The boys are back from a break, but if their cells have been regularly renewing while they were away then is it truly the same boys that are back? Time to talk about identity and the Ship of Theseus thought experiment. It asks, if all the components of an object have been replaced, is it still the same object?
BEWARE OF SPOILERS for the following media
Wandavision (2021)
"The Six Million Dollar Mon" - S07E07 of Futurama (2012)
The Prestige (2006)
Bicentennial Man (1999)
Regarding the Star Trek teleportation debate
According to the article linked below, there are several instances that suggest that there IS a continuity of consciousness when using the teleportation device. This is confirmed by Star Trek novelist Christopher L Bennett. However, the actual science fiction behind it is still much debated. Proposed solutions include stuff involving quantum physics, dimensional transfers/wormholes and the persistence of the soul. Overall its a very good read to anyone interested, and it even references our favourite ship!
Suggested further research
Is beaming down in Star Trek a death sentence? - Ars Technica - https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/09/is-beaming-down-in-star-trek-a-death-sentence/#:~:text=Probably%20not.,NOT%20involve%20killing%20the%20person.
The Ship of Theseus - Stuff to Blow Your Mind (Podcast) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-the-vault-the-ship-of-theseus/id350359306?i=1000456957019
The Ship of Theseus: Metaphysics - Wireless Philosophy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYAoiLhOuao
The boys are back from a break, but if their cells have been regularly renewing while they were away then is it truly the same boys that are back? Time to talk about identity and the Ship of Theseus thought experiment. It asks, if all the components of an object have been replaced, is it still the same object?
BEWARE OF SPOILERS for the following media
Wandavision (2021)
"The Six Million Dollar Mon" - S07E07 of Futurama (2012)
The Prestige (2006)
Bicentennial Man (1999)
Regarding the Star Trek teleportation debate
According to the article linked below, there are several instances that suggest that there IS a continuity of consciousness when using the teleportation device. This is confirmed by Star Trek novelist Christopher L Bennett. However, the actual science fiction behind it is still much debated. Proposed solutions include stuff involving quantum physics, dimensional transfers/wormholes and the persistence of the soul. Overall its a very good read to anyone interested, and it even references our favourite ship!
Suggested further research
Is beaming down in Star Trek a death sentence? - Ars Technica - https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/09/is-beaming-down-in-star-trek-a-death-sentence/#:~:text=Probably%20not.,NOT%20involve%20killing%20the%20person.
The Ship of Theseus - Stuff to Blow Your Mind (Podcast) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-the-vault-the-ship-of-theseus/id350359306?i=1000456957019
The Ship of Theseus: Metaphysics - Wireless Philosophy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYAoiLhOuao