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Full Idea
Some recent philosophers have argued that we should replace the three-dimensional view of persons with a four-dimensional view according to which only time-slices, or 'stages', of persons exist at short intervals of time.
Gist of Idea
Maybe we should see persons in four dimensions, with stages or time-slices at an instant
Source
R Martin / J Barresi (Introduction to 'Personal Identity' [2003], p.3)
Book Ref
'Personal Identity', ed/tr. Martin,R /Barresi,J [Blackwells 2003], p.3
A Reaction
At first glance this seems to neatly eliminate lots of traditional worries. But why would I want to retain my identity, if someone threatened to brainwash me. I also want to disown my inadequate earlier selves. Interesting, though. Lewis.
5502 | Locke's intrinsic view of personal identity has been replaced by an externalist view [Martin/Barresi] |
5504 | Maybe we should see persons in four dimensions, with stages or time-slices at an instant [Martin/Barresi] |
5503 | Maybe personal identity is not vital in survival, and other continuations would suffice [Martin/Barresi] |
5505 | For Aristotle the psyche perishes with the body (except possibly 'nous') [Martin/Barresi] |