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    On this view, Adam does not cease to exist but is retrosp... — Carmelics
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    Challenges→Adam (the original embryo) does not survive twinning as either or both twins.

    On this view, Adam does not cease to exist but is retrospectively identified as the shared initial stage of two persisting four-dimensional entities, preserving a meaningful sense of survival.

    ?Rate how convincing each reason is below to see the overall strength.
    1 reason for
    1 reason against

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
    ?
    • 1.Four-dimensionalism treats objects as extended through time like spatial extension, making branching into future stages metaphysically coherent.
      ?

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    • 2.Retrospective identification preserves continuity of memory, psychology, and physical matter—the standard criteria for personal survival.
      ?

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    • 3.This view avoids the absurdity that Adam simply ceases existing; instead he endures as part of two continuous space-time trajectories.
      ?

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    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.Retrospective identification is merely relabeling; it doesn't explain why Adam *experiences* continuation rather than discontinuation in either branch.
      ?

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    • 2.If Adam becomes two entities post-branching, the identity relation is symmetrical but survival requires asymmetry—only one future can be *his* future.
      ?

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    • 3.Calling a stage 'shared' obscures that Adam cannot be wholly present in both futures; some original stage ceases to constitute his singular persistence.
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    Key Terms

    four-dimensional entities(perdurantism / four-dimensionalism in the metaphysics of persistence)
    Entities whose parts may extend in time as well as in space, such that persistence is analyzed as having different temporal parts at different times
    initial stage(as used in metaphysics)
    The earliest or beginning point in the existence or development of something.
    persisting(as used in metaphysics)
    Continuing to exist over time without being destroyed or ceasing to be.
    retrospectively identified(as used in metaphysics/philosophy of identity)
    Recognized or understood as something only when you look back at it from a later point in time, rather than understanding it when it first happened.
    shared(as used in metaphysics)
    Belonging to or used by more than one thing at the same time.
    survival (in philosophical context)(as used in metaphysics/philosophy of personal identity)
    The continued existence of a person or thing, or what makes it meaningful to say that 'you' still exist after changes happen to you.

    Connections

    2 topics

    Personal Identity1 linkedBioethics1 linked

    Related

    Adam (the original embryo) does not survive twinning as either or both twins.Calling a stage 'shared' obscures that Adam cannot be wholly present in both fut...

    Details

    Type
    claim
    Perspectives
    2 (1 for, 1 against)
    Edits
    1 edit
    Four-dimensionalism treats objects as extended through time like spatial extensi...
    If Adam becomes two entities post-branching, the identity relation is symmetrica...
    +3 moreShow less
    Retrospective identification is merely relabeling; it doesn't explain why Adam *...Retrospective identification preserves continuity of memory, psychology, and phy...This view avoids the absurdity that Adam simply ceases existing; instead he endu...