題目 1 · Stimulus-based Essay
25 分Stimulus: "If we could map every synapse and transfer your memories, thoughts, and emotional patterns to a digital network, would that digital copy still be 'you'? Or does your humanity reside in the physical decay and finite nature of your organic body?" Write a philosophical essay in response to this stimulus, exploring the relationship between physical embodiment and personal identity.
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解題
An excellent response will: 1. Identify the core philosophical issue: the mind-body problem and the criteria for personal identity (physical vs. psychological continuity). 2. Discuss key philosophical positions: Descartes' substance dualism (the self as a thinking, non-extended thing), physicalism/functionalism (the mind as a computational state of the brain), and phenomenological perspectives (such as Merleau-Ponty's emphasis on the lived body). 3. Evaluate the stimulus directly: assess whether a digital copy of memories and neural pathways preserves personal identity (Locke's psychological continuity thesis) or if identity requires physical continuity of the same organic substrate (Bernard Williams' bodily criterion). 4. Explore alternative perspectives: consider the ethical and existential implications of a digitized self (e.g., does immortality rob life of meaning?). 5. Provide a structured, coherent, and balanced argument with clear philosophical terminology.
評分準則
Marks are awarded out of 25 based on the standard IB Philosophy assessment criteria: Criterion A: Expression and presentation (5 marks) - Clarity, structure, and use of philosophical vocabulary. Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding (5 marks) - Relevance and depth of knowledge regarding the mind-body problem and personal identity theories. Criterion C: Analysis (5 marks) - Identification of assumptions, critical dissection of arguments (e.g., Locke, Descartes, physicalism). Criterion D: Evaluation (5 marks) - Strength and coherence of the critical counter-arguments. Criterion E: Relevance and development of the stimulus (5 marks) - Direct engagement with the stimulus provided, keeping the discussion centered on embodiment vs. digital replication.