more from A.J. Ayer

Single Idea 5665

[catalogued under 16. Persons / D. Continuity of the Self / 2. Mental Continuity / a. Memory is Self]

Full Idea

The most promising suggestion is that the bundles are tied together by means of memory.

Gist of Idea

Memory is the best proposal as what unites bundles of experiences

Source

A.J. Ayer (The Concept of a Person [1963], §IV)

Book Reference

Ayer,A.J.: 'The Concept of a Person etc' [Macmillan 1973], p.114


A Reaction

This is interesting for showing how Locke was essentially trying to meet (in advance) Hume's 'bundle' scepticism. Hume proposed associations as the unifying factor, instead of memories. Ayer proposes concepts as a candidate.