Batman & Identity: Crash Course Philosophy #18

Summary

This Crash Course Philosophy episode delves into the concept of identity, using the Ship of Theseus paradox to explore when an object can be considered the same despite its changing parts. It discusses the philosophical principles of the Indiscernibility of Identicals and the distinction between essential and accidental properties. The episode also ponders personal identity, questioning if Batman is truly identical to Bruce Wayne, and challenges viewers to consider the implications of identity on objects they value.

Takeaways

• 🚢 The Ship of Theseus paradox raises the question of whether an object that has had all its parts replaced remains the same object.
• 🧐 Identity in philosophy is the unique relation a thing has to itself, defining what makes it what it is.
• 🤔 The concept of identity becomes complex when objects change over time, potentially becoming something else.
• 🦸‍♂️ The identity of Batman is explored, questioning whether Batman and Bruce Wayne are identical, considering different individuals have taken on the role.
• 📚 Leibniz's Indiscernibility of Identicals principle suggests that if two things are identical, they must share all properties, implying the ship and Batman undergo identity changes.
• 🗿 The Thought Bubble presents a puzzle about a lump of clay shaped into a statue, challenging our intuitions about the persistence of identity through change.
• 🔍 Essential and accidental properties are distinguished, with the former being core to an object's identity and the latter being removable without changing the object's nature.
• 🌳 The example of a tree losing its leaves or being turned into notebooks illustrates the difficulty in determining when an object loses its essential properties and identity.
• ❓ Existentialists and Heraclitus deny the existence of essential properties, suggesting that everything is in constant flux and thus never identical to itself.
• 💰 The concept of fungibility is introduced, explaining why we consider some objects interchangeable, like money, but not others, like a cherished coffee mug.
• 🤝 Personal identity is teased as a topic for the next episode, indicating a shift from object identity to the identity of a person over time.

Q & A

What is the Ship of Theseus paradox and how does it relate to the concept of identity?

The Ship of Theseus paradox is an ancient Greek legend about a ship that, over time, has all its parts replaced during its voyage. The question it raises is whether the ship that returns is the same as the one that left. This paradox relates to the concept of identity by challenging the idea of whether an object's identity remains the same even when all its components have changed.

How does the philosophy of identity deal with the idea that things change over time?

The philosophy of identity explores the concept that identity is the relation a thing bears only to itself, and what makes a thing uniquely what it is defines its identity. It grapples with the idea that as things change, they may stop being what they were and become something else, which can complicate the notion of identity.

What is the Indiscernibility of Identicals principle proposed by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz?

The Indiscernibility of Identicals is a principle proposed by Leibniz which states that if any two things are identical, they must share all the same properties. This principle suggests that once an object's properties change, such as the Ship of Theseus when its first plank was replaced, it acquires a new identity.

How does the identity of Batman relate to the concept of identity in philosophy?

The identity of Batman is used as an example to explore the philosophy of identity. The question of whether Batman and Bruce Wayne are identical, despite having different properties, challenges the idea of what constitutes the essential identity of a person or character.

What is the difference between essential and accidental properties in the context of identity?

Essential properties are the core elements needed for a thing to be what it is, while accidental properties are traits that can be changed without altering the fundamental nature of the thing. For example, a dog's tail or color might be accidental properties, whereas its ability to bark and its canine nature would be essential.

How does the concept of fungibility relate to the discussion of identity in the script?

Fungibility is the property of being interchangeable with other objects of the same kind. It relates to identity by questioning whether objects that are functionally identical (like money) maintain the same identity over time, or if the unique characteristics of an object (like a favorite mug) make it non-fungible and thus its identity is preserved.

What is the Lumpl and Goliath puzzle, and what does it illustrate about identity?

The Lumpl and Goliath puzzle involves a lump of clay that is shaped into a statue. It illustrates the complexity of identity by asking whether the lump and the statue are identical despite their different forms. It challenges the idea that identity is solely based on physical composition and raises questions about the role of form and function in defining identity.

How does the concept of identity apply to personal identity, as hinted at the end of the script?

The concept of identity in personal identity explores what connects an individual's past and present selves, considering factors like memories, experiences, and physical changes. It questions whether a person's identity remains constant despite changes in their body, mind, and circumstances.

What role does the idea of persistence over time play in the philosophy of identity?

Persistence over time is a central theme in the philosophy of identity as it deals with whether an object or person maintains its identity despite changes or damage over time. It asks whether the continuity of identity is dependent on the continuity of its components or on other factors.

How does the script use the example of a tree to discuss the loss of essential properties?

The script uses the example of a tree that loses its leaves and is eventually turned into notebooks to discuss the loss of essential properties. It questions at what point the tree ceases to be a tree, whether it's when it's cut down, turned into pieces, or pulped, highlighting the subjective nature of determining when an object loses its identity.