Arguments Against Personal Identity: Crash Course Philosophy #20

Summary

In this Crash Course Philosophy episode, the focus is on the concept of personal identity and its persistence over time. Scottish philosopher David Hume challenges the idea of a stable self, suggesting that the 'self' is an illusion and merely a bundle of ever-changing impressions. Contemporary philosopher Derek Parfit extends this idea, proposing that personal identity is not a fixed entity but a series of psychological connections that evolve. The episode explores thought experiments, such as teleportation to Mars, to question the continuity of identity and its implications for responsibility, promises, and relationships.

Takeaways

• 🧠 David Hume, an 18th-century Scottish philosopher, argued that the concept of a persistent self is an illusion and that there is no single, unchanging 'you' from birth to death.
• 🤔 The idea of personal identity is complex and can be influenced by various factors such as relationships, interests, skills, and societal labels.
• 🧬 The body theory suggests that personal identity is preserved by occupying the same physical body over time, while John Locke's memory theory posits that memories are the key to maintaining personal identity.
• 🤝 Derek Parfit, a contemporary British philosopher, agrees with Hume that personal identity does not persist over time but introduces the concept of psychological connectedness to explain our sense of self.
• 🔄 Parfit's chainmail analogy illustrates how our personal identity is made up of interconnected experiences and memories that evolve over time, with some links becoming weaker and others stronger.
• 🚀 Parfit's thought experiment involving a machine that atomizes and recreates a person on Mars challenges the notion of personal identity and raises questions about what it means to be the 'same' person.
• 💍 The concept of marriage vows and lifelong commitments is reconsidered in light of the idea that people change over time, suggesting that promises made in the past may not necessarily bind the person you are today.
• 🤷‍♂️ The question of personal responsibility is complicated by the lack of a constant self, as it becomes unclear how one can be held accountable for actions taken by a 'previous' version of themselves.
• 🤗 Parfit suggests that our connections to past selves through psychological links are what give us a sense of continuity and relevance, allowing us to maintain relationships and commitments despite change.
• 🌐 The philosophical exploration of personal identity has practical implications for how we understand and navigate our relationships, promises, and sense of self in a world where change is constant.

Q & A

What is the main argument David Hume presents about personal identity?

David Hume argues that the idea of the self does not persist over time, suggesting that there is no single, constant 'you' from birth to death. He posits that the concept of the self is an illusion.

How does Hume describe the 'self'?

Hume describes the 'self' as a bundle of impressions, which includes various aspects such as the body, mind, emotions, preferences, memories, and labels imposed by others. He suggests that there is no single underlying thing that holds all these aspects together.

What is the significance of Derek Parfit's thought experiment involving a machine that breaks down and recreates a person on Mars?

Derek Parfit's thought experiment is significant as it challenges the concept of personal identity by questioning whether the recreated person on Mars is the same individual as the original. It explores the idea of identity in terms of physical replication and psychological continuity.

According to Parfit, what is the relationship between personal identity and psychological connectedness?

Parfit suggests that although there isn't a singular, persistent 'you' from birth to death, each person has a psychological connectedness with their selves over time. This connection is likened to a chainmail, where links represent psychological connections that persist or fade over time.

How does Parfit's theory of survival through psychological connectedness affect our understanding of promises and responsibilities?

Parfit's theory implies that the degree of responsibility and obligation one has corresponds to the degree of psychological connection to the person who made the promise or incurred the responsibility. This means that if one has significantly changed, they may not bear the same responsibility for past actions or promises.

What is the body theory of personal identity mentioned in the script?

The body theory of personal identity is the view that a person remains the same over time because they occupy the same body from birth to death. This theory is one of the main possibilities considered for preserving personal identity.

What is John Locke's memory theory and how does it relate to personal identity?

John Locke's memory theory posits that your memories are what make you the same person over time. According to this theory, you are 'you' because you remember being 'you' in the past, linking your current self to your past self through memory.

How does the script address the issue of personal responsibility in the context of changing identity?

The script discusses personal responsibility in the context of changing identity by exploring how one's accountability for their actions may be affected if they are not the same person as they were before. It raises questions about the validity of holding someone accountable for their past actions if their identity is not constant.

What is the significance of the 'Thought Bubble' segment in the script?

The 'Thought Bubble' segment serves as a device to present philosophical thought experiments and ideas in a more engaging and accessible manner. It is used to delve deeper into concepts like personal identity and the implications of identity change.

How does the script connect philosophical discussions of personal identity to everyday life?

The script connects philosophical discussions of personal identity to everyday life by using relatable examples such as marriage vows, friendships, and personal growth. It shows how these philosophical concepts can influence our understanding of relationships and personal responsibilities.