Comparison and Contrast Between Rene Descartes and John Locke on Self, Identity, and Consciousness

Summary: John Locke on Identity, Self, and Consciousness

The philosopher, John Locke asserts that human mind entails a lot of issues. According to him, identity can be defined by the working of the mind where it actively works in comparison to situations. According to him, the mind functions by considering and comparing events as they happen at a specific time and a given location (Locke, N.p). In addition, he further explains that there are such times when we have to be sure that a given thing exists. For instance, he depicts that "when we see anything to be in any place at any instant of time, we are sure (be it what it will) that it is that very thing, and not another which at that same time exists in another place, how like and undistinguishable soever it may be in all other aspects...." (Locke, N.p). In this aspect, it is imperative to understand the argument Locke puts forward in explaining the issue of identity. Identity works best when the element of time and place are clearly defined and the object that is being referred. In addition, he illustrates that to understand this aspect adequately, one has to be sure that an object existed in a given place and at a specific time. In this regard, the philosopher asserts that a single thing cannot be explained regarding having two beginnings or vice versa. In this sense, two similar things or situations cannot exist at the same time and place.

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In addition, the identity of substances can be evaluated by considering their relationship based on the aspects of divinity, finite intelligence, and other bodies. The author explains that there cannot be an argument regarding the identity of substances about divine power. In this case, God is omnipresent and unalterable. Thus, His character cannot be doubted at all. The other explanation of identity demonstrates the existence of finite spirits which only can be identified if just proved that they exist. On the part of bodies, the particulate nature of matter is considered to illustrate the identity of such a substance (Locke, N.p). Locke continues to narrate the identity aspect by studying animals and man. In his view, character in an animal is compared to watch which is controlled to fit the requirements of the owner. In this regard, therefore, an animal's identity is realized when it is constrained to match in an organization and suits its life.

On the other hand, the character of the man can be illustrated by considering his participation in the way of life. In another aspect of personal identity, it is imperative to find the ground a person stands to understand this particular aspect clearly. However, the author tries to narrate the relationship between identity and consciousness (Locke, N.p). In his prerequisite, awareness is a crucial player and determinant of the identity of an individual. It is critical in uniting the actions of a person. Therefore, the ability to understand self is governed by one's consciousness and thinking. Consequently, it is the ability of "consciousness" to monitor and solely unite the self into one person. Thus, Locke illustrates that the three aspects of self, identity, and consciousness must work in unison to ensure that a person exists.

Summary: Rene Descartes on Distinction between the Mind and the Human Body

Descartes starts off by questioning the existence of material things. He asserts that science can be used to explain this phenomenon and make a claim evident and understandable. However, in his more in-depth and clear explanation, he describes the presence of a stronger divine power that can produce all material things that human beings can conceive. In this sense, Descartes explains the functioning of the human mind (Manley and Taylor, N.p). In his dimension, the mind is like an application that assists in the cognitive ability of a person to make accurate decisions. In addition, this cognitive faculty must be embedded with a physical body which houses the mind.

Moreover, to understand the working of the human mind, it is essential to understand the two aspects associated with this body part. The functions can be either imagination or conception. An effort of the mind is critical to perform the first task of imagination. However, to conceive or understand a situation, the mind does not have to exert all this much pressure (Laurence and Laufler, N.p). However much there exists the difference between these two aspects of imagination and conception, there is no difference they make to the body structure. Descartes asserts that God helps produce things right as he (Descartes) conceives them right (Youtube, N.p). In addition, some aspects should be held to ascertain that one thing is different from the other. One of them is to assume that they must be made to exist separately by the power of the Divinity and the other one is to believe that God is omnipotent (Manley and Taylor, N.p). On the issue of self and identity, Descartes asserts that nature is responsible for teaching him about the surrounding and the behavior of other bodies about him (bbcradiofour). In this regard, nature teaches him the bodies to adopt and others to shun. He concludes that there exists a vast difference between the functioning of the mind and a person's body. The mind is evaluated regarding thinking capacity and trends. In this regard, there is no such connection between the mind and the rest of the body as the brain is connected to the mind.

Comparison and Contrast between Rene Descartes and John Locke on Self, Identity, and Consciousness

The two philosophers have different views regarding the aspects of self, identity, and personal consciousness. However, much they hold different illustrations on these issues, some similarities can be seen between the two philosophers. In both versions, they tackle the issue of identity. Descartes asserts that identity can be well understood by analyzing the feelings of the body such as denials, punishments, and what one perceives. In his dimension, there is the interconnectedness of the mind and the body which are extended by the body (Manley and Taylor, N.p). However, he is shallow in his argument, unlike Locke who explains the identity of epistemology. In addition, both philosophers cannot be underestimated for their contribution to the theories of personal identity. Locke agrees with Descartes that one's self is related to person-hood and the ability to think, act, and be self-aware.

However, there are differences between these two philosophers' views about the subject. According to Locke, consciousness is a key factor in determining the identity of a person. Consciousness is important in coordinating and uniting the other parts of the human body that also helps one understand the self. On the contrast, Descartes' view is more divine than that of Locke. In his analysis, he puts more weight on the power of God who helps produce things as Descartes conceives them right. In addition, he does outline the disconnectedness of the human body and the brain. It does not define the identity of a person and the self as well. In addition, Locke asserts that a person can be explained by considering the experience of the memory and the consciousness of the mind which should be linked to determine the identity of an individual conclusively. Another difference can be seen where Descartes asserts that a person can be defined as "the same thinking thing in different times and places." The view is far from what Locke illustrates questioning the loss of identity if one does not remember specific events in life. Undoubtedly, this presents a significant difference in explaining the identity between these two philosophers.

Personal Preference and Argument

In my perspective, John Locke is more elaborate than his counterpart. So far, Rene Descartes and John Locke have extensively demonstrated the understanding of self, identity, and consciousness. It has been well explained in their theoretical explanations with precise definitions and demonstrations. While Descartes illustrates his argument well, it is not as elaborate and convincing as that of Locke. He effectively explains issues critically, and the understanding of self is clear to all readers. Locke has provided more insight into the issues that face humans in day-to-day activities. In addition, he considers various aspects of human thinking to adequately explain the problems of self, identity, and consciousness.

Works Cited

bbcradiofour. YouTube, YouTube, 19 Jan. 2015, www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1iy8fMCe0o&=&index=4&list=PL5HdNzbsrL--qSIYDedF5e5Vn_vHRr2_e.

Descartes, Rene, and Laurence J. Lafleur. Meditations on first philosophy. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill, 1960.

Locke, John. An essay concerning human understanding. 1690.

Manley, B. David, and Taylor S. Charles. Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy. 1901.

schooloflifechannel. YouTube, YouTube, 11 Sept. 2015, www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAjWUrwvxs4.