Identity, Consciousness and Value [Paperback]

The topic of personal identity has prompted some of the liveliest and most interesting debates in recent philosophy. In a fascinating new contribution to the discussion, Peter Unger presents a psychologically aimed, but physically based, account of our identity over time. While supporting the account, he explains why many influential contemporary philosophers have underrated the importance of physical continuity to our survival, casting a new light on the work of Lewis, Nagel, Nozick, Parfit, Perry, Shoemaker, and others. Deriving from his discussion of our identity itself, Unger produces a novel but commonsensical theory of the relations between identity and some of our deepest concerns. In a conservative but flexible spirit, he explores the implications of his theory for questions of value and of the good life.

Its wealth of detail, its rigorous argumentation, and its large-scale deployment of the contemporary tools of discussion will ensure it a respected place in the literature....A full, clear, and relentless book. --Times Literary Supplement

Unger's treatment of the methodological issues that these topics raise is one that has a great deal to recommend it, and it is almost certain to have an important impact on the way personal identity is discussed in the future. Indeed, it seems likely that Unger's work...will help to relocate the discussion in a context in which normative considerations play an appropriately central role. --Philosophy and Phenomenological Research

Whatever objections anyone may want to raise against particular theses and arguments of Unger's book, everyone who cares about the problem of personal identity should attend carefully to it....Clearly a book to be reckoned with. --Nous

A short review cannot do justice to all the intricacies and subtleties of [Unger's] arguments and examples...This book should be read by anyone interested in these issues. --Philosophical Bool£6