Memories Of The Past
Philosophy : Thought Experiments Many people believe that they have had previous lives, and cite experiences and memories they believe they could not have got from this life alone as evidence. Whether you are sceptical or open to the possibility, how would you react to the following: Imagine someone woke up one day, and suddenly they seemed to have a perfect knowledge of Napoleon - able to recall all his memories in graphic detail, from birth right the way through. What's more, this person believes that they are Napoleon, and act in a very Napoleonic way. Would it be reasonable to assume that this person IS Napoleon, and somehow has come back to life in another body? The answer to this question will tease apart your view on what it is to constitute personal identity: for instance whether it requires psychological or physical continuity over time.
Questions about thought experiments:
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