Multilarity #1: Persistent Identity
Multilarity #1: Persistent Identity
Minds, Memories & More
Today’s newsletter explores the topic of “Persistent Identity.” This phrase raises questions about the constancy of our identity through time. Why are we the same individual from childhood to adulthood? How does dementia influence one’s identity? We’ll explore this profound idea through thought-provoking essays, science fiction, a philosophical podcast, and more. Enjoy this journey into the essence of who we are.
Let’s begin with an essay from Tim Urban, analyzing this idea through the lens of The Body Theory, The Brain Theory & The Data Theory. Urban uses his trademark wit and art to investigate the paradoxes present in identity thought-experiments (don’t miss the teletransporter!) Even if you’ve read this before, it’s a fantastic piece that still holds up almost ten years later.
In an episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast, Christopher Shields further expands on this. He walks us through a solution to the conundrum with the idea of “psychological continuity.” Echoing Aristotle, Shields says: “a substance, a basic being, is a certain kind of individual life directionality.” I like the holistic approach that emphasizes the importance of both the body and memory, which Urban also discusses in his Soul Theory.
The persistence of identity is intrinsically linked to memory. Moving from the philosophical to the practical, let’s now delve into the complex issue of dementia.
I experienced dementia's impact on identity through the experiences of my grandfathers, seeing first-hand how the disease underscores memory’s pivotal role in defining who we are. When memory fades, questions on the nature of those you love spring forth.
Kat McGowan’s essay in Wired dives into the innovative use of AI & robots in improving life for those with dementia. With both her parents living with this memory-thief, she says: “…dementia doesn’t erode individuality. It sharpens and twists it.” But I wonder, how much twisting until the person turns into someone unrecognizable?
TikTok, with its dynamic algorithm, recently led me to the world of Dan Salinger and his father, who lives with dementia. These videos, seen by millions, showcase moments of humor, love, patience, and wisdom. The video below is a gem that adds credence to McGowan’s quote, revealing that even as memory fades, the identity of a person can endure.
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While dementia gives a common foundation for this discussion, various other brain conditions can shape the persistence of identity. Christopher Nolan’s Memento is a film that turns narrative structure into a mystery of memory. The below YouTube video is a great summary to watch after viewing it.
The Curse of Thinking Too Deeply
The below animated video from Pursuit of Wonder uses the following thought-experiment to further probe this topic. In it, Neil faces a life-altering decision about a brain surgery that might impair his capacity for abstract thought, fundamental to his identity. This dilemma expands our understanding of identity to include other facets of our mind we may value – such as intelligence, creativity, empathy, or logic. It poses the question: if we lose one of these, do we cease to be ourselves?
Andy Weir’s “The Egg,” a cult classic short story, adds a unique, supernatural dimension to the exploration of identity over time. It’s a must-read, followed by a viewing of the accompanying video by Kurzgesagt.
The Ship of Theseus
No discussion on persistent identity is complete without referencing the Ship of Theseus. For the 101, go to Wikipedia. Interestingly, the Wikipedia article itself represents a textual Ship of Theseus.
And here’s a fun take on this classic ship from Existential Comics.
Identity is a complex and multifaceted concept. In this edition, we’ve traversed its impact on life in a singular universe. But what about identity across the multiverse? What if parallel versions of ourselves exist? More concretely, what are the implications for neuroscience and ethics? These are some of the questions we might explore in future newsletters.
The Idea in Action
Which part of your identity feels core to who you are? How can you harness this to further your growth as a human?
How has your identity changed over time? Is there a “part of you” from the past that can help you in your current stage of life?
Imagine you lost your memory tomorrow, how would your loved ones describe you?
If you were cloned, what would you want to do with your clone?
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Multilarity represents a synergy of human imagination and AI capabilities, reflecting a new era of collaborative writing. AI assists in maximizing clarity and creativity in this newsletter with things like brainstorming, curation, grammar, language refinement, and summaries. The identity of Multilarity encompasses a multiverse of ideas and words, spanning across time, various programs, and the minds of both myself and those whose work I curate.