Ep 10. Dark City, Dollhouse, and Personal Identity
- TV-PG
- May 25, 2018
- 36 min
In this episode of Sci-Phi: Science Fiction as Philosophy, we delve into the concept of personal identity through the lenses of two popular science fiction shows, Dark City and Dollhouse. Both shows explore the idea of identity being malleable and able to be manipulated, creating intriguing philosophical questions about what makes us who we are.
Dark City, a 1998 film, sets the stage for the discussion by portraying a world in which humans' memories and identities are constantly being altered by a group of extraterrestrial beings known as the Strangers. This raises the question of whether personal identity is solely based on memory or whether there is something innate that makes us who we are. Through examining the different characters' experiences in the film, we explore the philosophical ideas of the self and the importance of memory in constructing personal identity.
Moving onto the television show Dollhouse, we see a similar theme of identity manipulation, but with a twist. The main premise of the show is that humans can have their memories wiped and replaced with new ones, becoming a completely different person. This raises a multitude of philosophical questions about whether the essence of a person can be changed or whether personal identity is more than just memories. We discuss the idea of a person's soul or consciousness and whether it remains constant despite any manipulations of memories or physical form.
Throughout the episode, we also explore the ethical implications of these ideas. If personal identity is malleable and can be controlled, what are the ethical boundaries in using this technology or ability? The potential for abuse and manipulation is high, and we examine the consequences of these actions and where the line should be drawn.
Ultimately, this episode of Sci-Phi offers a thought-provoking exploration of personal identity and the philosophical implications of its malleability. Through the lens of Dark City and Dollhouse, we are forced to question what makes us who we are and how our identities can be manipulated. We consider the ethical implications of such actions and the importance of memory and consciousness in defining personal identity.