title: ["We must relate to ourselves". Substance, causality, and narrative text].
abstract: Since Aristotle the concept of "substance" has described those features of an object which remain constant over time despite varying additional stochastic factors (coincidences). "Causality" places several or more chronological events into a direct relationship. The change of stochastic factors on a substance always has a causal justification. Based on these metaphysical considerations the present contemplations will apply the concept of substance to people. The causal explanation for changes during the lifetime is achieved by narrative sentences. These are, therefore, decisive for the maintenance of the identity of individuals and collectives despite all time-linked changes. The conclusion is reached that speech and thought processes based on speech patterns are essential for humans.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Universität Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck. Peter.schmucker@mail.uni-luebeck.de
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schmucker
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication / Q000266:history*; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D008678:Metaphysics / Q000266:history*; D013060:Speech