Question 1

What is the difference between The puzzle and Four-dimensionalism?

Accepted Answer

A dissolution rather than an answer. If objects are extended in time as well as space, the ship is a branching object divisible into four-dimensional proper parts — and the question of which branch is 'really it' stops being forced. You don't answer the puzzle; you deny that it had to have one answer.

Question 2

How do I know if I mean Ship of Theseus rather than Four-dimensionalism?

Accepted Answer

Readers who land here meaning Ship of Theseus rather than Four-dimensionalism are usually searching for phrases like “ship of theseus explained”, “am I the same person I was”, “what is the answer to the ship of theseus”.

Aspect	The puzzle	Four-dimensionalism
Objects are	3D, enduring	4D, extended in time
The question	Which one is it?	Ill-formed
Answer	Contested	Dissolved
Cost	A paradox	A strange ontology

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Ship of Theseus

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