The ant trap by my window contains a poisonous liquid which the ants misinterpret as food. When I look to the left can I see ants marching confidently out to their death. What does that feel like? Does the ant suffer? Does he feel agony in his throat as he suffocates? Or he is a machine - devoid of feeling like a car or a microwave. Most people hope that it’s that latter, but I doubt it.

Content warning This essay explores the philosophical implications of vampirism. In doing so, the essay directly addresses the topics of sexual abuse and sexual sadism. I do not wish to normalize or glorify these practices. Instead, I reference this subject matter with the intention that the distress associated with such practices highlights the distress which is intrinstric to the underlying philosophical problem. The poignancy of the Dracula story stems from the mythological trope of corruption.

You academics laugh at the poor enthusiast who claims to have experienced a higher power, but cannot provide empirical evidence for such a thing. You pity this parochial foolishness. You see him as a child who had a pleasant dream. Yet you intellectuals speak so assuredly - that is, paradigmatically - of this thing you call the external world. Could you please provide me an example of this external world? Is it in the room with you now?