Philosophy Bites David Edmonds on the Life and Philosophy of Derek Parfit
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Apr 10, 2024 David Edmonds discusses the life and philosophy of Derek Parfit, focusing on his views on personal identity, selflessness, the pressures behind 'Reasons and Persons', and the intersection of Parfit's photography and philosophy.
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Parfit's Disembodied Self Anecdote
- Derek Parfit had a strange relationship with his body, seeing it merely as a vehicle for the mind.
- He showed a lack of awareness of personal space and physical propriety, often exercising naked or undressing to cool down without concern.
Alien-Like Moral Impartiality
- Parfit's moral philosophy aligns with his weak personal ties and strong impartial concern.
- He felt as moved by strangers' suffering across time as by contemporaries' pain, fostering expansive altruism.
Judge Philosophy on Its Merits
- The value of philosophical ideas should be judged by their arguments, not the personal quirks of their creators.
- Parfit's precise premises and conclusions invite critical analysis irrespective of his unusual disposition.