1. In a 750 word (or more) written response, explain, discuss and explore the philosophical topic below, and answer the questions provided. Responses should show an understanding of topic being discussed, and should explore the topic beyond simply summarizing or explaining. You should answer the questions I’ve provided (the ‘optional’ question is optional), but you are also encouraged to take your discussion of the topic beyond the questions that I ask you to respond to. Creativity and finding connections to outside of the topic are encouraged!
2. Write a minimum of 750 words that are on topic and focused on discussing and analyzing the philosophical topic.
3. Put your word count at the top of your assignment.
Topic:
The Ship of Theseus is an ancient metaphysical puzzle in philosophy that calls into question the nature of identity and and the relationship between a named object and and the component parts that comprise the object. In our lecture series on the Ship of Theseus we considered two different versions of the puzzle, a basic version that involves Theseus simply discarding the old pieces of his ship as he travels, and a complex version that finds Al Gore trailing behind trying to salvage and repurpose the leftover parts. We also introduced two theories of identity. The mereological theory of identity connects the identity of an object to the exact material it is made of, whereas the spatio-temporal theory of identity proposes that the continued existence of an object comes from its continuous existence and unbroken space-time path.
Reflection Directions:
Please review the material on the Ship of Theseus carefully and then write a reflection that responds to the following items:
- Briefly summarize the two versions of the ship of theseus puzzle in your own words.
- Consider the complex version (the one that includes Al Gore). In this version who do you think ends up with the original ship in the end (Theseus, Al Gore, or neither!)? Why do you think this is the case?
- Building off your answer to question #2, what do you think it means for an object to continue to exist as the same object over time? Which theory (mereological or spatio-temporal) is closer to your current view on identity?
- (Optional) What are some implications of your view on identity? Here I’m inviting you to apply your view on identity to other cases (humans, society, ferns, whatever) and see if your view gives what you consider to be the intuitively write answers in these cases.
How to Write The Ship of Theseus and the Nature of Identity Reflection
Introduction
Expanded academic introduction explaining metaphysics, philosophical identity, and why the Ship of Theseus remains significant in philosophical discussions. Introduce identity theories and explain that the paper will examine both versions of the puzzle while evaluating competing views of identity.
Section 1: Summary of the Basic Ship of Theseus Puzzle
Provide a detailed explanation of the original version of the Ship of Theseus puzzle in your own words.
Include discussion of:
Paragraph explaining gradual replacement of ship components
Paragraph discussing the philosophical problem created by replacement of all original materials
Paragraph examining why the puzzle challenges assumptions regarding sameness and identity
Section 2: Summary of the Complex Ship of Theseus Puzzle with Al Gore
Provide a detailed discussion of the modified version involving Al Gore collecting discarded pieces.
Include discussion of:
Paragraph describing reconstruction of the original parts
Paragraph examining the emergence of two competing claims of identity
Paragraph discussing why the complex version creates a greater challenge than the original puzzle
Section 3: Who Possesses the Original Ship and Why
Present your position regarding whether Theseus, Al Gore, or neither possesses the original ship.
Include discussion of:
Paragraph introducing your chosen position
Paragraph defending the argument with philosophical reasoning
Paragraph explaining weaknesses in alternative interpretations
Paragraph connecting your argument to concepts of continuity and identity
Section 4: Understanding Identity Across Time
Discuss what it means for an object to remain the same object over time.
Include discussion of:
Paragraph defining identity persistence
Paragraph discussing continuity and change
Paragraph examining whether physical replacement destroys identity
Paragraph exploring how identity may involve more than physical components
Section 5: Comparing Mereological Theory and Spatio-Temporal Theory
Analyze both theories and explain which one aligns more closely with your perspective.
Include discussion of:
Paragraph explaining mereological theory
Paragraph explaining spatio-temporal theory
Paragraph comparing strengths and weaknesses
Paragraph defending your preferred theory using evidence and reasoning
Section 6: Implications of Identity Theory
Discuss broader implications of your chosen theory beyond ships.
Possible areas:
Human identity
Personal growth
Social institutions
Technology
Society
Memory and consciousness
Explain whether your theory produces intuitive outcomes in real-world examples.
Conclusion
Expanded conclusion summarizing the significance of the Ship of Theseus puzzle and your position regarding identity, continuity, and existence.
References
Include course materials and any outside philosophical resources in APA alphabetical order.
Example:
Olson, E. T. (2017). Personal identity. Routledge.
Sider, T. (2001). Four dimensionalism: An ontology of persistence and time. Oxford University Press.
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (2024). Identity over time.
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