← Famous thought dilemmas
Dilemma 3 of 10
The Ship of Theseus
If all the parts of a ship are replaced one by one, is it still the same ship? What if the original parts are reassembled elsewhere?
Imagine
Every part of your body, every memory, changes over time. Are you still the same person?
Origin
An ancient Greek thought experiment, attributed to Plutarch.
Ask yourself
What makes you you — the parts, or the continuity?
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Show all ten dilemmasHide the list
- 01The Trolley ProblemDoes saving more lives outweigh taking a life through your action?→
- 02The Experience MachineWould you trade truth for the feeling of joy?→
- 03The Ship of TheseusWhat makes you you — the parts, or the continuity?→
- 04The Heinz DilemmaDoes morality bend for love — or for survival?→
- 05Buridan’s AssCan indecision itself be a dangerous decision?→
- 06The Bystander EffectWhat makes someone take the first step to help?→
- 07The Omelas DilemmaCan happiness be built on someone else’s suffering?→
- 08The Prisoner’s DilemmaIs mutual trust stronger than self-preservation?→
- 09Experience vs. MemoryDo we live for how things feel in the moment — or how we recall them?→
- 10The Lifeboat DilemmaWho decides who’s worth saving when not everyone can be?→