Joe Jones

This was set as homework last week...

Joe Jones

Re-read the story about Joe Jones on pp. 250–251 of The Philosophy Gym. Then complete the following two tasks. (This was the handout given out in class)

Task One

We have considered three main theories of personal identity:

1. The theory that you are identical with a particular physical animal
2. The theory that you are, in essence, an immaterial soul
3. The theory that your identity resides in the presence of certain psychological properties

Remind yourself of the key points of each of these theories, then imagine that you are the person in the Joe Jones story (i.e. either you are Joe Jones, or Joe Jones died the first time he stepped in the tele-transporter and you are merely a duplicate). Now you are about to step into the tele-transporter again. But will you be transported back to earth? Or will you immediately die to be replaced by another duplicate of Joe Jones?

Decide, in the case of each theory, whether it would recommend you to press the button or not. Consider your reasons for thinking whatever you think.