ORGANISMS AND THE EXTENDED SELF: A RE-EVALUATION

Abstract

In this paper I argue against Eric Olson, who argues that the extended mind thesis must be false if animalism—the view that human persons are numerically identical with biological organisms—is true. Whilst I agree with Olson that the animalist’s approach is the best account of personal identity, I disagree with his position regarding the extended mind thesis. I argue, contrary to Olson, that understanding human beings as organisms leads to the acceptance of a version of the EST. This is important also, as it shows that one need not have any commitments to the EMT to accept the EST.