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A Question of Identity

Written by Frank Riley

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Science FictionNew York (N.Y.)Legal storiesTrials (Murder)LawyersIdentity (Philosophical concept)Murrow, Edward R.

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About this book

"A Question of Identity" by Frank Riley is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The book delves into profound philosophical questions about human identity and what it means to be a man, particularly in the context of science and law as they intersect with personal identity. The narrative centers on the trial of Tony Corfino, a man accused of robbery and murder, defended by the aging and renowned attorney Jake Emspak, who takes on the case as his last. The story unfolds in a courtroom setting where Jake Emspak seeks to prove that the man standing trial is not the same Tony Corfino that existed before a tragic accident altered him both physically and mentally. Throughout the trial, Jake employs various medical and philosophical arguments to contend that advances in medical science have effectively created a new person from Corfino’s body, raising questions about legal responsibility and identity. As the trial progresses, the courtroom becomes a battleground for abstract concepts of humanity, ultimately challenging the jurors—and the readers—to ponder the essence of individuality and the implications of scientific advancements on human lives.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in A Question of Identity, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Philosophical
  • Tense
  • Thought-provoking

Frank Riley's "A Question of Identity" is a pioneering late 1950s science fiction novel that transcends typical genre boundaries by framing a profound philosophical inquiry within a gripping courtroom drama. The narrative centers on the trial of Tony Corfino, accused of robbery and murder, whose defense attorney, Jake Emspak, argues that a catastrophic accident fundamentally altered Corfino, creating a new person entirely. This premise forces a deep examination of what constitutes human identity in the face of radical scientific intervention and challenges the very foundations of legal responsibility. The book masterfully uses the trial setting to explore the complex interplay between law, science, and the abstract concept of self, prompting readers to re-evaluate their understanding of individuality.

“Is a man merely the sum of his cells, or the continuity of his consciousness, his memories, his very soul?”

Key themes

The Nature of Identity
The central theme of the novel, exploring what truly defines a human being. Is it physical continuity, memory, consciousness, personality, or a combination? The book challenges the idea of a static, unchanging self, particularly in the face of traumatic alteration and advanced medical intervention.
Science vs. Law and Ethics
This theme explores the tension between rapid scientific advancement and the often-slower evolution of legal and ethical frameworks. The novel highlights how new scientific capabilities (like advanced medical intervention) can create situations that existing laws are ill-equipped to handle, forcing a re-evaluation of fundamental societal principles.
Legal Responsibility and Culpability
The novel directly grapples with the question of who is responsible for a crime when the identity of the perpetrator is called into question due to fundamental personal alteration. It probes the foundations of culpability and punishment, asking if justice should be applied to a 'new' person for the actions of a 'former' one.

Worth discussing

How does 'A Question of Identity' challenge our conventional understanding of what defines a person?

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