The Bicycle Of Theseus Is Taken Apart And The Parts Are Boxed Apart

The bicycle of Theseus is taken apart and the parts are boxed away. Has the bicycle stopped existing? One theory states that it exists throughout disassembly and it is the same bicycle as before. This is incorrect since it’s function is lost during disassembly and without being able to operate it, it cannot be said that it still exists. If it is said that the bicycle stops existing, then it either becomes a new bicycle when it is reassembled or enjoys an interrupted existence. The bicycle cannot stop existing after disassembly and become a wholly new bicycle because no parts have been replaced. The bicycle, instead, has an interrupted existence. It is the same bicycle before and after its disassembly because it retains the same function and history.
The parts are what makes it a bicycle. If the parts are destroyed, then it can never exist again. However, since the parts can be reassembled then it enjoys existing through the history of it’s prior deeds.
Except once disassembled the bicycle no longer retains its functions. Since it’s function of being able to travel has been removed it has stopped existing. Another example would be if a vehicle is taken apart without an individual’s prior knowledge and they are shown the parts they will not recognize it anymore as being their vehicle. If the pieces of Theseus’ disassembled bike are shown to him, he would not be able to distinguish between his memory of a bicycle and the disassembled parts. Thus meaning the bicycle has at one point ceased to exist.
Since the bicycle stops existing once disassembled, it must now be asked whether it becomes a new bicycle when reassembled or if it enjoys an interrupted