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Personal Identity

Artifacts

(Work In Progress: output at 24/11/2025 19:24:58)

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In-Page Footnotes:

Footnote 10:
  1. There’s an extensive literature on this topic, stemming from Richard Dawkins, which I’ll not pursue here.
  2. There’s a claim in "Harari (Yuval Noah) - Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" that the cohesive power of human societies and hence the rise of homo sapiens as a species is down to our shared belief in “fictions”.
  3. Yuval Noah Harari’s use of “fiction” is pejorative and non-standard, as he uses it for anything from religious beliefs to limited companies.
  4. Even those philosophers of religion who use the term “myths” for religious beliefs are keen to assert that “myth” does not men “fiction”, even though some myths are fictions as well.
Footnote 23: Footnote 28:


Table of the Previous 12 Versions of this Note:

Date Length Title
06/07/2023 00:43:12 8893 Artifacts
20/09/2022 11:24:00 8575 Artifacts
01/05/2022 18:20:10 8161 Artifacts
07/02/2021 19:46:34 7820 Artifacts
26/05/2020 21:51:50 6753 Artifacts
13/05/2020 19:30:43 6072 Artifacts
12/03/2018 15:21:36 6699 Artifacts
03/02/2018 18:44:38 5014 Artifacts
02/07/2015 23:12:29 3458 Artifacts
27/06/2011 18:57:36 2304 Artifacts
26/11/2007 23:25:26 1318 Artifacts
12/08/2007 10:17:46 115 Artifacts



Note last updated Reading List for this Topic Parent Topic
14/04/2026 04:10:40 Artifacts Research - Proposal


Summary of Notes Referenced by This Note

Awaiting Attention (Personal Identity) Carter – Artifacts of Theseus Connectedness vs Continuity Constitution Constitution View
Convention Ferner - Metaphysics and biology: a critique of David Wiggins’ account of personal identity Functionalism Homo Sapiens Human Beings
Intermittent Objects Matter Natural Kinds Nihilism Note Links Explanation
Olson - Immanent Causation and Life After Death Organisms Persistence Criteria Person Plug Note Apologia
Resurrection Ship of Theseus Sortals Thought Experiments Works Read - Explanation

To access information, click on one of the links in the table above.




Summary of Notes Citing This Note

Androids, 2 Baker - Materialism with a Human Face, 2, 3 Baker - Personal Identity Over Time Baker - Persons in the Material World, 2 Concepts, 2
Contingent Identity Convention Criteria of Identity Cyborgs Dracula
Intermittent Objects, 2 Olson - Immanent Causation and Life After Death Ontology PID Note, Book & Paper Usage, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 RIP: The Royal Institute of Philosophy - Podcasts
Ship of Theseus, 2, 3 Teletransportation Thesis - Chapter 04 (Basic Metaphysical Issues), 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Thesis - Chapter 05 (Persistence and Time) Thesis - Chapter 07 (The Constitution View and Arguments for It), 2, 3
Thesis - Chapter 10 (Thought Experiments), 2, 3 Thesis - Chapter 12 (Conclusion) Thesis - Current Stance Thesis - Personal Identity, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 Website Generator Documentation - Functors, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

To access information, click on one of the links in the table above.




Authors, Books & Papers Citing this Note

Author Title Medium Extra Links Read?
Ayers (Michael R.) Locke on Living Things Paper High Quality Abstract   Yes
Baker (Lynne Rudder) N/A Author High Quality Abstract    
Baker (Lynne Rudder) Personal Identity Over Time Paper Medium Quality Abstract   Yes
Baker (Lynne Rudder) Persons in the Material World Paper Medium Quality Abstract 2 Yes
Clark (Andy) & Kuhn (Robert Lawrence) Aeon: Video - Andy Clark - Virtual immortality Paper High Quality Abstract   Yes
Corcoran (Kevin) The Constitution View Paper Medium Quality Abstract    
Ferner (Adam) Metaphysics and biology: a critique of David Wiggins’ account of personal identity Paper High Quality Abstract    
Han (Byung-Chul) The copy is the original Paper Medium Quality Abstract   Yes
Hershenov (David) Review of Nancey Murphy's 'Bodies and Souls, or Spirited Bodies?' Paper High Quality Abstract   Yes
Olson (Eric) Immanent Causation and Life After Death Paper High Quality Abstract   Yes
RIP The Royal Institute of Philosophy - Podcasts Paper Medium Quality Abstract    
Swinburne (Richard) How To Determine Which Is The True Theory Of Personal Identity Paper High Quality Abstract    
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Androids Paper Medium Quality Abstract 2 Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Chapter 04 (Basic Metaphysical Issues) Paper Medium Quality Abstract 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Chapter 05 (Persistence and Time) Paper Medium Quality Abstract   Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Chapter 07 (The Constitution View and Arguments for It) Paper Medium Quality Abstract 2, 3 Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Chapter 10 (Thought Experiments) Paper Medium Quality Abstract 2, 3 Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Chapter 12 (Conclusion) Paper Medium Quality Abstract   Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Concepts Paper Medium Quality Abstract 2 Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Contingent Identity Paper Medium Quality Abstract   Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Convention Paper Medium Quality Abstract   Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Criteria of Identity Paper Medium Quality Abstract   Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Current Position Paper Medium Quality Abstract   Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Cyborgs Paper Medium Quality Abstract   Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Dracula Paper Medium Quality Abstract   Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Intermittent Objects Paper Medium Quality Abstract 2 Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Ontology Paper Medium Quality Abstract   Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Personal Identity Paper High Quality Abstract 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Ship of Theseus Paper Medium Quality Abstract 2, 3 Yes
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Teletransportation Paper Medium Quality Abstract   Yes
Wilson (Jack) Beyond Horses and Oak Trees: A New Theory of Individuation for Living Entities Paper High Quality Abstract   Yes
Zimmerman (Dean) Theories of Masses and Problems of Constitution Paper Medium Quality Abstract    



References & Reading List

Author Title Medium Source Read?
Baker (Lynne Rudder) Artifacts Paper - Cited Low Quality Abstract Baker (Lynne) - The Metaphysics of Everyday Life: An Essay in Practical Realism, Chapter 3 No
Baker (Lynne Rudder) On the Twofold Nature of Artefacts: A Response to Wybo Houkes and Anthonie Meijers Paper - Cited Low Quality Abstract Studies in the History and Philosophy of Science, 37:132–36, 2006 17%
Baker (Lynne Rudder) Shrinking Difference - Response to Replies Paper - By Subtopic Low Quality Abstract American Philosophical Association Newsletter: Philosophy and Computers, 09(2):3–38, 2010 No
Baker (Lynne Rudder) The Metaphysics of Everyday Life: An Essay in Practical Realism Book - Cited (via Paper Cited) Low Quality Abstract Bibliographical details to be supplied 2%
Baker (Lynne Rudder) The Metaphysics of Malfunction Paper - By Subtopic Low Quality Abstract Forthcoming in Techne, though presented at a conference (Artefacts in Philosophy) at the Delft University of Technology, Oct. 3-4, 2004. 7%
Baker (Lynne Rudder) The Ontological Significance of Artefacts Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Olga Soliarova, Ed., Ontologies of Artefacts. Moscow: Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Delo, 2011 6%
Baker (Lynne Rudder) The Ontology of Artifacts Paper - By Subtopic Low Quality Abstract Philosophical Explorations, Jun2004, Vol. 7 Issue 2, p99-111, 13p No
Baker (Lynne Rudder) The Shrinking Difference Between Artifacts and Natural Objects Paper - By Subtopic Low Quality Abstract American Philosophical Association Newsletter on Philosophy and Computers, 7(2), Spring 2008 11%
Bloom (Paul) Artifacts Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Bloom (Paul) - Descartes' Baby, Chapter 2 4%
Bloom (Paul) Descartes' Baby: How Child Development Explains What Makes Us Human Book - By Subtopic (via Paper By Subtopic) Medium Quality Abstract Bloom (Paul) - Descartes' Baby: How Child Development Explains What Makes Us Human 0%
Broackes (Justin) & Hacker (P.M.S.) Substance: Things and Stuffs Paper - By Subtopic Low Quality Abstract Supplement to the Proceedings of The Aristotelian Society 2004, Vol. 78 Issue 1, p41-63, 23p No
Carter (William) Artifacts of Theseus: Fact and Fission Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Australasian Journal of Philosophy, 61.3 (September 1983) Yes
Carter (William) Salmon on Artifact Origins and Lost Possibilities Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Philosophical Review 92, No. 2, Apr., 1983, pp. 223-231 No
Chandler (Hugh S.) Theseus' Clothes-Pin Paper - By Subtopic High Quality Abstract Analysis, Vol. 44, No. 2 (Mar., 1984), pp. 55-58 Yes
Charney (Noah) A fake of art Paper - Cited Medium Quality Abstract Aeon, 05 February 2016 Yes
Dauer (Francis W.) How Not to Reidentify the Parthenon Paper - By Subtopic Analysis, Vol. 33, No. 2 (Dec., 1972), pp. 63-64 No
Denkel (Arda) Artifacts and Constituents Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Philosophy and Phenomenological Research 55, No. 2, Jun., 1995, pp. 311-322 No
Dennett (Daniel) Artifactual Selves: a Response to Lynne Rudder Baker Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Phenomenology and Cognitive Sciences, March 2014 No
Dennett (Daniel) The Self as a Responding - and Responsible - Artifact Paper - By Subtopic Low Quality Abstract Annals of New York Academy of Sciences, The Self from Soul to Brain 1001: 39-50. No
Elder (Crawford) Artifacts and Other Copied Kinds Paper - By Subtopic Low Quality Abstract Elder - Real Natures, 2004, Chapter 7 No
Elder (Crawford) Real Natures and Familiar Objects Book - By Subtopic (via Paper By Subtopic) Medium Quality Abstract Elder (Crawford) - Real Natures and Familiar Objects No
Elder (Crawford) Real Natures and Familiar Objects: Introduction Paper - By Subtopic Elder - Real Natures, 2004, Introduction No
Ellis (Brian) Australasian Journal of Philosophy - 61.3 (September 1983) Book - By Subtopic (via Paper By Subtopic) Ellis (Brian) - Australasian Journal of Philosophy - 61.3 (September 1983) 83%
Ferner (Adam) Metaphysics and biology: a critique of David Wiggins’ account of personal identity Paper - Cited High Quality Abstract PhD Thesis, Birkbeck, 2014 98%
Fine (Gail) Forms of Artefacts Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Fine - On Ideas - Aristotle's Criticism of Plato's Theory of Forms, 1993, Chapter 6 No
Fine (Gail) On Ideas - Aristotle's Criticism of Plato's Theory of Forms Book - By Subtopic (via Paper By Subtopic) High Quality Abstract Fine (Gail) - On Ideas - Aristotle's Criticism of Plato's Theory of Forms 11%
Griffin (Donald) Animal Minds Book - By Subtopic (via Paper By Subtopic) Medium Quality Abstract Griffin (Donald) - Animal Minds 1%
Griffin (Donald) Construction of Artifacts Paper - By Subtopic Griffin (Donald) - Animal Minds, 1992, Chapter 4 No
Hains (Brigid) & Hains (Paul) Aeon: G-K Book - Cited (via Paper Cited) Low Quality Abstract Bibliographical details to be supplied 31%
Hains (Brigid) & Hains (Paul) Aeon: L-P Book - Cited (via Paper Cited) Low Quality Abstract Bibliographical details to be supplied 33%
Han (Byung-Chul) Shanzhai: Deconstruction in Chinese Book - Cited Medium Quality Abstract Han (Byung-Chul) - Shanzhai: Deconstruction in Chinese Yes
Han (Byung-Chul) Shanzhai: Deconstruction in Chinese Paper - By Subtopic Han (Byung–Chul) - Shanzhai: Deconstruction in Chinese Yes
Han (Byung-Chul) The copy is the original Paper - Cited Medium Quality Abstract Aeon, 08 March, 2018 Yes
Harari (Yuval Noah) Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind Book - Cited Medium Quality Abstract Harari (Yuval Noah) - Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind Yes
Harris (Henry) Scientific Models and Man Book - By Subtopic (via Paper By Subtopic) Medium Quality Abstract Harris (Henry) - Scientific Models and Man 9%
Hazlett (Allan) Disassembly and Destruction Paper - By Subtopic Low Quality Abstract The Monist, Vol. 89, No. 3, Coming into Being and Passing Away (July 2006), pp. 418-433 Yes
Hershenov (David) Organisms, Artifacts, and Eliminativism Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Pacific Philosophical Quarterly. (Resubmission Requested). 4%
Hershenov (David) Scattered Artifacts Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Southern Journal of Philosophy 42, 2002, pp. 211-216 No
Hoffman (Joshua) & Rosenkrantz (Gary) Substance: Its Nature and Existence Book - By Subtopic (via Paper By Subtopic) Medium Quality Abstract Hoffman (Joshua) & Rosenkrantz (Gary) - Substance: Its Nature and Existence No
Hoffman (Joshua) & Rosenkrantz (Gary) What Kinds of Physical Substances are there? Paper - By Subtopic Low Quality Abstract Hoffman & Rosenkrantz - Substance: Its Nature and Existence, Chapter 5, pp. 150-187 No
Houkes (Wybo) & Vermaas (Pieter) Actions Versus Functions: A Plea For An Alternative Metaphysics Of Artifacts Paper - By Subtopic Low Quality Abstract Monist, Jan2004, Vol. 87 Issue 1, p52-71, 20p No
Katayama (Errol) Aristotle on Artifacts: A Metaphysical Puzzle Book - Cited Katayama (Errol) - Aristotle on Artifacts: A Metaphysical Puzzle No
Lovibond (Sabina) & Williams (S.G.) Identity, Truth & Value: Essays for David Wiggins Book - Cited High Quality Abstract Lovibond (Sabina) & Williams (S.G.) - Identity, Truth & Value: Essays for David Wiggins 10%
Lowe (E.J.) On the Identity of Artifacts Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Journal of Philosophy 80.4, April 1983, pp. 220-232 No
Lowenthal ( David) Material Preservation and Its Alternatives Paper - By Subtopic High Quality Abstract Perspecta, Vol. 25 (1989), pp. 66-77 Yes
Matthes (Erich Hatala) Palmyra’s ruins can rebuild our relationship with history Paper - Cited Aeon, 08 March, 2017 Yes
Merricks (Trenton) Belief and Practice Paper - By Subtopic High Quality Abstract Merricks - Objects and Persons, 2001, Chapter 7 4%
Merricks (Trenton) Explaining Eliminativism Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Merricks - Objects and Persons, 2001, Chapter 1 17%
Merricks (Trenton) Objects and Persons Book - Cited Medium Quality Abstract Merricks (Trenton) - Objects and Persons 7%
Puccetti (Roland) Person-Artifacts Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Puccetti - Persons: A Study of Possible Moral Agents in the Universe, 1968, Chapter 2 No
Puccetti (Roland) Persons: A Study of Possible Moral Agents in the Universe Book - By Subtopic (via Paper By Subtopic) Puccetti (Roland) - Persons: A Study of Possible Moral Agents in the Universe 2%
Putman (Daniel) Natural Kinds and Human Artifacts Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Mind, 91, No. 363 (Jul., 1982), pp. 418-419 No
Richmond (Alasdair) Time Travel, Parahistory and the Past Artefact Dilemma Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Philosophy, Vol. 85, No. 333 (July 2010) (pp. 369-373) 17%
Simons (Peter) On Being the Same Ship(s) - or Electron(s): Reply to Hughes Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Mind, 106, No. 424, Oct., 1997, pp. 761-767 No
Smart (Brian) The Ship of Theseus, the Parthenon and Disassembled Objects Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Analysis, Vol. 34, No. 1 (Oct., 1973), pp. 24-27 No
Symons (John) The Individuality of Artifacts and Organisms Paper - By Subtopic Low Quality Abstract History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences, Vol. 32, No. 2/3, The Concept of Organism: Historical, Philosophical, Scientific Perspectives (2010), pp. 233-246 No
Todman (Theo) Thesis - Artifacts Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract   Yes
Van Inwagen (Peter) Artifacts Paper - By Subtopic Van Inwagen - Material Beings; 1990; Ch. 13 No
Van Inwagen (Peter) Material Beings Book - By Subtopic (via Paper By Subtopic) Medium Quality Abstract Van Inwagen (Peter) - Material Beings 27%
Wiggins (David) Personal Identity Paper - Cited Low Quality Abstract Wiggins - Sameness and Substance Renewed, 2001, Chapter 7 48%
Wiggins (David) Reply to Snowdon (Persons and Personal Identity) Paper - Cited Lovibond & Williams - Identity, Truth & Value: Essays for David Wiggins, 1996 Yes
Wiggins (David) Sameness and Substance Renewed Book - Cited Medium Quality Abstract Wiggins (David) - Sameness and Substance Renewed 16%
Wilkinson (D.H.) The Universe as Artefact Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Harris - Scientific Models and Man 17%
Zimmerman (Dean) Theories of Masses and Problems of Constitution Paper - By Subtopic Medium Quality Abstract Philosophical Review, vol. civ (1995), pp. 53–110 No



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