The Paradox of the Ship of Theseus

Theseus, a legendary hero of Athens, sailed a great ship. As the years passed, its wooden planks began to rot, so they were replaced, one by one, until eventually, every single piece of the ship had been replaced with new material.

Is it still the same ship?

Now, suppose that as each board was removed, it was set aside. As boards we procured, the ship was recrafted and as the last one was removed, it was set in place, forming a complete ship from the old boards.

Which one is the real ship of Theseus?

What makes something itself? Its material components, or the continuity of its form and function?
Is identity tied to the matter something is made from, or the role it serves and the name it carries?
How much can change before something becomes “something else”?

Share your thoughts.