There exist many influential arguments that explain how human beings acquire knowledge in philosophy. According to John Locke, knowledge is only acquirable through sensory experience, which is infallible (Nichols, 169-179). Locke argues that when humans are born, their minds are in the state of tabula rasa or a blank slate. He explains the reason is that we develop ideas as time passes and as we acquire new experiences. The information gets to our mind through the five senses building reactions or responses to our environment. When Locke talks of ideas, he refers to the experiences that people can reflect on through the five senses.
Locke also argues that the human mind is not capable of creating ideas but can only combine them. He explains that thoughts are atomic and their formulation occurs through obtaining sensory experiences (Lansky, 427-440). For example, a person can imagine an animal, but the imagination parts are highly reliable on past experiences. If they imagine the animal might have wings, then the wings are from the experience of seeing or hearing about animal wings through a sensory experience. He, therefore, advocates for empiricism which explains that knowledge only comes from experiences.
Self-identity in Locke’s philosophy
Locke suggests that the self is a thoughtful, intelligent being with a reason and can reflect and consider itself as itself (Heersmink). He, therefore, defines personal identity as the sameness of a rational being. He further asserts that so long as the same sound being is the same self, the self has the same personal identity.
He further argues that any change in the self reflects in personal identity and vice versa. Therefore he explains that an individuals’ identity extends to that person’s consciousness. He asserts that for one to be a self, one should have thoughts, and thoughts always accompany consciousness (Gordon-Roth). Thus, if one identifies a particular self, then it extends to one’s consciousness. Locke hence considering consciousness as memory, argues that the self develops to the memory. He further adds that the same self that can reflect an action that happened in the past can identify with a present thought in the past. He then states that if one can recall an experience, then that experience took place. The statement also means that if one cannot identify an action, then that action or incident did not happen. Memory is a necessary condition for personal identity and the self. He supports this explanation by suggesting that situations such as forgetfulness or doubt disrupt our consciousness and our identity.
Strengths of memory as a key in self-identity
Memory is vital in self-identity because it guides us in choose what we consider right or wrong. Self-identity helps in identifying consciousness in the actions that an individual takes (Noonan 210-235). Through identifying our activities to considerateness, then we develop our personality.
Memory plays the role of storage through which people can remember previous events and make decisions. Past learning and experiences help us to carry our daily activities; thus, memory defines personal identity.
Weaknesses of memory as a key in self-identity
The mind is a store for past ideas and impressions but not a store for reflection. Memories reflect on preserved images in our past while people still imagine what kind of a future alters their opinions and prevents duplication of experiences (Nichols). The memories of something may not express the previous immediate impressions.
Memories do not make one the same person over time. Instead, memories enable one to connect t their past and recall their experiences. Past experiences may not impact who we currently are but rather what surrounds us builds our thoughts and our reactions.
Works Cited
Gordon-Roth, Jessica. “Locke on personal identity.” (2019).
Heersmink, Richard. “Varieties of the extended self.” Consciousness and Cognition 85 (2020): 103001.
Lansky, Melvin R. “Philosophical issues in Bion’s thought.” Do I Dare Disturb the Universe?. Routledge, 2018. 427-440.
Nichols, Shaun. “Memory and personal identity.” The Routledge handbook of philosophy of memory. Routledge, 2017. 169-179.
Noonan, Harold W. “Locke on personal identity.” John Locke. Routledge, 2019. 210-235.