Was the Title of ‘Ghost in the Shell’ Inspired by the 1993 Horror Movie ‘Ghost in the Machine’?

The title 'Ghost in the Shell' is one of the most iconic in modern science fiction and anime. However, the origin of this title has sparked debate, particularly among fans of the 1993 horror movie 'Ghost in the Machine' with Karen Allen. Let's delve into the history to uncover the truth.

The Manga's Origins

‘Ghost in the Shell’ began publication in 1989. Initially, the term was used to describe the series that would eventually become synonymous with the franchise. However, the title's inspiration comes from a different source altogether.

The Philosophical Foundation

The term ‘Ghost in the Machine’ is deeply rooted in the philosophy of mind. It was first used in 1949, long before the creation of the ‘Ghost in the Shell’ series. This term refers to the idea that the human mind is a non-material entity that inhabits the material machine (the body).

A Homage to a Classic Work

Masamune Shirow, the creator of the ‘Ghost in the Shell’ series, sought to honor Arthur Koestler's seminal work, ‘The Ghost in the Machine’ (1967). Koestler's book explores the relationship between human beings and technology, delving into the philosophical implications of automation and artificial intelligence.

The original manga series was titled ‘Kokaku Kidotai’, which translates to 'Mobile Armored Riot Police'. This title was introduced to the market due to considerations of localization and marketability. However, the original arc titled was 'Kokaku Kidotai: The Ghost in the Shell' as a nod to Shirow's inspiration for the series. Subsequent arcs were originally printed with 'Kokaku Kidotai' as the subtitle, but the reprints have followed a more direct usage of 'Ghost in the Shell' for marketing reasons, aligning with the popularity of the 1995 animated adaptation.

Subsequent Media Adaptations

The success of the 1995 animated adaptation solidified the 'Ghost in the Shell' title, leading to its wide recognition. However, the debate over whether the title was inspired by the 1993 horror movie 'Ghost in the Machine' continues to persist.

The Discrepancy

Probably not. “Ghost in the machine” is a phrase that dates from 1949 in philosophy of mind. The irony is that the movie, which shares the same title, is a horror film that delves into more existential themes. The concept of an android gone insane or on a killing spree, which the horror movie explores, might have influenced the conceptualization of some characters in the manga, but it was not the primary inspiration for the title.

Conclusion

While the 1993 horror movie 'Ghost in the Machine' with Karen Allen might share a similar title, the inspiration for the 'Ghost in the Shell' title came from a rich philosophical tradition, honoring Arthur Koestler's profound work in the realm of human and machine interaction. The title 'Ghost in the Shell' remains a testament to the enduring legacy of the manga series that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.