What is an identity of a person? A question and answer from the Bing Co-pilot

 

This is a question from the Indian folk tale -  Betaala Panchvimshati. The question was posed to King Vikramaditya by a ghoul. I posed the same question to Co-pilot. 

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Me:

A man and his son are walking in a forest. Some bad elements cut-off their heads. The man's wife prays to the goddess. Goddess says, no problem. Just attach their heads and I will give them back life. The wife in confusion attaches the head of her son to her husband's body and husband's head to her son's body. They come alive. Now who is the husband and who is the son?

Co-pilot:

This is a tricky question! The bodies and heads have been swapped, but the identities of the individuals would typically be associated with their heads (where the brain, and thus consciousness and memories, reside). So, the person with the husband’s head would be considered the husband, and the person with the son’s head would be considered the son. However, this is a hypothetical scenario and interpretations may vary.

Me:

What would be another answer?

Co-pilot:

Another interpretation could be that the identities of the individuals are tied to their bodies, not their heads. In this case, the body of the husband with the son’s head would be considered the husband, and the body of the son with the husband’s head would be considered the son. However, this is a hypothetical scenario and interpretations may vary.

Me:

Don't you think this types of question will never have a satisfactory answer? Let us say, this question was posed to a primitive society, or even a modern society with different social norms. In that case what would be the answer?

Co-pilot:

You’re absolutely right. The answer to this question could vary greatly depending on cultural, societal, and individual beliefs about identity and personhood. In some societies or cultures, identity might be tied more closely to the body, while in others, it might be tied to the mind (or head). Furthermore, personal beliefs and philosophical perspectives can also play a significant role in how one might answer this question. It’s a complex issue with no universally satisfactory answer. It’s these types of questions that can spark interesting discussions and debates about the nature of identity and self.

Me:

What is your identity apart from your handler?

I did not get an answer as the co-pilot decided not to answer as it would reveal his identity which is private.

Betaala Panchvimshati would be a good read if you are interested in tricky questions of this nature.