The Psychological Theory and Personal Identity

Flashcards summarizing key concepts related to the psychological theory of personal identity.

Numerical Identity

A and B are numerically identical insofar as A is the same thing as B.

Qualitative Identity

A and B are qualitatively identical to the degree that they have the same qualities, or properties.

Locke’s Memory Theory

Continuity of identity is tied to continuity of memory as proposed by John Locke.

Reidentification Question

What makes a person the same person over time?

Psychological Approach

A person continues to exist insofar as their psychology continues to exist.

Physical Approach

A person continues to exist insofar as their body continues to exist.

Causal Theory of Memory

A genuine memory of an experience is a memory caused in the right way by the original experience.

Circularity Objection

The problem that personal identity analysis in terms of memories presupposes the concept of identity itself.

Quasi-memory

An apparent memory caused in the right way by someone’s experience, which may or may not entail identity.

Amnesia

A significant condition which raises questions about the continuity of psychological identity.