Locke thinks that if the reincarnation of the soul happens, that does not show that the same person can exist at very different points in time, say centuries apart.

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The prompt presents a statement about Locke's view on reincarnation and the persistence of personal identity over long time spans.
Option 1: True. This option asserts that Locke thinks reincarnation does not demonstrate that the same person can exist at very different points in time, such as centuries apart. Locke distinguishes between the continued existence of a soul and the continuity of personal identity through memory, consciousness, and psychological continuity. In his discussions, even if a soul were to inhabit different bodies across time, the crucial issue for identity is whether the same consciousness and memories persist in a way that preserves the same person. Therefore, the claim that reincarnation does not by itself prove continuity of the same person across centuries aligns with Locke’s emphasis on memory and psychological continuity rather than mere numerical sameness of a soul or body.
Option 2: False. This would claim Locke believed reincarnation does demonstrate that the same person persists across centuries, which contradicts his focus on psychological continuity as the basis for personal identity. In fact, Locke argues that personal identity is not simply a matter of the same substance or soul, but of continuing consciousness and memory; thus, reincarnation would not automatically establish identity across different times without memory and self-conscious continuity.
To summarize, the reasoning relies on distinguishing between bodily or soul continuity and the essential role of memory in Locke’s account of personal identity. The statement that reincarnation does not show the same person across centuries is consistent with Locke’s theory, while the opposite view would misrepresent his emphasis on psychological continuity.

PHL210Y5 Y LEC0101 Quiz #12

Locke thinks that if the reincarnation of the soul happens, that does not show that the same person can exist at very different points in time, say centuries apart.

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