Description
Book SynopsisJohn Locke's theory of personal identity underlies all modern discussion of the nature of persons and selves - yet it is widely thought to be wrong. This book argues that in fact it is Locke's critics who are wrong, and that the famous objections to his theory are invalid.
Trade Review"[E]legant and provocative... There is no denying that the case he makes in this short but compelling book is a powerful one."--Barry Dainton, Times Literary Supplement "This book will appeal to Locke scholars and those interested in Locke's account of personal identity."--Choice "Clearly and vigorously argued, this is an important contribution both to the history of philosophy and to the contemporary philosophy of personal identity."--World Book Industry "This book is a pleasure to read. It is written in Strawson's characteristically brilliant style, and it is brimming with interesting ideas about Locke and about responsibility. It can be safely said that anyone thinking about Locke should read it."--Paul F Snowdon, Mind
Table of ContentsPreface xi Chapter 1 Introduction 1 Chapter 2 "Person" 5 Chapter 3 "Person ... is a forensic term" 17 Chapter 4 Concernment 22 Chapter 5 Consciousness 30 Chapter 6 "Consciousness ... is inseparable from thinking "42 Chapter 7 "From the inside" 50 Chapter 8 "Person"--Locke's Definition 58 Chapter 9 Consciousness Is Not Memory 72 Chapter 10 Personal Identity 77 Chapter 11 Psychological Connectedness 88 Chapter 12 Transition (Butler Dismissed) 93 Chapter 13 "But next ... ": Personal Identity without Substantial Continuity 97 Chapter 14 "And therefore ... ": [I]-transfers, [Ag]-transfers, [P]-transfers 110 Chapter 15 "A fatal error of theirs" 119 Chapter 16 A Fatal Error of Locke's? 125 Chapter 17 Circularity? 131 Chapter 18 The Distinction between [P] and [S] 135 Chapter 19 Concernment and Repentance 139 Chapter 20 Conclusion 150 Postface 157 Appendix 1 "Of Identity and Diversity" by John Locke 163 Appendix 2 A Defence of Mr. Locke's Opinion Concerning Personal Identity by Edmund Law 233 References 253 Index 259
