Personal and bodily identity : the metaphysics of resurrection in 17th century philosophy
This thesis is the most systematic exploration to date of the deep and varied debates about the metaphysics of resurrection in the 17th Century. It treats both well-known figures in the history of philosophy (Descartes, Locke, Boyle, and Leibniz), as well as figures whose significance has been somewhat forgotten (John of St Thomas, Franco Burgersdijk, and the Cambridge Platonists). In addition to recovering treatments of resurrection in these original sources, this study pays close attention to the argumentation of the philosophers in question. Taking seriously the philosophical framework of hylomorphism, this thesis begins with an account of the motivating considerations for resurrection. According to the hylomorphism prevalent at the beginning of the period, the person is the composite of body and soul. Bodily resurrection is therefore well-motivated for anyone reflecting on the possibility of a personal afterlife. After establishing the theological and historical setting (Chapter 1), the thesis explores three major frameworks for resurrection in the 17th Century: hylomorphism or Late Scholasticism (Chapter 2), Platonism (Chapter 3), and Locke's consciousness-based account of personal identity (Chapter 4).
Thompson, Jon William
Personal and bodily identity : the metaphysics of resurrection in 17th century philosophy. This thesis is the most systematic exploration to date of the deep and varied debates about the metaphysics of resurrection in the 17th Century. It treats both well-known figures in the history of philosophy (Descartes, Locke, Boyle, and Leibniz), as well as figures whose significance has been somewhat forgotten (John of St Thomas, Franco Burgersdijk, and the Cambridge Platonists). In addition to recovering treatments of resurrection in these original sources, this study pays close attention to the argumentation of the philosophers in question. Taking seriously the philosophical framework of hylomorphism, this thesis begins with an account of the motivating considerations for resurrection. According to the hylomorphism prevalent at the beginning of the period, the person is the composite of body and soul. Bodily resurrection is therefore well-motivated for anyone reflecting on the possibility of a personal afterlife. After establishing the theological and historical setting (Chapter 1), the thesis explores three major frameworks for resurrection in the 17th Century: hylomorphism or Late Scholasticism (Chapter 2), Platonism (Chapter 3), and Locke's consciousness-based account of personal identity (Chapter 4).
personal bodily identity metaphysics resurrection philosophy systematic exploration date deep varied debate metaphysics resurrection treat well_known figure history_philosophy descartes locke leibniz well figure whose significance somewhat forgotten john thomas franco cambridge addition recover treatment resurrection original source study pay_close attention argumentation philosopher question taking seriously philosophical framework hylomorphism begin account motivate consideration resurrection according hylomorphism prevalent begin_period person composite body soul bodily resurrection therefore well motivated anyone reflect possibility personal afterlife establish_theological historical_setting explore three_major framework resurrection hylomorphism late scholasticism platonism locke consciousness based_account personal_identity