more from A.J. Ayer

Single Idea 5324

[catalogued under 16. Persons / B. Nature of the Self / 7. Self and Body / a. Self needs body]

Full Idea

In general the two criteria of memory and bodily identity work together.

Gist of Idea

Bodily identity and memory work together to establish personal identity

Source

A.J. Ayer (The Central Questions of Philosophy [1973], §VI.B)

Book Reference

Ayer,A.J.: 'The Central Questions of Philosophy' [Penguin 1976], p.116


A Reaction

This seems better than any simplistic one-criterion approach. In life we use different criteria for our own identity, as when dreaming, or waking with a hangover, or wondering if we are dead after an accident.