Personal identity refers to the view people hold of themselves that is constant and continues throughout life. It may also include things you cannot control, like where you were born or what color your skin is, but also choices that you make, such how you spend time and your beliefs. Wearing clothes and interacting with people are two ways to show your identity. Even when you feel that certain parts of your identity are important, it is possible to keep them private.
Prior to taking this course, before I started, I was always struggling with the question, “Who am i?” and I spent a lot of time thinking about my future self, who I may become, and how much personal control I actually have over such questions. Throughout history, philosophers have pondered and debated these uncertainties. The majority of people want to survive in some form, in both their life and after death. Personal identity philosophy aims to answer these questions about existence and how people know they exist. How do know you’re the same as when you were young? Does it mean you can remember your childhood in the same physical body as you do now? Or because you are the same person? What criteria could be used as a way to verify that you’re a real person? Asking yourself how to know you’re the same as when you were born is about persistence. Our perception is that we remain the same person through life. Many religions and philosophers like Plato, Descartes, and others believe that we continue to exist because we possess a soul. This timeless essence continues even after our body dies. This was a viewpoint that shaped my view of people.
According to me, an individual’s personal identification changes, grows, and evolves throughout life. It is important to distinguish between your identity and the person that you are. The same soul and mind are in the same body as when you were first born. While the body, mind and soul undergo tremendous changes, they all remain in the same place. You may have changed your opinions or attitudes about certain topics, and even the shape of your body can change. Yet, you remain the same person you were when you were born. Many factors influence a person’s sense of identity. A person’s identity is shaped by many factors, including family, friends and personal interests. Cultures and environments also play an important role. Some factors have a stronger influence than others while others may not. Many aspects of a person’s life are influenced as they grow up. The culture and family of an individual can have a profound impact on their morals, sense of duty, and even humor. The environment and friends can affect a person’s choices in clothing, music or speech. These things do have an impact on our identity and how people perceive us. However, my personal identity has made me aware that many people are not in control of their appearance and that it is important to stop judging people on this basis.
