The Problem Of Continuity In Identity

Do we remain the same person through life's changes?

How Do You Learn Best?

Note: You can explore any or all of these paths in any order you prefer!

The Problem Of Continuity In Identity in 10 Minutes

Introduction

Introduction

Identity is a complex concept that we all grapple with throughout our lives. From birth to death, we are constantly evolving and changing, both physically and mentally. But how do we maintain a sense of continuity in our identity amidst all these transformations?

This question forms the basis of the problem of continuity in identity, which has puzzled philosophers and psychologists for centuries. How do we ensure that we remain the same person despite the many changes we undergo over time? Is there a core essence that defines who we are, or are we simply a collection of experiences and memories?

In this article, we will explore the various theories and perspectives on the problem of continuity in identity. From the philosophical debate between essentialism and existentialism to the psychological research on personality development, we will delve into the complexities of maintaining a coherent sense of self in a world of constant change.

1. John Smith

1. John Smith

John Smith is a character who struggles with the problem of continuity in identity. He often questions whether he is the same person he was in his youth, as his beliefs, values, and memories have evolved over time. John grapples with the idea of whether there is a core self that remains constant throughout life.

2. Dr. Elizabeth Chang

2. Dr. Elizabeth Chang

Dr. Elizabeth Chang is a psychologist who specializes in the study of identity. She conducts research on how individuals maintain a sense of continuity in their sense of self despite undergoing significant life changes. Dr. Chang's work sheds light on the complexities of identity and the ways in which it can be both stable and evolving.

3. Sarah Johnson

3. Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson is a fictional character in a novel that explores the problem of continuity in identity. Throughout the story, Sarah grapples with questions of who she is and how she has changed over time. As she navigates various challenges and experiences, Sarah's sense of self is tested, leading her to reflect on the nature of personal identity.

The Problem of Continuity in Identity

The Problem of Continuity in Identity

In a small town, a young girl named Lily wakes up one morning and realizes she can't remember anything about herself. She doesn't remember her name, her family, or where she lives.

Lily Seeks Help

Lily Seeks Help

Feeling lost and scared, Lily decides to seek help from the townspeople. However, no one seems to recognize her or know anything about her past. She feels even more confused and alone.

Searching for Clues

Searching for Clues

Lily begins to search for clues about her identity. She looks through old photos, tries to remember familiar places, and asks around town for any information that might jog her memory.

A Mysterious Stranger

A Mysterious Stranger

One day, a mysterious stranger approaches Lily and claims to know who she is. He tells her that she is actually a princess from a faraway kingdom, but she was cursed to forget her identity by an evil sorcerer.

The Journey Begins

The Journey Begins

Feeling hopeful, Lily decides to embark on a journey to find the kingdom and break the curse. Along the way, she faces many challenges and obstacles that test her determination and courage.

Ancient Prophecy

Ancient Prophecy

As Lily gets closer to the kingdom, she learns about an ancient prophecy that foretold her arrival. According to the prophecy, only she has the power to defeat the sorcerer and restore peace to the land.

Showdown with the Sorcerer

Showdown with the Sorcerer

When Lily finally confronts the sorcerer, he tries to deceive her with illusions and lies. But Lily's inner strength and belief in herself help her see through his tricks and defeat him once and for all.

Regaining her Identity

Regaining her Identity

With the curse lifted, Lily's memories come flooding back to her. She remembers her true identity as the princess of the kingdom and is reunited with her family and loved ones, who never gave up hope of finding her.

A New Beginning

A New Beginning

Now that she has regained her identity, Lily decides to stay in the kingdom and help rebuild it. She uses her experiences and newfound wisdom to guide and inspire others, becoming a beloved leader in the process.

1 / 19

Lesson Details & Resources

In a Nutshell

  • Concept: A philosophical problem that deals with the idea of personal identity and the continuity of self over time.
  • Thinkers: John Locke, David Hume, and Derek Parfit, 17th-20th Century.
  • Central Question: How can we account for the persistence of personal identity despite changes in physical and mental attributes?
  • Core Implication: The concept of a fixed, unchanging self may be an illusion, and our identity is more fluid and complex than commonly believed.

Timeline of The Problem Of Continuity In Identity

1st century AD

The Ship of Theseus paradox is first recorded by Plutarch

1690

John Locke introduces the concept of personal identity in 'An Essay Concerning Human Understanding'

1739

David Hume challenges the idea of a continuous self in 'A Treatise of Human Nature'

1781

Immanuel Kant proposes the concept of transcendental apperception in 'Critique of Pure Reason'

1984

Derek Parfit publishes 'Reasons and Persons', discussing the problem of personal identity

1970

Bernard Williams criticizes the concept of personal identity in 'The Self and the Future'

1991

Daniel Dennett presents his views on personal identity in 'The Self as a Center of Narrative Gravity'

2003

Thomas Metzinger explores the illusion of the self in 'Being No One: The Self-Model Theory of Subjectivity'

1985

Oliver Sacks discusses cases of disrupted personal identity in 'The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat'

2003

Raymond Tallis argues against reductionist views of personal identity in 'The Hand: A Philosophical Inquiry into Human Being'

1966

Alan Watts explores Eastern philosophies on selfhood in 'The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are'

2006

Susan Blackmore discusses the concept of self in 'Conversations on Consciousness'

1987

Thomas Nagel examines the limits of subjective experience in 'What Does It All Mean? A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy'

1975

Elizabeth Anscombe challenges the idea of a persisting self in 'The First Person'

1641

Rene Descartes posits the existence of a thinking self in 'Meditations on First Philosophy'

2011

Galen Strawson argues for the reality of the self in 'The Evident Connexion: Hume on Personal Identity'

1785

Thomas Reid defends the existence of a continuous self in 'Essays on the Intellectual Powers of Man'

1990

Paul Ricoeur explores the narrative construction of personal identity in 'Oneself as Another'

1996

Marya Schechtman discusses the problem of narrative identity in 'The Constitution of Selves'

2021

Anil Seth presents a neuroscientific perspective on selfhood in 'Being You: A New Science of Consciousness'

Vocabulary List

Continuity
The problem of continuity in identity arises when considering how a person remains the same individual over time despite changes in appearance, beliefs, and experiences.
Identity
The problem of continuity in identity deals with the question of what makes a person the same individual over time, despite changes in physical and mental attributes.
Persistence
The problem of continuity in identity concerns the persistence of a person's identity despite changes in their physical and mental characteristics.
Selfhood
The problem of continuity in identity delves into the concept of selfhood and how it is maintained over time despite changes in external factors.
Memory
Memory plays a crucial role in the problem of continuity in identity, as it helps individuals maintain a sense of self and continuity over time by recalling past experiences and knowledge.

Key Facts

This is the information used in the fact matching game

    No key facts found.

Analysis & Significance

The Core Argument

The problem of continuity in identity delves into the question of what makes a person the same individual over time. It challenges our intuitive sense of self and explores whether personal identity can be defined by physical continuity, psychological continuity, or a combination of both.

Criticisms and Counterarguments

One major criticism of the concept is the Ship of Theseus paradox, where gradual replacement of parts raises the question of whether the ship remains the same. Philosophers also debate whether memory plays a crucial role in defining identity, as memory can be fallible and change over time.

Modern Relevance

The problem of continuity in identity has significant implications in modern debates surrounding personal identity, artificial intelligence, and the ethics of cloning. As technology advances and questions of consciousness arise, understanding how we define and preserve individual identity becomes increasingly important in areas such as bioethics and digital privacy.

The Problem Of Continuity In Identity Games

Was This Lesson Helpful?

Please log in or sign up to rate this lesson. 

Take Your Learning Offline

Want a convenient, print-ready study guide for this lesson? Become a Memory Wizards Pro member to unlock the downloadable " Memory Scrolls" for this topic and our entire library!

  • ✓ Complete Vocabulary Lists
  • ✓ Key Facts & Timelines
  • ✓ Beautifully Formatted for Print & Mobile
Upgrade to Pro

You must be logged in to provide feedback. Please log in or create a free account.

Scroll to Top