Journeys with Tim

There is something to this notion, as evidenced by people who exhibit various amnesias - they literally forget who they are and sometimes exhibit pronounced personality changes. However, I think one has to consider implicit memory as well as explicit memory, the automatic recognition, perception, and thought processes versus conscious awareness and thinking. The key issue for me is one of phenomenal identity, whereby, people and things retain their identity in our minds despite often radical changes in appearance and physical properties. Of course, we all know people who change so much that we "barely recognize" them. From the inside, that is - with respect to personal identity of the individual him/herself - it is easier to see the persistance of identity by being privy to the continuity of change.

Regarding the notion that if one has the same memories as another person then s/he is that person. Hmmmm...well, imagine that some futuristic scientist is able to record all of your memories and transplant them into an individual who has an inherently different temperament. Even with all of his or her memories erased and with all of your memories implanted, his or her interpretation of reality and reactions to those memories may vary substantially. The "kindly, nurturant father" becomes a "weak-kneed sissy who never taught me to stand up for myself."

Anyway, best of luck in your quest to understand personal identity - See ya' later...

Bill

The future scientist case is a problem for Locke, or for anyone who shares his view. Same with the amnesias case. All problems for Locke. That is one reason I'm not convinced that memory is the right criterion for identity.

Thanks for your thoughts.