Defining an adult - question

[marita_c]

This is for something that I’m writing:

Let’s say that a man (21+ y.o.) has ‘amnesia’: His language capabilities are intact, he can still win a game of Trivia, can operate a computer and play the piano – BUT his episodic memory is gone for good. He doesn’t know who he is, has absolutely no recollection of any previous experiences, events or people. 100% clean slate.

Many people say that it’s the experience the shapes the person – what you’ve been through throughout your life has made you into what you are.

According to this, once that man suffers said amnesia, he’s reduced, in many ways, to an infant. Would you consider that person to be an adult? Would you allow him to vote, drink alcohol, have sex? 

Comments

[marita-c.livejournal.com]

We're completely on the same page. On the one hand a lot of his "personality" had been erased, so he'll be a little dull, nearly robotic. On the other hand, any experience will be a new experience, so that adds child-like wonder and curiosity. Then we have decision-making and reactions, which are usually based on experience, but in this case will have no context, so in a way my guy will learn things about himself by his reactions to new situations.

I'm going to have a lot of fun with this... :P

[freekydj.livejournal.com]

I can't wait to see the result! It really sounds like it will be quite the challenge though!

[xtricks.livejournal.com]

There were a couple of recent cases about people with severe amnesia and they weren't robotic or dull. They were without the memories that had formed their personality but they still *had* that personality.

It's clear that personality is based on more than just memories. You might look up Oliver Sacks and see if he did a book on amnesia, he's a great medical writer.