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Is the continuity of our selves just an illusion?

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Researchers at the University of Madrid studied the question and they say it’s not an illusion:

The ‘continuity of the self’—the capacity for self-awareness and self-recognition— remains stable whereas other components such as physical aspects, physiological processes and even attitudes, beliefs and values are more liable to change.

Even components such as personality traits tend to change slightly over the years, but “the sense of being oneself is preserved, improving our understanding of human nature,” according to Rubiales. – University of Madrid (Ucm), “Are We the Same Person Throughout Our Lives? In Essence, Yes” at Neuroscience News (November 28, 2020)

News, “Do we really remain the same person throughout our lives?” at Mind Matters News

This contrasts with Susan Blackmore, who insists that there is no true continuity.

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Oxford philosopher Richard Swinburne: Without a soul, there is no self. He presents new philosophical arguments, supported by modern neuroscience, in defense of the soul.

and

An Oxford neuroscientist explains mind vs. brain. Sharon Dirckx explains the fallacies of materialism and the logical and scientific strengths of dualism.

Here’s Blackmore:

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