Biderman Recalling the Self Reading Notes

Biderman’s essay is a really nice introduction into some of the main questions and themes that
revolve around personal identity. As he notes at the beginning of the essay, there are two key
questions that philosophers often wrestle with when they wrestle with questions about the self
and identity:

(1) The criteria of personhood: what makes me a person? What makes me the same
person over time? He deals with this question on pages 40 - 46
(2) The question of unique individuality: Our existence as unique and individual human
beings: what makes me me? He deals with this question on pages 47 – 50

In wrestling with these two questions, Biderman identifies six approaches:

1. The Body Criterion

2. The Brain Criterion
3. The Memory Criterion
4. The Psychological Continuity Criterion
5. The Existentialist Response
6. The Fictitious Self Response [the self as a linguistic convention]

As you read and annotate his essay, see if you figure out the key elements of each of these
approaches. Biderman also points to weaknesses or flaws in some of these approaches, often
using examples drawn from the film. Can you identify the problems of each of these
approaches?

Given all these approaches, we might wonder which approach Biderman thinks the film
advocates. There are a couple of points throughout the essay where Biderman seems to clearly
indicate the important elements of his analysis and argument. As you read these philosophical
essays on film, pay attention to the use of indicator words such as “thus,” “therefore,” “it
follows,” and even “I will argue” or “In conclusion.” These words and phrases can be helpful in
reconstructing an author’s argument [and they are helpful in writing our own argument—you
should use them in your own essays].

On page 46 he writes: “Thus, while there have been various attempts to give a philosophical
account of personhood by providing its criteria, Total Recall provides a series of thought
experiments that raise questions and challenges to each account.”

Then in the final paragraph of the essay [where we often encounter conclusions] Biderman
writes, “Quaid follows the existential path” [p. 52]. What convinces him that the film seemingly
endorses this approach? We might also wonder about a point that Baur makes regarding
Memento: Leonard’s condition is our own. Do you think that this point is applicable to Total
Recall and Hauser/Quaid as well? Is Quaid’s condition our own?