Lecture Notes: The Complexity of Identity

Introduction

• Central question: "Who am I?"
• Historical significance: Inspires poets, philosophers, and seekers.
• Lack of consensus among scholars: philosophers, psychologists, artists, etc.

The Challenge of Identity

• Persistence of Identity:
  • Questions of timing:
    • Who you are today vs. five years ago vs. 50 years in the future?
    • Understanding "am": What timeframe are we considering?
  • Which aspect defines "I":
    • Physical body
    • Thoughts and feelings
    • Actions

Plutarch's Ship of Theseus

• The Story:

  • Theseus slays the Minotaur and sails home on his ship.
  • Ship maintained for 1000 years, replacing parts as needed.
  • Eventually, no original parts remain.

• Philosophical Paradox:

  • Question: Does Ship A (original) equal Ship B (reconstructed)?
  • Argument for Equality:
    • Ship A and Ship B are numerically identical.
    • Change happened gradually, maintaining identity.
  • Argument Against Equality:
    • Theseus's presence is an essential quality of the original ship.
    • Ship B lacks this qualitative identity, thus A does not equal B.

• Twist in the Paradox:

  • If original parts are collected and rebuilt, two ships exist.
  • Both can claim to be the Ship of Theseus, but only one could be the true original.

Relation to Personal Identity

• Like the Ship of Theseus, individual identity is a collection of changing parts:
  • Physical body
  • Mind and emotions
  • Circumstances and personal traits
• Key Insight:
  • Constant change yet a sense of enduring self.
  • Complexity of answering "Who am I?" reflects this paradox.

Conclusion

• Importance of exploring philosophical paradoxes.
• One possible answer: "I am a legendary hero sailing a powerful ship on an epic journey."
• Highlights the journey of self-discovery and identity.