Essay Problem: Philosophical Viewpoint
In the book Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky there is a character named Arthur. Arthur was ′wished′ into existence from a machine aliens left on Earth. Is Arthur human if he was created by a wish machine? Arthur is created suddenly wholly clothed as a human. Humans already have a history. We exist historically. Our past helps and hinder us in the present. We say, ″Jane has a lot of baggage.″ ″Joe′s carrying a heavy load since he lost his children.″ The character Arthur has no history, memories, etc. Somehow he knows the language and seems to be able to function in the world. The English philosopher, John Locke, thought that the self was tied to a person′s own memories. Arthur has no memories, so does he have a self? If so, then of what does it consist?
The response must include a reference list. One-inch margins, double-space, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.