Video - Who Am I? Exploring the Mysteries of Personal Identity

Imagine waking up one day with your memory completely erased. Would you still be you? Today, let's delve into the fascinating philosophical question of personal identity over time. This idea isn't just an abstract thought experiment; it impacts how we see ourselves, our experiences, and our lives. Philosophers like John Locke argue that personal identity is linked to consciousness and memory, suggesting that if you remember doing something, it was indeed you who did it. On the other hand, David Hume contended that the self is just a bundle of perceptions with no true unity. Then there's Thomas Reid, who pointed out a contradiction in Locke's theory known as Reid's Paradox, where memory might not be necessary or sufficient for personal identity. The ancient Ship of Theseus paradox further complicates things: if every part of a ship is replaced, is it still the same ship? Similarly, if our cells and memories constantly change, are we still the same person? My take is that personal identity is a dynamic interplay of memory, consciousness, and physical continuity. It evolves but maintains a core essence, shaped by both inner experience and external recognition. While complete clarity might remain elusive, probing this question sharpens our understanding of selfhood, continuity, and change.