Essay/Term paper: Personal identity

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Philosophy Essays

Personal Identity



8th March, 1997

Dear Diary

Today in class we had a brief discussion of what personal identity is. I
didn't get a chance to speak out my thoughts and opinions so I felt like to
share it with you.
Personal identity is what I see myself as, positively or negatively.
It could be argued but most people think they are at what called the
"Good" side even though he is a brutal killer. Word from a retired warden. Over
80% of the prisoners ready to be executed still believes they are innocent.
The way one sees things and their judgement is varied by ones own
personal identity. This is the combination, result of many factors. Like the
majority of our physical appearances is already destined since the moment of our
conception, of course, there are also other factors such as nutrition and
environment.
Everyone's personal identity should be changing everyday, every moment
by the building up of their intelligence and experiences. In the earlier stage,
our personal identity is solely from our parents. This includes: heredity,
culture background and the environment. As you grow older, fewer influences will
come from your parents but more from your friends, peers and teacher. Due to the
fact most people want a place to belong to (not necessary be a location), and
want to have friends, we'll sometimes alter our decision and benefits to just
fit into a group.
When getting into the middle age, the biggest influences will probably
come from your work, religion and friends still. As you can see friend plays a
very big part in everyone's life.
Personal identity plays a major part in my quest for self-knowledge, but
its up to me to choose my own identity.
God created all men equally, but it is up to us to determine whom we
ultimately want to be.