The Nature of Identity

Description: This quiz is designed to test your understanding of the nature of identity, a branch of metaphysics that explores the concept of what makes something the same or different from something else.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: metaphysics identity philosophy
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Which philosopher is most closely associated with the theory of identity known as the 'bundle theory'?

  1. John Locke

  2. David Hume

  3. Gottfried Leibniz

  4. Rene Descartes


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

David Hume argued that personal identity is not a fixed, unchanging entity, but rather a collection of constantly changing mental states and experiences.

According to the 'principle of identity', what is the relationship between a thing and itself?

  1. They are identical.

  2. They are different.

  3. They are both true and false.

  4. They are neither true nor false.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The principle of identity states that a thing is identical to itself, and this is considered a fundamental principle of logic.

Which of the following is an example of a numerical identity?

  1. The morning star is the evening star.

  2. Socrates is a philosopher.

  3. The Eiffel Tower is in Paris.

  4. The Earth revolves around the Sun.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Numerical identity refers to the relationship between two things that are the same thing, such as the morning star and the evening star, which are both Venus.

What is the main objection to the 'identity theory of mind'?

  1. It is too simplistic.

  2. It is not supported by scientific evidence.

  3. It is incompatible with free will.

  4. It is based on a false dichotomy.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The identity theory of mind states that mental states are identical to brain states, which some argue is incompatible with the idea of free will, as brain states are determined by physical laws.

Which philosopher argued that personal identity is constituted by our memories?

  1. John Locke

  2. David Hume

  3. Gottfried Leibniz

  4. Rene Descartes


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

John Locke argued that personal identity is constituted by our memories, and that if our memories were to be transferred to another body, our personal identity would also be transferred.

What is the 'ship of Theseus paradox'?

  1. A paradox about the nature of change.

  2. A paradox about the nature of identity.

  3. A paradox about the nature of time.

  4. A paradox about the nature of space.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The ship of Theseus paradox is a thought experiment that raises questions about the nature of identity by asking whether an object that has had all of its parts replaced remains the same object.

Which of the following is an example of a qualitative identity?

  1. The morning star is the evening star.

  2. Socrates is a philosopher.

  3. The Eiffel Tower is in Paris.

  4. The Earth revolves around the Sun.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Qualitative identity refers to the relationship between two things that share the same essential properties, such as Socrates and other philosophers.

What is the main argument against the 'bundle theory of mind'?

  1. It is too simplistic.

  2. It is not supported by scientific evidence.

  3. It is incompatible with free will.

  4. It is based on a false dichotomy.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The bundle theory of mind states that the mind is a collection of mental states, which some argue is too simplistic and does not account for the unity of consciousness.

Which philosopher argued that personal identity is constituted by our consciousness?

  1. John Locke

  2. David Hume

  3. Gottfried Leibniz

  4. Rene Descartes


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Rene Descartes argued that personal identity is constituted by our consciousness, and that our thoughts and experiences are what make us who we are.

What is the 'sorites paradox'?

  1. A paradox about the nature of change.

  2. A paradox about the nature of identity.

  3. A paradox about the nature of time.

  4. A paradox about the nature of space.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The sorites paradox is a thought experiment that raises questions about the nature of identity by asking at what point a gradual change in an object's properties results in it becoming a different object.

Which of the following is an example of a contingent identity?

  1. The morning star is the evening star.

  2. Socrates is a philosopher.

  3. The Eiffel Tower is in Paris.

  4. The Earth revolves around the Sun.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Contingent identity refers to the relationship between two things that are not necessarily the same thing, such as the Eiffel Tower and the city of Paris.

What is the main argument against the 'identity theory of consciousness'?

  1. It is too simplistic.

  2. It is not supported by scientific evidence.

  3. It is incompatible with free will.

  4. It is based on a false dichotomy.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The identity theory of consciousness states that consciousness is identical to brain activity, which some argue is not supported by scientific evidence, as there is no clear way to measure or identify consciousness in the brain.

Which philosopher argued that personal identity is constituted by our body?

  1. John Locke

  2. David Hume

  3. Gottfried Leibniz

  4. Rene Descartes


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Gottfried Leibniz argued that personal identity is constituted by our body, and that our physical continuity is what makes us who we are.

What is the 'mind-body problem'?

  1. A problem about the nature of consciousness.

  2. A problem about the nature of the mind.

  3. A problem about the relationship between the mind and the body.

  4. A problem about the relationship between the mind and the brain.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The mind-body problem is a philosophical problem that explores the relationship between the mind and the body, and how mental phenomena can interact with physical phenomena.

Which of the following is an example of a necessary identity?

  1. The morning star is the evening star.

  2. Socrates is a philosopher.

  3. The Eiffel Tower is in Paris.

  4. The Earth revolves around the Sun.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Necessary identity refers to the relationship between two things that are necessarily the same thing, such as the Earth and the object that revolves around the Sun.

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