A Philosophy of Person and Identity: Where was I when I wasn't there?

This book explores the themes of personhood and personal identity, arguing that while there is a metaphysical answer to the question of personal identity, there is no metaphysical answer to the question of what constitutes a person. It presents a neutral-monist, autopoietic-enactivist metaphysics of the human being and a relational, and human-dependent notion of a person. It examines dualism between mind and body, using conceptual argumentation and empirical case studies. The author argues that questions about our identity should be separated from questions of our personhood and the concept of personhood.

Format: Hardback
Length: 183 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book delves into profound themes of personhood and personal identity, presenting a comprehensive exploration of these complex concepts. While it acknowledges the existence of a metaphysical answer to the question of personal identity, it challenges the notion of a metaphysical solution to the question of what constitutes a person. The author vehemently opposes body-mind dualism and physicalism, as well as the idea of a metaphysically distinct category of persons separate from human beings or human organisms. Instead, they propose a neutral-monist, autopoietic-enactivist metaphysics of the human being, accompanied by a relational and entirely human-dependent notion of a person.

To support their arguments, the author employs a combination of conceptual argumentation and empirical case studies. Through personal experiences and a comprehensive examination of cultures from around the world, the author delves into the dualism between mind and body. They explore real-life individuals who seem to exist as disembodied minds, raising intriguing questions about the nature of personhood. The author further examines the concept of the person itself, questioning its essence and implications.

In the concluding chapters, the author presents their own views, arguing for a separation between questions of identity and personhood. They emphasize the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of these concepts and their interdependence. This volume holds significant appeal to scholars engaged in the study of philosophy of mind, offering a rich and thought-provoking exploration of these fundamental aspects of human existence.

Weight: 465g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031095238
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022