This is a reflection paper

During this course you will be engaging in a practice of reflection. Reflection is key aspect of Ignatian spirituality and Jesuit education, therefore it is intentionally infused into your coursework. Reflection is a cyclical process that can be cultivated into a habit for ongoing personal growth.

The Oliver Sacks reading describes Mr. Thompson, a patient who has Korsakov’s, a disease that is characterized by loss of short-term memory. This reading raises question about the relationship between our bodies and identities (self). We rely on memory and sense perception to identify people and objects, including our sense of self. Your memory, for example, tells you where you were born, who your family is, etc. What happens to our sense of self if these faculties fail us? Are we the same person? Is there a sense of self that remains apart from our faculty losses? If so, what is it? If not, why not?

Craft a reflection, in which you consider Mr. Thompson’s case. Explore whether or not you think Mr. Thompson’s sense of himself can remain stable (or constant) despite the failure of memory. If so, why? If not, why not? Your journal should demonstrate engagement with this week’s readings, however this is the place you can express your engagement by focusing on the aspects of this case you find most interesting, intriguing, or downright strange.