Human Identity

In the “Theseus Ship” thought experiment, I am convinced that the ship will never lose its original identity regardless of the general periodic maintenance that it undergoes. It is only when the ship is lost forever that we can claim its tragic end. Still, its identity will forever remain in our thoughts even as we pay respects by remembering the good brought by its service during its entire lifetime. The ship can meet its tragic end by sinking in the ocean, fire disaster and lack of maintenance. Replacement of over 50% of the ship’s parts or the alteration of the normal ships activities does not imply the change of the vessel identity. Instead, it implies that the original ship has only changed its purpose or that “Theseus Ship” has renewed. For instance, most of the ancient Greek architectural designs are undergoing regular maintenance to keep them from falling apart. However, the sites of these structures are some of the most visited tourist attraction sites.

Similarly, human beings identity will remain throughout their lifetime. Even though there are observable physical changes in an individual as their age advances, their personality will never change. For instance, adoption of a child does not signify the change of its descent. Additionally, education does not have the ability to convert the identity of a learner but has the ability to transform the individual lifestyle.

To demonstrate this, the historic figure such as political leaders, religious leaders and or intellects are still remembered and respected long after the end of their lifetime. This shows that time does not have the ability to alter personal identity. In fact, the human personality has survived billions of years of evolution.