Full Idea
Who will affirm, because he has entirely forgot the incidents of past days, that the present self is not the same person with the self of that time? And by that means overturn all the most established notions of personal identity?
Gist of Idea
Who thinks that because you have forgotten an incident you are no longer that person?
Source
David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature [1739], I.IV.6)
Book Reference
Hume,David: 'A Treatise of Human Nature', ed/tr. Selby-Bigge/Nidditch [OUP 1978], p.262
A Reaction
This is a swipe at one of Locke's most controversial claims (especially when applied to incidents of criminal behaviour). Hume says memory constitutes this identity, but Locke's view says it merely reveals identity.
Related Ideas
Idea 12511 If consciousness is interrupted, and we forget our past selves, are we still the same thinking thing? [Locke]
Idea 12514 On Judgement Day, no one will be punished for actions they cannot remember [Locke]