Identidade pessoal uma análise crítica da teoria da memória

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to realize a critical analysis of the theory that intends to explain the nature and the evidence of personal identity through memory. The first version of this theory was proposed by John Locke, which due to its distinction between person, man and substance, sketched the fundamental parameters of the following discussions about the nature of personal identity. However, this proposal presents serious weakness and inconsistencies, indicated in a vigorous way principally by Joseph Butler and Thomas Reid. Later, writers as Parfit, Shoemaker and Grice implemented reformulations in the Lockean theory with the aim to reply its main objections, without losing its central and characteristic aspect, which is to conceive memory as a fundamental element for the understanding of personal identity. This process involving the Lockean theory, its objections and reformulations will have as final result the notion of personal identity as a non-branched psychological continuity.