Personal identity : the simple view
In the examination of the concept of personal identity, this thesis concentrates upon the central~ divide between complex and simple accounts. The opposing theories have been evaluated with respect to their ability to produce a concept of persons which will fulfil the role of a forensic being. Thus, the criticisms suggested are not made solely in consideration of the coherence of supportive arguments but also on the ability to provide accurate accounts of a person as a moral agent: whether value and responsibility are sufficiently met by the concept and whether the resulting person can be objectively and reliably identified. The thesis begins with an explanation of the historical roots of the debate, considering the originators of the simple view in their criticism of Locke's conception of personal identity. It then moves on to examine the modern version of the simple view, explaining its arguments and providing a critique. Finally, modifications to the modern simple view are suggested, pointing the way to a more satisfactory debate within personal identity theory, whilst showing the central epistemological role that such a debate has.
Southgate, Susan Jane
Locke, J
Personal identity : the simple view. In the examination of the concept of personal identity, this thesis concentrates upon the central~ divide between complex and simple accounts. The opposing theories have been evaluated with respect to their ability to produce a concept of persons which will fulfil the role of a forensic being. Thus, the criticisms suggested are not made solely in consideration of the coherence of supportive arguments but also on the ability to provide accurate accounts of a person as a moral agent: whether value and responsibility are sufficiently met by the concept and whether the resulting person can be objectively and reliably identified. The thesis begins with an explanation of the historical roots of the debate, considering the originators of the simple view in their criticism of Locke's conception of personal identity. It then moves on to examine the modern version of the simple view, explaining its arguments and providing a critique. Finally, modifications to the modern simple view are suggested, pointing the way to a more satisfactory debate within personal identity theory, whilst showing the central epistemological role that such a debate has.
personal_identity simple view examination concept_personal identity concentrate_upon central divide complex simple account oppose theory evaluate respect ability produce concept_person fulfil role forensic thus criticism suggest make solely consideration coherence supportive argument also ability provide accurate account person moral_agent whether value responsibility sufficiently meet concept whether result person objectively reliably identify begin explanation historical root debate consider simple view criticism locke conception personal_identity move examine modern version simple view explain argument provide critique finally modification modern simple view suggest point way satisfactory debate_within personal_identity theory whilst show central epistemological role debate