Chapter 3: Identity¶
Introduction¶
At this session, we will look at identity. This is, of course, a complex and diverse topic. Identity can mean different things in different contexts. For example, in a mathematical context you use the equal-sign \(=\) in order to state that the terms on the right-hand of that sign can be rewritten as the the terms at the left–hand (they are identical). So if you e.g. take Euler's equation, you see that \(e^{i\pi}-1\) is identical with \(0\).
On the other hand, with everything flowing (as the Greek philosopher Herakleitos famously stated), it is impossible to bath in the identical river twice – as it is not the same river and you are not the same person.
In a more mundane context, when we talk about something we assume a certain continuity of this thing over time and space: we assume that the computer I am typing this on is identical with the computer I was typing on yesterday. In the same vein, the house I am leaving in the morning is identical with the house I am returning to in the evening (assuming that it is the same house).
On another level, you have an identity which is different from my identity even thought we are of the same species; but if two terms are the same, are they not identical?
What is identity, what does it mean when you state that you have an identity, where does identity begin and end, and when are two things identical? These and similar questions will be addressed during our meetings.
Session¶
In order to come to grip with these issues, we will first delve into Merlau-Ponty's idea of body as a thing of flesh and his questions concerning the limits of the flesh body. We do that using the interpretation Susan Kozel has written for us in 2007. When discussing her ideas, we will look at the text of Merlau-Ponty himself as well.
We will investigate the relationship between identity and individuality using a concept that we can call data double: is it possible to have something (a doll, a robot, another person) that is the same as yourself in all respects but still is a different individual? We will look into some popular culture fiction in order to come to grip with this question.
