There is No Captain Kirk: A Theory of Universal Lack of Personal Identity
There are multiple ways to interpret the second scenario provided to us. In general, the Captain Kirks in scenario two are either identical or they are not. Since we know that anything can only be numerically identical to itself, we also know that the two Kirks are not numerically or perfectly identical to each other. Thus, the question we are left with is: how are the two Kirks identical and how are they not?
In the first scenario, we only witness that there is only one Captain Kirk throughout, therefore we make the assumption that the Kirk on the surface of the planet and the one that stood on the transporter platform are numerically identical to each other and that they are in fact the same Kirk. In the second scenario, the two Kirks that we witness are identical in respects to body, brain, memory, and functionality. However, there are many reasons that these factors do not make the two Kirks the same person.
The two Kirks appear to be identical physically. This is known as bodily identity, which is in short, the theory that you are your body and that wherever your body goes there you are. Daniel C. Dennett refutes this theory in “Where Am I?” using the following argument:
If Tom and Dick switch brains, Tom is the fellow with Dick’s former body – just ask him; he’ll claim to be Tom, and tell you the most intimate details of Tom’s autobiography. (See Endnote 1)
John Perry also discusses this in “A Dialogue on Personal Identity and Immortality”:
Weirob: And would you reason conversely also? If there were in this bed Barbara Walter’s body – that is, the body you see every night on the news – would you infer that it was not me, Gretchen Weirob, in the bed?
Miller: Of course I would. How would you have come by Barbara Walter’s body?
Weirob: But then merely extend this principle to heaven, and you will see that your conception of survival is without sense.
the exact same? To what extent does cloning affect individuality? The last question can be
By structuring his novel where time is out of joint, Dick is able to illustrate that one’s perception of reality is entirely based on what one believes to be fact. This point is illustrated through Ragle Gumm, who, “from his years of active military life” in the beginning of the story, “prided himself on his physical agility” (Dick 100). It is not until time is mended again toward the end of the book that he realizes that it had been, in fact, his father that had served in the war. This demonstrates how one’s firm belief can turn into a reality, as it did for Ragle Gumm for the two and a half years he lived in the fabricated city of Old Town.
Could it be possible that two people, living so close as if they were brothers, to have tremendous differences as large as their similarities? It happens to two fictional characters from S.E. Hinton’s novel, The Outsiders. In the story there are significant differences and similarities between Johnny Cade and Dallas Winston. Some ways one may compare Johnny and Dally are they both have abusive parents who do not provide their children with the proper care or attention. Also, Cade and Winston place minimal values on their lives. A difference between the two characters is how Johnny obeys the laws, while Dallas deliberately breaks them. Another difference is Johnny and Dallas give Ponyboy Curtis different advice about how he should be and act. The book The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, has a storyline which includes many ways how Johnny Cade and Dallas Winston are dissimilar and alike.
Moreover, Christopher and Raymond are similar in that they are both autistic mathematical savants. According to the Wikipedia free dictionary:
People go through many obstacles when they face their social identity. Some can overcome their differences, but others may not have they change to even face them due to the treatment that they get from society. Social identity is the one of many controversial and complex problems that many individuals deal with. Because, sometimes it used to be misunderstood making reference to racism and/or others complex matters. “On Being a Cripple” and “How It Feels to Be Colored” are two essays in which both characters suffer from some kind of discrimination. Indeed, in “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” by Zora Neale Hurston and “On Being a Cripple” by Nancy Mairs, each author shows different attitude, endures challenges, and change toward social identity.
Many people wonder if genetically modified foods are good for you and the environment, Research has shown that there are many positives and negatives to genetically modified organisms. There is no way to be absolutely sure if they are good or bad.
Kenny, Jack. "No Proof of Man-Made Climate Change." The New American. The New American, 27 Feb. 2014. Web. 15 Apr. 2014. .
It is said that 70% of all the food produced within the United States is actually genetically modified. Some people claim that this has contributed to allergen and pollution increases over the past 10 years (William, and David Schubert). Studies have shown different genetically modified foods have attributed to many different health symptoms, such as intestinal damage, allergic reactions, enlarged pancreas and liver, as well as decreased ...
The history of biotechnology and genetically modified (GM) foods has a history of opposing sides. The two opposing sides argue on the ethical standpoint of the act of genetically modifying plants and animals. They also argue on the health problems that the foods may cause for people that eat it. Going towards the future, people question whether GM foods have a positive or negative effect on humans. GM foods cause many assorted viewpoints consisting of positive and negative effects based off of its recent history.
Personally, I would be fine with either version. To me, Star Trek not only showed how we as the world came together but the many fascinating technological advances. As someone who has lived with a disability and used a powered wheelchair nearly my entire life, Star Trek gave hope that not only could disabilities be cured, but also that you wouldn't be treated differently if you did have a disability in the future.
Sleep is crucial to lead a very happy and healthy life. Without sleep, people can become less focused and are constantly tired during waking life. “Sufficient sleep is increasingly being recognized as an essential aspect of chronic disease prevention and health promotion” (Are You Getting Enough Sleep?). To fight threatening diseases and to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a good night’s sleep is number one on the to-do list. However, most people think they have more important things to do other than lie down and rest, but sleep is essential to a healthy life. Putting down a distraction and going to bed is quite difficult to do, but people need a good quality and quantity amount of sleep each night. “Sleep affects mentality, creativity, physical vitality, and healthy weight. It is also not just the quantity of sleep you get, but the quality of sleep you really have to pay attention to. ” A large amount of people try to sleep as little as possible. There are too many factors at play that people would rather be doing, but sleep is just as important for happiness and good health as exercise and nutrition are (How Much Sleep Do You Need?). Lack of sleep causes mental and physica...
Scientists have been changing genomes of plants and animals by integrating new genes from a different species through genetic engineering, creating a genetically modified organism (GMO). Consumers in America have been eating GMOs since 1996, when they went on the market. There are benefits to genetically modifying crop plants, as it improves the crop quality and increases yield, affecting the economy and developing countries. But there are also negative effects from GMOs. Consumption of GMOs has various health effects on both body systems of animals and humans. GMOs also affect the environment, ecosystems and other animal species. The cons outweigh the pros in the case of GMOs.
If the body does not get enough sleep, it does not get the chance to properly recharge by cycling through the stages of sleep. Sleep deprivation puts a person at a disadvantage and makes them struggle more within a day. Problems can occur like having a hard time taking in new information and remembering things. A lack of sleep can impair attention and memory (Alhola, Paula, and Polo-Kantola). When a person does not get enough sleep they feel drowsy, and tired all the time. It takes a toll on one brain's ability to function. Sleep deprivation messes with a person from head to toe and puts a strain on the whole body. If a person continues to operate without enough sleep each day, there will be long term mental and health problems. Some of the most serious problems that can occur when a person does not getting enough sleep is high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, or stroke (Alhola, Paula, and Polo-Kantola). In conclusion, sleep is more important and essential for the human
Sleep is an important factor of health. It is recommended to get eight hours of sleep a night (“sleep awareness”). Sleeping less than seven hours can increase the risk for diseases like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and depression (“sleep awareness”). Some of the consequences of not getting the appropriate amount of sleep are impaired memory, depression, decreased immune response, fatigue and increased pain (“stages of sleep”).
While many argue that Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) are beneficial, it has been proven otherwise. The term GMO is an organism where it's genetic material has been modified through genetic engineering or gene splicing. (NON-GMO PROJECT, 2014) GMO ranges from plants, insects, mammals all the way to micro organisms and bacteria. (EFSA, 2014) GMO's can reduce the need for herbicides and pesticides as well as alter components of food such as nutrients, However, even though GMO's has its benefits such as its resistance to pests and herbicides (Whitman, 2000) the disadvantages outweighs the benefits by far. Genetically Modified Organism are a danger to the human health because GMOs harm the environment and pose a national health risk in addition to economic concerns.