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Single Idea 5504

[from 'Introduction to 'Personal Identity'' by R Martin / J Barresi, in 16. Persons / D. Continuity of the Self / 2. Mental Continuity / b. Self as mental continuity ]

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 Reference

'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.