Ship of Theseus - Modern Examples

Modern Examples

There are many examples of objects which might fall prey to Theseus's paradox: buildings and automobiles for example can undergo complete replacement while still maintaining some aspect of their identity. An example is found in the popular UK television show Only Fools and Horses in the episode Heroes and Villains, where road-sweeper Trigger is given a medal by the council for using the same broom for 20 years. He then adds that the broom has had 17 new heads and 14 new handles. When asked how can it be the same broom, Trigger produces a picture of himself and his broom and asks, "What more proof do you need?"

Read more about this topic:  Ship Of Theseus

Famous quotes containing the words modern and/or examples:

    In most other modern societies working mothers are not put under these special and exaggerated pressures. For example, French and English mothers often prefer to breast-feed their babies, but they do not feel that their womanhood is at stake if they fail to do so. Nor does anyone else.
    Sylvia Ann Hewitt (20th century)

    Histories are more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of friends.
    Alexander Pope (1688–1744)