Still the Same Person? Identity and Change, Illustrated by the World of Oz (Spartan Spotlight)
Course | Registration opens 8/3/2026 8:00 AM EDT
What makes someone the same person over time? Is it their body, their memories, their character, or something else? Using familiar characters from The Wizard of Oz and related stories, this talk explores classic questions about identity, including what it is, how it persists, and when it might be lost. No philosophy background is required, only a willingness to think alongside beloved characters as they grow, lose parts, gain new ones, and still somehow remain themselves.
Rory Kraft
Rory E. Kraft, Jr. is an associate professor of philosophy at York College, where he has taught for two decades. Kraft’s work focuses on ethics, medical humanities, and the connection of philosophy to everyday life. He writes for academic and general audiences and enjoys exploring philosophical questions through discussion, stories, and popular culture. He lives in York with his family and enjoys cooking, gardening, and listening to improvisational music.