Who was Derek Parfit? | David Edmonds (Rebroadcast)
Jan 27, 2025•55 min
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Episode description
Parfit altered the landscape of the philosophy of identity. We speak to David Edmonds about his recently released biography on this influential philosopher, and ask: what made Parfit the man he was?
[00:00] Introduction to David Edmunds
[00:25] David's Personal Connection to Derek Parfit
[01:42] Derek Parfit's Early Life and Education
[04:17] Derek Parfit's Philosophical Contributions
[08:39] The Teletransporter Thought Experiment
[12:20] Derek Parfit's Views on Death and Identity
[24:45] The Non-Identity Problem
[28:47] David Benatar's View on Existence
[30:00] Climate Change Thought Experiment
[34:42] Derek Parfit's Life and Interests
[37:15] The Academic Saint
[43:17] Derek Parfit's Philosophical Impact
[48:45] Writing Derek Parfit's Biography
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