Reference no: EM133447997

In this module we have considered the problem of personal identity, and the conditions of establishing that a person is the same person over the course of time.

Dennett's story 'Where Am I?' highlighted the many difficulties of making sense of personhood in terms of how we experience things. We discussed the Ship of Theseus. We covered the body view, brain view, DNA view, ego/soul view, memory view, and psychological continuity view of personal identity. We also discussed many problems with all these views. Derek Parfit argues that the problem of fission is insurmountable for the ego or psychological continuity theory of personal identity, and instead suggests that we give up on the notion of identity. The bundle theory suggests that 'we' are just a series of mental states and events, and that there is no unified 'self' that exists through time.

In your original discussion post:

1. Summarise one or more of the views discussed in this module, focusing on what you take to be their key philosophical point. These summaries should be detailed, clear, and complete (i.e. if someone outside of this class were to read them, they could understand and appreciate the philosophical view you are discussing).

2. Present your own views in response to the ones summarised. Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions? Most importantly: why? Provide a clear argument to support your view.

3. How do the views discussed in this module affect your own personal outlook on what or who you are? Have they caused you to reflect on beliefs hold? Do you think they can have any effect on what you consider to be the meaning of life (or lack thereof)? Is it a great loss to you to think that there really isn't a 'you' that exists through time, unified, and consistent? What matters to you about 'personhood', in the end?