Personal Identity: Body Theory and Personality Theory - Part II

Explore the philosophical concepts of personal identity in this 51-minute lecture from Yale University's "Death" course. Delve into two key metaphysical theories: the body view, which identifies individuals through their physical form, and the personality view, which defines identity through unique beliefs, desires, memories, and goals. Begin with a review of soul theory before examining the implications of equating the brain with identity. Investigate the physicalist perspective on personality as the essence of personal identity. Conclude by assessing the merits of soul, body, and personality theories through a thought-provoking torture scenario. This lecture, recorded in Spring 2007, offers a comprehensive exploration of fundamental questions surrounding human existence and individuality.

- Chapter 1. Review of Soul Theory .
- Chapter 2. The Body Theory of Personal Identity .
- Chapter 3. Equating the Brain with the Identity -- Implications of the Body Theory .
- Chapter 4. Physicalists: Personality as the Key to Personal Identity .
- Chapter 5. Soul, Body, and Personality -- Is There a Correct View? Assessment by Torture.