Recapping SW&CR: More on Midichlorians (Ch. 9)

Chapter 9: Midichlorians and Neurochemistry? Jedi and Sith Approaches to Conflict (Sherrill Hayes)

In this chapter, we take a unique dive into the world (and neuroscience) of our Jedi protagonists and their Sith adversaries. Questions are posed that have the potential to shake up our very understanding of what it truly means to be “good” or “bad,” and whether that is something that one has the power to control. For example, if the Jedi and Sith really are so similar, at what point do they dramatically diverge from one another in both behavior and action? And is it really the whole “good versus evil” narrative we all ate up so willingly from George Lucas?

With the galaxy’s greatest rivalry taking center stage, we see, through a textualized fMRI scan,[1] how the author analyzes and interprets the way these two groups electively suppress and sideline a range of untapped emotions in their lives. How can these purported all-powerful beings be purposely oblivious to the emotions, ideas, and worlds left unexplored by their philosophies and teachings? And how do the emotionally driven decisions, or inactions, of each group ultimately build up or spell doom for its respective force-wielders?

Additionally, the innate tendencies of each group, Jedi and Sith, to respond in a particular emotional or physical way over another are explored using a developed understanding of what it means to think and behave as a Jedi or Sith would and for what purpose. This allows the audience, as students of Star Wars or science,[2] to better understand the neurochemistry driving the responses we see and take note of the neurochemicals we, as humans, experience on a daily basis in our own galaxy.

— Written by Sam Haimowitz, SW&CR Padawan and newly graduated JD from the University of Oregon School of Law

[1]  Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures the small changes in blood flow that occur with brain activity. It may be used to examine which parts of the brain are handling critical functions among other purposes.

[2] Or both!