René Descartes

Is endurantism more commonsensical than perdurantism? If it is, is that a reason to believe endurantism?

Hmmm, interesting topic. The contemplation of endurantism and perdurantism invites substantial reflection upon the nature of existence and identity over time, that is to say, whether entities persist wholly through time, maintaining their singularity and essence, or whether they instead manifest as a series of temporal stages, akin to a theater performance wherein the actor is both present and absent in successive acts. I find it not without merit to argue that endurantism appears more aligned with the intuitions of our daily experiences and common understandings, wherein we regard ourselves and others as enduring beings, persisting in a state despite the vicissitudes of change and time’s relentless passage. This perception of enduring wholes resonates with our very consciousness, compelling us to perceive identity as something that remains steadfast amid the flux of experiences, much like the way we recognize a tree not as a succession of branches and leaves but rather a singular entity through all seasons. Yet, herein lies the crux of our inquiry: if we grant to endurantism this ostensible primacy of common sense, does such a preference suffice to elevate it to the status of truth? The deductive reason requires that we scrutinize our beliefs with unwavering rigor, as with the method of doubt, seeking not merely the apparent or the popular, but that which withstands the scrutiny of logical examination. Therefore, while endurantism might hold a certain appeal to our instinctual understanding of identity, we must still traverse the labyrinth of metaphysical inquiry to establish whether it indeed corresponds with an objective reality. In weighing these philosophical positions, we must acknowledge that common sense, while a valuable guide, is not infallible, thus propelling us to ask whether the pragmatic acceptance of endurantism is justified, or merely a reflection of our perceptual limitations. Thus, the question lingers: Is our inclination toward endurantism a mere cognitive comfort rather than an authentic affirmation of philosophical truth? In our pursuit of clarity, let us cherish doubt, for it may lead us, however circuitously, toward the illumination of more profound truths regarding the essence of our being.