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This is an interesting point that I hadn't quite considered. Not sure how it would apply on the scale of inanimate objects but I could see it being relevant to
by shadowprofile77 7y ago
This is an interesting point that I hadn't quite considered. Not sure how it would apply on the scale of inanimate objects but I could see it being relevant to a macroscopic organic system with consciousness, like our brains and bodies.
- godelski 7y agoWell the analogy was directed at macroscopic organic systems with consciousness. But with Theseus's ship we can see a similarity. If we had a ship, tore it down, then built a new ship without using any parts from the old ship, every sane person would call that a different ship. Frankly, the tearing it down step isn't required (an important factor). Conversely, if we repair a ship over time we do consider it the same ship. Maybe this is just personifying objects, but these conclusions about new ship/same ship would be pretty standard. It is why we distinguish replica and restoration.
- IggleSniggle 7y agoIf it were possible to swap out a ship with an “identical” replica instantaneously (I’m not sure what the benefit would be) I think most people on board would consider it to be the same ship. And, for that matter, it’s relatively common for ship owners to name their ships after the prior ship that held the same function, as if it was the same ship, even when it’s a totally different make/model!
- godelski 7y agoBut instead of swap make an identical copy. You now have two ships.