Who am I? A philosophical inquiry - Amy Adkins
Who am I? The Ship of Theseus and the Persistence of Identity
This section explores the concept of identity and the challenge of defining who we are. It introduces the philosophical paradox of the Ship of Theseus to illustrate the complexity of identity and its persistence over time.
The Complexity of Identity
- Throughout history, philosophers, psychologists, and others have grappled with the question "Who am I?"
- The concept of identity lacks consensus due to its complex nature
- Questions arise about which version of ourselves is truly "I" and when does that version exist
The Ship of Theseus Paradox
- The Greek historian Plutarch used the story of the Ship of Theseus to demonstrate the complexity of identity
- According to the story, parts of Theseus' ship were gradually replaced until no original parts remained
- The paradox arises when considering if two ships, one docked in Athens and one rebuilt with all original parts, are equal or not
- Some argue that numerically identical ships are still qualitatively different if essential properties change
Relevance to Personal Identity
- Like the Ship of Theseus, personal identity consists of constantly changing parts
- Despite these changes, individuals maintain a sense of self over time
- Answering "Who am I?" requires delving into philosophical paradoxes and exploring our ever-changing nature