Routledge Studies in Contemporary Philosophy

<p>This book provides an essential, comprehensive discussion on thought experiments and how they have featured throughout the history of the personal identity debate in analytic philosophy.</p><p>Although many philosophical arguments employ thought experiments as a valuable methodological tool, there is a lack of focused discussion on the significant role these experiments play in the personal identity debate specifically. This book covers a range of central theories and examines how thought experiments have been featured throughout each. The author discusses and responds to pivotal works on personal identity such as John Locke’s<em> Essay Concerning Human Understanding</em>, Derek Parfit’s <em>Reasons and Persons</em>, as well as more recent arguments in the discussion. The book also explores how thought experiments are used for related debates in other philosophical traditions.</p><p><em>Thought Experiments and Personal Identity</em> will be of interest to scholars and advanced students working in contemporary philosophy of mind and metaphysics, as well as those with an interest in philosophical methodology.</p>