Locke considers the following objection: If I lose the memory of some part of my life I lack continuity of consciousness, yet we think that I am the same person. Locke thinks that this objection is confused because
A) the same man is being presumed to be the same person.
B) the same man is being presumed to be the same substance.
C) continuity of consciousness is irrelevant to personal identity.
D) memory is irrelevant to personal identity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Locke differentiates between the concept of "man" as a human being (a biological entity) and "person" as a thinking, conscious self. The objection confuses these by assuming that continuity of consciousness (or lack thereof) affects the identity of the "man" (the biological entity) rather than the "person" (the conscious self). Locke argues that personal identity is tied to consciousness and memory, not merely to being the same human being biologically.

Locke Considers the Following Objection: If I Lose the Memory