Single Idea 4199

[catalogued under 9. Objects / E. Objects over Time / 9. Ship of Theseus]

Full Idea

If a ship is renovated without reconstruction of original parts, we happily identify the renovation with the original; if there was a reconstruction without the renovated version, we would identify the reconstruction with the original.

Gist of Idea

A renovation or a reconstruction of an original ship would be accepted, as long as the other one didn't exist

Source

E.J. Lowe (A Survey of Metaphysics [2002], p.27)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'A Survey of Metaphysics' [OUP 2002], p.27


A Reaction

This really shakes our belief in identity as a natural rather than mental phenomenon. The existence of clones undermines our normal idea of personal identity.