Sagine Joassin
Professor Stanland
PH-101
February 11, 2015

John Locke’s idea that the self is denoted by one’s self-consciousness, intelligence, and reflection is reflected in the researchers findings that Alzheimer’s patients maintained the idea of self. Locke argues that personal identity the ability to identify oneself as oneself. Personal identity is also known as consciousness or self-perception. Locke reasons that we perceive our self as our self over space and time. It is unchangeable, unlike the soul, which Locke believed could move from the body to body without attachment to personal identity. Moreover, the self is contained wherever the consciousness is. For instance, if an individuals who sleeps wakes up with a different consciousness, these two are separate people. Researchers reported that the patients frequently used “self-reference” in their responses as well as throughout general conversation. Using the first person indexical and even responding and recognizing oneself by name demonstrated self-awareness. “I am very happy” was an example used. “I” indicates reference to oneself, while the description of personality furthers their understanding of their “self”. Patients were also able to distinguish between themselves and others around them—supporting Locke’s view that one consciousness determines one’s self and is distinguishable from all others. Interestingly, patients could even reflect upon the changes Alzheimer’s has made upon their self. For instance, “I used to like to read a lot; I read a lot. I somehow changed.” The patient reflects as their consciousness extends into the past. This coincides with Locke’s emphasis on the ability to identify oneself across time and distance. The patients exemplify that their self or consciousness from years ago is unchanged to their present consciousness. Furthermore, Locke would say condition of the patients is ineffective upon their memories, such as forgetfulness or sleep is. The accumulation of this knowledge is a key attribute to self-identity. The view point of researchers, along with the support of Locke, have gone against all other suggestion that Alzheimer’s causes one to lose his or her self-concept. Locke would most likely explain the unfortunate disease as a change in bodily substance. Since bodily substance, such as limbs and physical features have no attachment to one’s self-consciousness; it would have no contribution to personal identity and the “self”. We could place such brain damage in this same category. The remaining self-identity and the “self”. We could place such brain damage in this same category. The remaining self-identity in patients is important to be recognized by caregivers who assume no interaction or communication can be shared. Perhaps the point made by these researchers can provide a positive and uplifting environment for the patients and even the caregivers proven the essentiality of the “self” in fact does remain.