The Tokyo Forum for Analytic Philosophy (TFAP) is a forum for research in analytic philosophy broadly conceived---including research in the empirical/formal sciences that is of philosophical interest. We are inviting speakers from Japan and abroad. Meetings are held in English. Anybody who is interested is welcome.

Title: The Insignificance of Phenomenal Consciousness to Personal Identity
Speaker: Yoshiyuki Hayashi (University of Tokyo)

URL:http://researchmap.jp/yoshiyuki_hayashi/

Abstract:
Some claim that if we lost phenomenal consciousness, that would affect our identity. In this talk, I argue that that is not the case. I examine various types of phenomenal approach to personal identity, according to which our existence is guaranteed by a stream of consciousness. I claim that any forms of it will ensure neither diachronic nor synchronic identity, citing thought experiments invoked by a subject with damages to area MT, and split-brain. I also draw some implications from this conclusion. Some claim that if we lost phenomenal consciousness, that would affect our identity. In this talk, I argue that that is not the case. I examine various types of phenomenal approach to personal identity, according to which our existence is guaranteed by a stream of consciousness. I claim that any forms of it will ensure neither diachronic nor synchronic identity, citing thought experiments invoked by a subject with damages to area MT, and split-brain. I also draw some implications from this conclusion.

Hosted by the Department of History and Philosophy of Science, the University of Tokyo

For details, please see http://tf-ap.com/program/