Lincoln's White house and the Ship of Theseus

[Juan Marrero]

Theseus's Paradox posed by Plutarch raises the question whether an object (specifically an ancient vessel) which has over time had all of its components replaced (planks) remains fundamentally the same object.

This came to mind when, several weekends ago, we visited D.C. to see the Lincoln Barouche. It looked spanking new. Clearly, the leather and so much else were of recent vintage. How much of it was Lincoln's final coach?

But, even more so, should we consider the White House to be the house or simply the location where Lincoln lived? The necessary Truman era gutting of the mansion seems to have left only the original walls in place. So, when we visit the White House can we say we stand where Lincoln stood? Is the Green Room the room or just the space where Willie's funeral took place. I do not know enough about the 1940-50's conservation efforts to say whether or not doors, flooring, etc., were carefully preserved in an effort to return them to the internally rebuilt White House. Same can be said about Ford's Theater. The Soldiers Home is said to be much more the house where the Lincolns dwelt.