Locke's Account of Personal Identity

Abstract

One of the most prominent theories of personal identity is that of Locke, who equates personal identity with identity of consciousness. This essay seeks to critically examine Locke's theory in light of certain objections which have been made to it. The conclusion reached is that Locke's account is inadequate because it ignores any physical criteria of personal identity, and such criteria cannot be ignored. Although no set of criteria are established in this essay, a combination of physical and non-physical criteria are indicated as being defensible.