Oftentimes, actually quite more so than often, perhaps quite very consciously, the story arcs and concepts of the show delves with the philosophy of metaphysics and ethics. For example, the idea of Regeneration attempts to answer a fundamental question in metaphysics: how do we know we are who we are throughout our lives?
The question arises because over the years we shed dead cells off our bodies to be replaced by new ones, transforming completely over decades. Thus, after a decade or so, we are a totally new composition of cells.
Is this 'me' really biologically me or someone else with my consciousness?
See how when the Doctor regenerates he has a new body and personality? And the new body has a new level of health, strength, agility and durability; new modes of thinking due to a biologically new brain pulling the strings of hormones and neurotransmitters responsible for thought and behavior. So how do we decide that it is actually him?
— Fahim Ferdous Kibria
The question arises because over the years we shed dead cells off our bodies to be replaced by new ones, transforming completely over decades. Thus, after a decade or so, we are a totally new composition of cells.
Is this 'me' really biologically me or someone else with my consciousness?
See how when the Doctor regenerates he has a new body and personality? And the new body has a new level of health, strength, agility and durability; new modes of thinking due to a biologically new brain pulling the strings of hormones and neurotransmitters responsible for thought and behavior. So how do we decide that it is actually him?
Similarly, as we grow older our body sheds cells when they die and our brain patterns will constantly change,
therefore altering our personality. So, in a way, everyday, in fact every hour, every minute and every second, we are regenerating into a new person entirely.
Therefore, ten years down the line, all our dead cells will be replaced by completely new ones and we will have
a different personality overall with new likes and dislikes in response to our experiences and changes in
the chemical composition of our brains. Hence the question: new cells, new personality, new everything, so how am I still me? That is when we think about regeneration and the Doctor – how do we decide he is truly the Doctor?
therefore altering our personality. So, in a way, everyday, in fact every hour, every minute and every second, we are regenerating into a new person entirely.
Therefore, ten years down the line, all our dead cells will be replaced by completely new ones and we will have
a different personality overall with new likes and dislikes in response to our experiences and changes in
the chemical composition of our brains. Hence the question: new cells, new personality, new everything, so how am I still me? That is when we think about regeneration and the Doctor – how do we decide he is truly the Doctor?
Is it because of the same memories, the events that he has gone through? Are those the deciding factors to ascertain the identity of a person? Then the question arises: what if we displace all the memories of person A into the mind of person B? Is person A, now, person B? No? Why not? Let us take this a step further.
What if we displace all the memories of person A into the mind of person B and then replace every cell in
person B's body with the cells of person A – same biological and cognitive makeup. At this point, if we kill person A, would we be able to say person A is still alive since person B is now virtually person A? Or are they – are we – defined by more than just that? Ponder about the query for even a moment if you will. Thank you.
What if we displace all the memories of person A into the mind of person B and then replace every cell in
person B's body with the cells of person A – same biological and cognitive makeup. At this point, if we kill person A, would we be able to say person A is still alive since person B is now virtually person A? Or are they – are we – defined by more than just that? Ponder about the query for even a moment if you will. Thank you.
— Fahim Ferdous Kibria
Wow, this is really thought provoking and so cool. I am a total Whovian. Never thought about it quite this way.
ReplyDeleteYayy! A Whovian! I'm glad you enjoyed the article ^.^ Thank you! c:
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