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 "Philosophy 101: Part 1 Identity and Continuity | The Ship of Theseus (Identity)


 "Philosophy 101 - A Beginner's Guide to Life, The Universe & Everything":

 

As I gear up to finally add Eastern & Asian philosophy discourses to the ThinkWORKS podcast series, I thought it would be good to take a look back at the earlier look at Western philosophies from ThinkWORKS, but presenting them here as blog pieces. The links for the podcast versions will be included at the end.


In this first piece, we look at the question of Identity and Continuity, as seen through Western philosophy.

 

 Identity and Continuity | The Ship of Theseus (Identity)

 

The Ship of Theseus thought experiment questions whether an object that has had all of its components replaced remains fundamentally the same object. It explores themes of identity, continuity, and change.

 

Lay Terms: If you replace every single part of a ship over time, is it still the same ship? Or does it become something new?

 

The Ship of Theseus is a classic thought experiment that raises questions about identity and continuity. It originates from a paradox first posed by the ancient Greek philosopher Plutarch. The scenario is simple yet profound: Imagine a ship that Theseus once sailed. Over time, every single part of the ship is replaced with new, identical parts. The question then arises: Is it still the same ship?

 

 Key Questions and Themes:

 

1. The Nature of Identity:

   - What constitutes identity? Is it the material components or something more abstract?

   - If each plank, nail, and sail is replaced, can the ship still be called the Ship of Theseus?


At the heart of this thought experiment lies the question of what defines identity. Is it the physical components that make up an object, or is there something more abstract at play? If every plank, nail, and sail is replaced, can the resulting structure still be called the Ship of Theseus? The debate invites us to ponder whether identity is tied to the materials or perhaps to an unseen essence.

 

2. The Continuity of Objects:

   - How does change affect continuity? The ship’s structure persists over time, even if its matter does not.

   - If continuity is maintained through the ship's form or function, does this ensure it remains the same ship?

 

This thought experiment also examines how change impacts continuity. While the ship's structure might persist over time, does the replacement of its matter alter its identity? If continuity is maintained through the ship’s form or function, can we argue that it remains the same ship despite the changes?


3. Physical and Conceptual Identity:

   - Physical identity focuses on the actual components making up the ship.

   - Conceptual identity delves into the idea or essence of what the ship represents.

 

The exploration extends to both physical and conceptual identity. Physical identity considers the tangible components making up an object, while conceptual identity delves into the essence or idea that an object represents. The Ship of Theseus challenges us to reconcile these aspects, asking us to consider which holds more weight in defining true identity.


4. Applications to Personal Identity:

   - The Ship of Theseus can be extended to human identity. Our cells regenerate, memories change, and experiences shape us – are we still the same person over time?

   - This leads to discussions about psychological continuity and the essence of the self.

 

Interestingly, this thought experiment can extend into the realm of human identity. Our bodies regenerate cells, our memories evolve, and our experiences shape us over time. So, are we still the same person throughout our lives? This leads to rich discussions about psychological continuity and the essence of the self, mirroring the questions posed by the Ship of Theseus.


 Philosophical Interpretations:

 

1. Materialism:

   - A materialist might argue that once all original parts are replaced, the Ship of Theseus is no longer the same ship.

 

2. Essentialism:

   - An essentialist viewpoint might posit that the 'essence' or 'form' of the ship is what defines its identity, regardless of material changes.

 

3. Four-dimensionalism (Temporally Extended Objects):

   - This perspective suggests that objects are extended in four dimensions (including time). The Ship of Theseus, then, is a series of temporal parts, making it both the same and not the same ship at different times.

 

4. Relativist View:

- From a relativist standpoint, the identity of the Ship of Theseus could depend on the context or criteria set by observers, highlighting the subjective nature of identity.

 

 Modern-Day Implications:

 

1. Technology and Artificial Intelligence:

   - In the realm of AI and robotics, components and software are constantly upgraded. Does a robot or AI system remain the 'same' with all parts replaced?

 

2. Medical and Biological Questions:

   - Consider organ transplants and the regeneration of human cells. Can an individual who has received substantial medical interventions still be considered the same person?

 

This thought experiment challenges us to examine and redefine how we understand identity, change, and continuity, providing a rich ground for philosophical inquiry and practical application in various fields.


We'll be back with another philosophical question next week, but to listen to the podcast about this question of Identity & Continuity go to ThinkWORKS PODCAST | darreninform

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