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The Influence Of John Locke On Personal Identity

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How is John Locke acknowledged in society? Rene Descartes was recognized as who? Well, both men were known for their philosophical views, their views on identity varied undoubtedly. Descartes famous line "I think, therefore I am" alludes to the fact that he most certainly exists. On the other hand, Locke believes that if you committed a crime, but cannot recall your actions, then you should not be held accountable. Descartes perspective of identity contains the self, as Locke reveals that identity is something that cannot have two things existing at the same time.
Since Descartes was able to think, he knew that he existed ultimately. Descartes believed that a person 's "self" was illustrated by their identity. Descartes states:" that he possess …show more content…

"One thing can’t have two beginnings of existence because it is impossible for one thing to be in different places at one time, and two things can’t have one beginning, because it is impossible for two things of the same type to exist at the same instant and place" (Locke, John Locke’s An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, Book II, pg.112). In addition, Locke speaks about humans having three substances for personal identity. He reveals theses three substances as "God, finite intelligences, and bodies, in which he in-depth look and states "God has no beginning, he is eternal, unalterable, and everywhere; and so there can be no doubt concerning his identity, each finite spirit had its determinate time and place of beginning to exist, so its relation to that time and place will always determine its identity for as long as it exists, finally the same holds for every particle of matter, which continues as the same as long as no matter is added to or removed from it" (Locke, John Locke’s An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, Book II, pg. 112-13). Locke used these three substances as a mean of defining identity, but he also outlines each individual element.
Indeed, Descartes and Locke had their personal views on identity. Locke viewed identity as something that could not be doubled or cloned per say. For instance, a person …show more content…

Descartes view is more personalized, as Locke’s view is rather optimistic. All in all, both Descartes and Locke contributed greatly to the philosophical world, and the world itself. Descartes being a rationalist gave people the opportunity to question answers that had already been answered, but they were from one person’s perspective. This opened up the door for people to honestly question their beliefs and why they believed them. In conclusion, Locke and Descartes can be seen as historical figures in

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