TOPIC INFO (CUET PG)
TOPIC INFO – CUET PG (Philosophy)
SUB-TOPIC INFO – Philosophy (Section I: Metaphysics)
CONTENT TYPE – Short Notes
What’s Inside the Chapter? (After Subscription)
1. Introduction
2. Counting the Uncountable
3. Some Issues Connected with Personal Identity.
3.1. Personhood
3.2. What am I?
3.3. How could I have been?
4. Identity Based on Consciousness
5. Anthropological Insights
5.1. The Centre, that Is the Self
6. Conclusion
Note: The First Topic of Unit 1 is Free.
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Personal Identity
(Metaphysics)
CUET PG – Philosophy (Notes)
Introduction
The story of Theseus’ ship, from Plutarch (46-126 ACE), illustrates the problem of identity and change.
Theseus’ ship, preserved by Athenians, had all its planks replaced over time as they decayed.
Philosophers debate whether the ship with all new parts remains the same ship or becomes a different ship.
Thomas Hobbes posed a related question: if someone reassembled the discarded old parts into a ship, which ship is the original?
This raises the issue of whether an object that has had all its components replaced remains fundamentally the same entity.
The question relates directly to personal identity and self over time as we acquire new experiences.
Reflecting on anthropological issues, such as the renewal of cells in the human body, connects to ideas of personality.
The concept of self is linked to the scientific notion of a “centre of gravity”, suggesting the self (and reality) is a network of interrelating entities.