Identity is a concept the definition of which has been debated for centuries. Philosophers and psychologists have dedicated their careers to discovering what the “self” is. Today, many experts agree that a person’s identity refers to the way in which they choose to define themself, based on factors such as gender, ethnic or cultural background, religion, profession, and more. It is widely believed that one’s identity can be altered over time, as their understanding of themself changes, and that it will largely depend on what qualities someone possesses, as well as how important each one is to them.
The way someone defines themself will change based on which factors are most important to that particular person, according to some experts, while others claim that the factors someone uses to define themself will change depending on the situation and context. There is also some debate surrounding whether or not temporary factors such as age and profession can be considered a part of someone’s identity. According to an article published by the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, and edited by professors of philosophy, we mainly use the term “identity” to refer to the list of characteristics or qualities about ourselves that we feel some level of ownership over, or attachment to. Therefore, the traits that someone thinks “makes them who they are” would be the traits that make up their identity. Additionally, the significance each quality has is important as well. It is for this reason that the writer believes two people who share similar characteristics can still have very different identities, as one may prioritize one characteristic, while the other doesn’t view it as quite so important, and vice versa.
This individual personal identity contrasts with my gender, ethnic, and national identity, which consist roughly of the sex, ethnic group, or nation I take myself to belong to and the importance I attach to this. (Olson, Personal Identity)
On the other hand, according to a paper published by Stanford University, the traits a person chooses to be important to their identity are the ones most relevant in that scenario. The writer believes the way one define’s themself will change depending on the context of the situation.
One might answer the question “who are you?” entirely differently in different circumstances. For example, depending on the context, I might answer “an American,” “a professor,” “a son-in-law,” “a taxpayer,” “a Democrat.” In some situations I might even give my social security number. … how you answer the question will depend on the specific context. (Fearon, What is identity as we now use the word?)
Either way, however, both agree that the answer to the question “who are you?” will not be the same for everyone, and the list of traits or qualities that someone responds with (the way that they explain or define themself) are what make up their identity.
In summary, despite varying opinions on what exactly makes up one’s identity and what factors may cause that to change, most experts can agree that your identity is made up of the unique combination of qualities you possess, and how much importance is placed upon them.
Works Cited
Edwardes, Martin P. J. “What Is a Self?: There and Back Again.” The Origins of Self: An
Anthropological Perspective, UCL Press, 2019, pp. 163–89. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv13xprvd.13. Accessed 7 Feb. 2024.
Fearon, James D. “What is Identity (As We Now Use the Word)?” Stanford University, 3 November 1999, https://web.stanford.edu/group/fearon-research/cgi-bin/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/What-is-Identity-as-we-now-use-the-word-.pdf. Accessed 6 February 2024.
Olson, Eric T. “Personal Identity.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 20 August 2002, https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/identity-personal/#Aca. Accessed 6 February 2024.
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