{"product_id":"self-and-identity-9780192843432","title":"Self and Identity","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eThe personal identity literature is fragmented, with a literature on the normative topic of what matters in survival and a separate literature on the metaphysics of persons. Trenton Merricks argues that identity with a future person explains why it is appropriate to first-personally anticipate and have self-interested concern with regard to that person's experiences, delivering what matters in survival. He also applies his conclusions to personal immortality, which cannot accommodate all the ways in which personal transformations can be good or bad for someone. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 208 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 13 January 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Oxford University Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe field of personal identity literature is indeed fragmented, encompassing diverse perspectives on what constitutes an individual's essence. Within this realm, there exists a literature focused on normative questions, delving into the factors that are essential for survival. On the other hand, there exists a separate branch of inquiry into the metaphysics of persons, exploring the nature of personal existence and identity. However, in his book \"Self and Identity,\" Trenton Merricks argues that certain crucial claims about personal identity cannot be fully articulated or evaluated unless these two strands of thought are brought together. Merricks posits that what truly matters in survival is not merely identity with a future person but rather the capacity of a present individual to anticipate and have self-interested concern for the experiences of a future person. In other words, survival is not determined by a mere association with a future self but rather by the ability to engage with and care about the well-being of that future self.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMerricks further elucidates his argument by suggesting that identity with a future person does not constitute what matters in survival. Rather, it is the metaphysics of enduring persons that provides the framework for understanding why it is appropriate to anticipate and care about the experiences of others. According to Merricks, the enduring nature of persons allows for a sense of continuity and interconnectedness that extends beyond the confines of individual lives. By recognizing the enduring essence of individuals, we can develop a deeper sense of empathy and compassion, which can ultimately contribute to our survival and well-being.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile some individuals argue that survival is not solely determined by identity but rather by psychological continuity, having the same self, narrative connectedness, unity of agency, or other factors, Merricks contends that these claims fail to accommodate the full range of ways in which personal transformations can be beneficial or detrimental for an individual. He argues that these perspectives overlook the profound impact that identity can have on an individual's sense of self, values, desires, and projects. Identity plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's sense of belonging, purpose, and identity, and it can have a profound impact on their ability to navigate through life's challenges and achieve their goals.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, the book \"Self and Identity\" by Trenton Merricks offers a thought-provoking exploration of personal identity and its significance in survival. Merricks challenges the notion that identity is merely incidental to survival and argues that it is, in fact, a fundamental aspect of our existence. By integrating the metaphysics of enduring persons with the normative topic of what matters in survival, Merricks provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of personal identity and its role in shaping our lives. His insights into the importance of anticipation, empathy, and compassion in fostering survival and well-being offer valuable lessons for individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of personal transformation and achieve a sense of fulfillment and purpose.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 588g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 210 x 141 x 17 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9780192843432\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TrentonMerricks","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44100547084538,"sku":"9780192843432","price":85.68,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1646281050901_book.jpg?v=1646937964","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/self-and-identity-9780192843432","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}