Every day, we think about who we are by considering our roles—like being a sister, daughter, or friend—and our interests and characteristics, such as gender and ethnicity. We often see these identities as stable and unchanging. However, the 18th-century philosopher David Hume had a different view. He believed that the idea of a constant self is an illusion.
David Hume argued that there is no single “you” that stays the same from birth to death. Instead, he suggested that our identities are just a collection of impressions—our thoughts, feelings, memories, and the labels others give us. He compared the self to a box filled with different parts that make us who we are. When you take away the box, all that’s left is a bunch of pieces without a unified identity.
This idea brings up important questions about responsibility and relationships. If we’re always changing, how can we be held accountable for past actions? If the person we love today isn’t the same as the one we fell in love with, what does that mean for our promises and commitments?
We’ve looked at two main theories of personal identity before: the body theory, which says we’re the same person because we have the same body, and John Locke’s memory theory, which claims our memories define us. Both theories have issues. Hume argued that since our traits change over time, it’s unreasonable to assume we have a consistent identity.
Modern philosopher Derek Parfit expanded on Hume’s ideas with a thought experiment about a machine that can take apart and rebuild a person atom by atom. If this machine makes a copy of you on Mars, is that new person really you? Parfit concluded that whether the original is destroyed or not, the new being is separate. So, personal identity over time is an illusion.
Parfit introduced the idea of psychological connectedness, suggesting that while we may not be the same person throughout our lives, we maintain connections to our past selves. He compared personal identity to chainmail, where each link is a different experience or memory. As we grow and change, some links fade and new ones form, but the connections between them create a sense of continuity.
This understanding of identity has big implications for how we view promises and responsibilities. According to Parfit, our obligations are tied to our psychological connections with past selves. For example, if someone has changed a lot since childhood, they might not be responsible for actions taken by their younger self.
When it comes to marriage vows, Parfit’s theory suggests that lifelong promises might not hold the same weight, as people change over time. Some propose temporary marriage contracts with renewal options, while others believe that the essence of a vow can last through ongoing reaffirmation of commitments.
Exploring personal identity through Hume’s bundle theory and Parfit’s psychological connectedness gives us valuable insights into how we understand ourselves and our relationships. As we go through life, it’s important to recognize that change is a fundamental part of who we are. Philosophy encourages us to keep engaging with the evolving nature of our identities and the connections we share with others.
In the next discussion, we’ll explore the concept of “person” and what it means for our understanding of identity.
Write a reflective journal entry about your own sense of identity. Consider how your roles, interests, and characteristics have changed over time. Reflect on Hume’s idea that the self is just a collection of impressions and Parfit’s concept of psychological connectedness. How do these theories resonate with your personal experiences?
Participate in a class debate on the topic: “Personal identity is stable and unchanging.” Use arguments from Hume and Parfit to support your stance. Consider the implications of their theories on responsibility and relationships. Prepare to challenge opposing views and defend your position.
Engage in a thought experiment inspired by Parfit’s teleportation scenario. Imagine a machine that can teleport you by creating an exact copy on Mars. Discuss with your peers whether the person on Mars is truly you. Consider the implications for personal identity and continuity. Document your conclusions and reasoning.
Create a visual representation of your identity using Hume’s bundle theory and Parfit’s chainmail analogy. Use drawings, symbols, or digital tools to illustrate the different “impressions” or “links” that make up your identity. Present your artwork to the class and explain how it reflects your understanding of personal identity.
Write a dialogue between your current self and a future version of yourself. Discuss how changes over time might affect your responsibilities and commitments. Use insights from Hume and Parfit to explore how your future self might view promises made today. Share your dialogue with a partner and discuss the philosophical implications.
Identity – The characteristics, qualities, or beliefs that make a person or group different from others. – In philosophy, understanding one’s identity involves exploring how personal beliefs and experiences shape who we are.
Philosophy – The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline. – Philosophy encourages students to question the nature of reality and the limits of human understanding.
Responsibility – The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone. – In ethical philosophy, responsibility often involves considering the consequences of one’s actions on others.
Relationships – The way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected. – Philosophers often examine the nature of relationships to understand how individuals interact within a society.
Self – A person’s essential being that distinguishes them from others, especially considered as the object of introspection or reflexive action. – The concept of the self is central to many philosophical discussions about consciousness and identity.
Change – The act or process through which something becomes different. – Heraclitus famously argued that change is the fundamental essence of the universe, encapsulated in the phrase “You cannot step into the same river twice.”
Memories – The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information. – Philosophers debate whether memories are reliable sources of knowledge about the past.
Impressions – An idea, feeling, or opinion about something or someone, especially one formed without conscious thought or on the basis of little evidence. – David Hume suggested that our knowledge begins with impressions, which are vivid and lively perceptions.
Connectedness – A feeling of belonging to or having affinity with a particular person or group. – The philosophy of connectedness explores how individuals relate to each other and the world around them.
Continuity – The unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something over time. – In philosophy, continuity is often discussed in the context of personal identity and the persistence of the self over time.
