Identity Questions

 In researching the identity as a whole and as humans, we have been asked about the theory surrounding the ship of Theseus. The theory questions if every part of a ship is replaced, is it still the same ship? This question relates to the idea of human identity and how it exists. It poses the question of if there is an answer at all. In human biology our cells are replaced and recycled regularly, does that mean we are the same person with the same identity?

I believe the answer is that identity is ever-changing within all people, but as a whole, we are the same person as long as we retain parts of our identities we have had over time. This can relate to the memory theory in a way but is more similar to being able to recount how we once were and remembering it instead of it letting our identity as a whole.

The memory theory is the idea that memories we retain create and influence the identity we hold. As long as we remember something, there is some way we are influenced by it. This is obviously flawed with circumstances of incorrect memorisation of things or amnesia. There are many questions that can be offered along with this. Would you still hold the same developed fears and trauma? How would mental disorders affect you? Would you retain mannerisms, vocal tics, and accents?