The Problem of Identity.
In this episode of Meta Treks, part one of a two-part
discussion on the problem of identity in Star Trek, hosts Mike
Morrison and Zachary Fruhling consider the metaphysical problem of
identity over time as it applies to inanimate objects. As objects
undergo changes over time, do they remain the same objects or do
they become different objects? Mike and Zachary reinterpret the
classic philosophical example of the Ship of Theseus, in which
components of a ship are replaced one at a time, in Star Trek terms
as the "Starship of Theseus," asking whether the Enterprise remains
the same ship following repairs or a refit.
Mike and Zachary introduce the problem of identity with an overview
of Leibniz's Law and the numerical identity of indiscernible
objects, followed by a discussion of different possible responses
to the problem of identity over time: the continuity-of-change
response, four-dimensionalism and time slices, and Aristotle's four
types of causes (material cause, formal cause, efficient cause, and
final cause).
Chapters
Welcome to Meta Treks 4 (00:01:07)
Introduction to the Topic (00:02:10)
The Ship of Theseus (00:10:18)
The Starship of Theseus (00:13:35)
Resolving the Identity Problem (00:29:17)
Continuity of Changes (00:29:51)
Four Dimensionalism (00:37:18)
Aristotle's Answers (00:46:37)
Final Thoughts (01:00:43)
Hosts
Mike Morrison and Zachary Fruhling
