Identity

Question 1

Numeric rather the qualitative identity

Answer 1

one/same person
distinguished from exact similarity
identical twins/two people feel themselves are similar people

Question 2

Diachronic rather the synchronic identity

Answer 2

re-identify persons over time despite major changes occurring

Question 3

Problem of identity

Answer 3

anything maintains identity through change (persistence)

Question 4

“I am a new person!”

Answer 4

person is numerical and diachronically identical

Question 5

Mystery of continuity of identity

Answer 5

rigour of personal identity loosens

each morning: awake and we are same person

Question 6

Practical implications

Answer 6

Morality
Law
Relationships
Survival beyond death

Question 7

Morality

Answer 7

praised/blamed to moral value of actions performed, counted as own actions in past

Question 8

Law

Answer 8

subjects of rewards and punishments

legal contracts and licenses

Question 9

Relationships

Answer 9

friendships, marriages are persistence of identity

Question 10

Survival beyond death

Answer 10

personal identity consists

survival depends on what makes us who we are

Question 11

Soul (mind) theory

Answer 11

self remains constant while body grows
Obstacles:
accepting there are souls 
problem of describing soul, recognised as the heart 
First person account

Question 12

Body theory

Answer 12

Identified=body
we are our bodies 
"Photo ID, Line up" 
Problem:
Seat of identity doesn't change 
Body replaces matter ounces each 7 years 
finger prints, DNA
First person: know who we are without checking mirror

Question 13

Memory Continuity Theory

Answer 13

Memory: Inner sensation and verifiable by third person (honesty)
Failed memory
can’t recall memories
False memory
some memories didn’t occur
Unbroken chain of memories connecting to earlier to later person
30% of people’s memory of past events involving themselves are false or didn’t happen

Question 14

Psychological Continuity

Answer 14

Psychological traits=basis of identity (values, habits)
Amnesia: memory loss
Dissociative identity disorder: two personalities take control of behaviour, lacks awareness of

Question 15

Psychological continuity

Answer 15

Sci-fi brain transfer:
brain structure copied and planted in two different bodies
two different people
Digital mind uploading:
electronics of brain functioning
‘content’ of mind is digital and uploaded onto computer

Question 16

Narrative theory

Answer 16

linking episodes of life together to know past and make present

Question 17

Macquerries approach

Answer 17

1. ‘situated’ yet transcendent
2. ‘indefinite edges’
3. complex
4. be centre