIS Vol. 109, pp.158-159 (June, 2004) The value of a work of art is determined by the quality of sensation, or "Qualia" which are felt when you see it in front of you. It cannot be verbalized It cannot be symbolized It cannot be marketed easily. Surprisingly, even a work of literature, which is the art of words, is determined by the quality of Qualia experienced, that which cannot be verbalized or symbolized. When you look back you realize that the important things in life are all things that cannot be verbalized. That ticklish feeling when you got into a swimming pool with your friend when you were a child. That restless feeling before your first date. That heavy feeling you get when you are in conflict with someone. It originates in ordinary daily living and crystallizes in the promise of the ultimate. When you feel like this in front of a work of art, you call it a masterpiece and are thankful for it. The joy of being alive surges through you. Forget what is already on the market. Stay with your inner, most compelling, sweet, sad Qualia. And sublimate that Qualia into a pop-like style. I hereby declare Qualia fundamentalism. (c) Ken Mogi 2004 http://www.qualia-manifesto.com kenmogi@qualia-manifesto.com