Open Individualism - I Am You

[Michael Paul]

Open Individualism (OI) is the theory in philosophy of self that there is only one subject, and this subject is every sentient being at all times. It’s a solution to the theory of personal identity.

This is opposed to Closed Individualism, the common view which claims that personal identity is unique to individuals and survives over time, and Empty Individualism, which claims that personal identity is different at every moment (minimum unit of time). 

OI seems to be the most parsimonious and logical conclusion to the problem of personal identity. Regardless of your metaphysical commitments, whether you are a physicalist (materialist) or idealist (believing that the most fundamental aspect of reality is consciousness, as Leo does), it makes sense in either case. 

If, theoretically, the entire universe and all of existence was strictly physical, OI makes perfect sense. Quantum Field Theory states that any particle is an excitation of an all-pervading field, or fabric. Therefore, we are all vibrations or excitations of one all-pervading fabric, rather than discrete objects which come into and leave existence. This means that, essentially, we are all the same person.

If idealism is true, and everything that exists is made out of one consciousness, then OI logically follows from this conclusion.

If you’re interested in OI, I highly recommend Magnus Vinding’s book You Are Them.