Single Idea 9758

[catalogued under 16. Persons / A. Concept of a Person / 4. Persons as Agents]

Full Idea

A focus on agency makes more sense of personal identity than a focus on experience.

Gist of Idea

To make sense of personal identity, focus on agency rather than experience

Source

Christine M. Korsgaard (Intro to 'Creating the Kingdom of Ends' [1996], §2)

Book Reference

Korsgaard,Christine M.: 'Creating the Kingdom of Ends' [CUP 1996], p.374


A Reaction

This strikes me as eminently sensible advice for the beginning of any discussion of personal identity. Her personal bęte noir is Parfit, who focuses on what we are conscious of.