PHILOSOPHY - History: Locke on Personal Identity #1

Summary

In this lecture, Yale philosophy professor Michael Della Rocca delves into the complex issue of personal identity over time, using the example of John Locke. He discusses the philosophical challenges of defining what makes a person the same individual through various life changes. Della Rocca emphasizes the importance of understanding personal identity for our moral, social, and practical interactions, suggesting that philosophical progress can be made by revisiting old problems in new ways.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The lecture focuses on the philosophical problem of personal identity over time, using John Locke's theory as a case study.
• 👨‍🏫 Michael Della Rocca, a professor at Yale since 1991, introduces himself and his long-standing engagement with philosophical questions.
• 🤔 The central question addressed is: What makes a person at one time the same person as a person at another time?
• 🧠 Locke's theory is highlighted for its original insight that reframes the discussion on personal identity.
• 📚 The lecture suggests that philosophical progress can be made by understanding old problems in new ways, even if definitive solutions are not reached.
• 🔍 The problem of personal identity is broken down into necessary and sufficient conditions for identity over time.
• 🐕 The concept of identity over time is not limited to humans but can be applied to other entities like animals and objects.
• 🧩 The discussion emphasizes the importance of personal identity in our social practices, including relationships and moral judgments.
• 🌟 Locke's influence on political thought and his contributions to metaphysics and epistemology are mentioned, setting the stage for his views on personal identity.
• 🔑 The lecture aims to shed light on Locke's insight and its significance in the ongoing philosophical dialogue about personal identity.

Q & A

Who is Michael Della Rocca and what is his role at Yale?

Michael Della Rocca is a professor of philosophy at Yale University, where he has been teaching since 1991.

What is the main topic of the lecture by Michael Della Rocca?

The main topic of the lecture is the problem of personal identity over time, as it relates to the philosophical theories of John Locke.

What is the significance of the question of personal identity over time?

The question of personal identity over time is significant because it explores what makes a person the same individual across different periods, despite physical and mental changes.

What is the difference between necessary and sufficient conditions for personal identity according to the lecture?

The necessary conditions for personal identity are those that must be met for a person to be considered the same over time, while sufficient conditions are those that, if met, guarantee the identity of the person over time.

Why does the lecturer suggest that philosophical problems are often more important than their solutions?

Philosophical problems are often more important than their solutions because they seek to understand ourselves and our place in the world, and any new perspective on these problems increases our self-understanding.

What is the relevance of John Locke's theory to the problem of personal identity?

John Locke's theory is relevant because it provides an original account of personal identity that puts the problem in a new light and opens up new areas of philosophical research into the nature of persons.

What is the general form of the problem of personal identity over time as discussed in the lecture?

The general form of the problem of personal identity over time involves determining the necessary and sufficient conditions that make a person at one time identical to a person at another time.

How does the lecturer illustrate the concept of personal identity using the example of a dog named Jade?

The lecturer uses the example of a dog named Jade to illustrate the concept of identity over time by asking what makes the dog Jade at one time identical to the same dog at another time.

What is the broader philosophical issue that the problem of personal identity over time addresses?

The problem of personal identity over time addresses the broader philosophical issue of what constitutes the persistence of objects, including persons, over time.

Why are discussions on personal identity over time important in our daily lives?

Discussions on personal identity over time are important in our daily lives because they underpin our interactions, moral judgments, and future planning, all of which presuppose a continuity of personal identity.