AAP 2026 CONFERENCE

This paper interrogates the intricate distinction between human beings and persons by re-evaluating John Locke’s framework of personal identity. Whereas human beings are defined by biological continuity, persons, according to Locke, are constituted by psychological continuity—principally the continuity of memory and self-awareness. Locke’s theory posits that a person remains identical over time by virtue of an unbroken chain of conscious experiences, even when the physical body persists despite episodes of amnesia or altered consciousness. This perspective challenges the reduction of personhood to mere biological persistence, arguing instead for a dynamic conception of identity anchored in reflective awareness and moral responsibility. Nonetheless, the theory faces formidable challenges: the phenomenon of false memory, the episodic disruptions seen in severe amnesia, and the complexities introduced by conditions such as dissociative identity disorder. These issues raise critical questions about the stability and unity of psychological continuity. Ultimately, while Locke’s approach advances a compelling alternative to substance-based theories, it also underscores the need for further refinement to fully capture the multifaceted nature of personal identity.