Identity - our memories or much more

Introduction

The idea of identity follows on from the idea of memory. To reiterate the consensus view our memories are more like an artist's impression than a video recording with every minute detail vividly available.

In a similar vein our identity might best be described as a relative measure that can wax and wane according to the stress or otherwise of changing circumstances in life.

In this respect with some amusement I recall 21st birthday speeches at my respective children’s parties that I mentioned an interesting phenomenon to our guests. That was on our children, on attaining a certain level of maturity, had noticed a corresponding improvement in the parents' intelligence. Of course that's not always the case as our identity and how we think of ourselves may be vastly different as to how we, in turn, are viewed by others. This raises the question of identity and how it might be thought of in a relative matter during our life. 

Identity is a word used in many different ways to describe ourselves and the various affiliations within the world we inhabit.

I have just finished reading a book entitled History & Obstinacy by Alexander Kluge & Oskar Negt which talks about “the capitalism within us” as if it is part of our identity.

Obstinacy is a word that comes to mind in relation to identity as we find it difficult to cast aside the idea that the future will continue on the world as it is. E.g. As included in the beginning of the book by Richard Rorty - Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature - we always have in mind it’s being at the place where it would be if it continued to move as we see it moving now. We do not realize that it moves not in a straight line, but in a curve, and that its direction constantly changes.  

Metaphysical idea of one’s identity

In Western Philosophy the metaphysical idea of one’s identity has a long tradition of discussions.  It began in ancient Greece where Plutarch (circa dec’d 119 CE) proposed a thought experiment. He proposed the idea of a preserved ship whose rotting planks were all replaced but it retained its identity as that same ship as it was first constructed. He argued the preserved ship is analogous to one’s identity which is retained despite undergoing many changes throughout one’s lifetime.

This idea was carried forward from previous periods by both Plato and Heraclitus (500–400 BC.

Much later both John Locke and David Hume linked the idea of identity to our memories. In modernity this idea was challenged.     

The question is: is identity strongly linked to memory or not? 

Identity in this context being the way we think about ourselves living in the world. 

Losing one’s memories

By way of a modern day practical example can we say the loss of memory suffered by dementia patients is an example of how loss of memory diminishes that person's personal identity?  Many sufferers either aren't aware of their condition right from the onset or later on as the disease progresses.

Take those memories away and you take away their personal identity to the extent they are no longer aware of their inability to rationally consider pertinent aspects about themselves. The principle is LIFO. The latest memories (as in short term memory) are the first to go out or are severely compromised. Therein in the frontal area of the brain (where short term memories are formed) the person with dementia loses their previous sense of identity. 

An alternative view our identity is more than just memory

On the other hand the alternative view expressed by some is to say as human beings we are much more complex than just our memories.  The complex nature of our being is subject continually to incoming stimuli via the senses, conversations, peer group pressure, the influence of the media, our emotions and so the list goes on. 

There are so many things to consider to give rise to the idea of personal identity; it represents a kind of work in progress that defies any precise conclusion. All we can say is we identify with particular perspectives or groups or ideas subject to continual revision.  Just because our memories fade doesn't mean our personal identity is lost.  Dementia sufferers still retain their identity to the extent their long term memories will continue to provide feedback. They also generally retain a level of integrity. The idea in modernity is that the question of an identity cannot be analysed and at best might be thought of as a relative sense of who we are at varying stages in our life.      

In summary there is no reason to believe that the same me (my identity) continues?  Or maybe it continued to be modified according to different circumstances throughout one’s life? For instance, can we make an entirely fresh start?   

Making a fresh start

Changing oneself as in making a fresh start is a lot harder than you think. For a start the person wanting to make the change, namely yourself is attempting to change the very nature of how we perceive ourselves. We are talking about major changes and not just minor changes in habits. That is the old you to become an entirely new you. Like a sailor setting off into an unknown future. The question is can you do this? – If you can, what does it say about the idea of identity?  Does it mean the very idea of identity or a self is transitory and doesn't really exist? Are we far freer to choose than is generally believed? 

The answer is very involved and I don’t intend to explore the subject here but leave it open to debate.     

Conclusion

The question of identity is a subject that continues to entertain discussion just as it did in ancient Greece.

We also have a freedom not to be tied to any presupposed societal ideas