Conditions of Identity

This book sets out a new theory of the unity of objects. The author introduces the reader to the central problems faced by philosophical accounts of identity, problems which can, to a large extent, be solved using the theory developed in the book. In his consideration of the vexed issue of personal identity, the author argues that in our everyday thinking about persons we merge radically different kinds of notions. He suggests that our assessment of sameness ofperson is not founded on any determinate concept of person.Many central topics in epistemology and metaphysics are addressed in the course of the book and the author provides an original examination of each: the nature of physical objects, the metaphysics of possible worlds, the meaning of continuity in space and time and the nature of philosophical theorizing itself. The book is written in non-technical language and so will be of interest to the non-specialist philosopher.

'It is impossible in the space of a short review to do justice to the wealth of material contained in Brennan's book, which is brimming with ideas on all sorts of issues both closely and remotely related to his main theme. ...Despite my fundamental disagreements with Brennan, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book as a thorough, clearly-written, up-to-date, and above all intellectually committed examination of the problems of identity over time.' Philosophical Books, 'As its title indicates, the "main concerns" of Andrew Brennan's engaging and ambitious work are questions bearing upon survival and identity ... The book is incredibly far-ranging. Many intricate and original arguments are offered in support of SWI and related claims of revisionary metaphysics. It will be evident, even to those of us who doubt that we need to be liberated from concern with identity, that this is a very fine book that rewards and is sure to receive close study.' Mind, 'Brennan's discussion is rich and many-sided; there is much more to it that I can indicate here ... the issues are truly philosophical, and Brennan's enthusiasm for them comes over. His book is a substantial contribution to the subject.' Times Higher Education Supplement, 'a thorough, lengthy and wide-ranging discussion of the family of issues clustered around the concept of numerical identity' Graeme Forbes, Edinburgh University. Philosophical Quarterly, `astute study ... I recommend this book to anyone interested in problems of identity through time.' Philosophical Review