PHIL 50.09 Personal Identity and the Self

What sorts of beings are we? Embodied psychologies? Thinking animals? Moral agents? Narrative constructs? The metaphysical questions are abiding ones because of their intrinsic interest, and also because of their rich connections to developing theories of human biology, psychology, value, freedom, and agency. We will investigate which features, if any, are essential to the sorts of beings we are. We will ask after the grounds for existence and persistence of such beings across time (e.g. biological capacities, self-reflective capacities, rational agency). We will consider models of self-constitution, self-knowledge and self-deception. If time permits, the course will conclude with an exploration of the impact of psychological fragmentation on personhood, self-constitution and agency.

Prerequisite

Two Philosophy courses, or permission of the instructor.

Degree Requirement Attributes

Dist:TMV

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