What Is Identity?
Identity is a concept that has long fascinated philosophers. From the ancient Greeks to modern thinkers, Identity has been debated as something fixed or fluid. In philosophy, identity is often tied to continuity - what makes a person the same over time despite changes. Some argue that identity is defined by memory and consciousness (Locke), while others see it as a bundle of experiences with no true core (Hume). Structuralists and postmodernists even challenge the idea of a stable identity, suggesting it is shaped by language, culture, and society.
But here’s my take: Identity is not just a philosophical construct - it’s an internal mental model that constantly evolves as we gain experiences. It is the framework we use to make sense of the world, react to situations, adapt to challenges, and ultimately survive. This model is built over time through interactions, learning, and personal reflection. It shapes our beliefs, decisions, and actions, allowing us to navigate our environment.
However, this is also why identity conflicts arise. When our internal model clashes with someone else’s, tensions emerge. Whether it’s ideological debates, cultural differences, or personal disagreements, these conflicts stem from a fundamental truth: each of us has constructed a mental model that we believe to be valid. When challenged, it feels like an attack on our very existence, triggering our survival instinct. That’s why arguments can turn emotional - our mental models are tied to our sense of self.
Understanding identity as a flexible, evolving system rather than a fixed trait can help us approach conflicts with more openness. Instead of viewing disagreements as attacks, we can see them as opportunities to refine and expand our mental models further. In a world where perspectives constantly collide, adaptability may be the key to both personal growth and social harmony.
So, how do you see identity? Is it something stable, or do you think it evolves with experience? Do share them in the comments! :)
Really enjoyed this piece! The framing of identity as an evolving internal model resonates strongly with some of the trust and perception questions I’ve been exploring in the context of AI adoption.
One angle I think could be really interesting to expand on is how identity influences what kinds of information or systems people trust or resist — and how this shapes societal acceptance of AI and other technologies.
I’ve been looking at some fascinating research on this intersection — if you’re ever interested in co-writing or exploring it further, happy to connect!
Because we simulate self in our brain/minds, identity becomes a shorthand for quick decision-making. If I identify as a vegan, then certain decisions become autonomous. So identity may be an evolutionary requirement for data/information compression, allowing the human brain to run on 20watts of power compared to LLMs.