Who AM I
The concept of self and identity has been a central topic of inquiry across a range of disciplines, including philosophy, religion, and science. This is an effort to do a comparative study of the major theories and perspectives on self and identity, drawing from Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Advaita philosophy, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and scientific theories of consciousness and identity. By examining the similarities and differences between these perspectives, we aim to deepen our understanding of the nature of the self and its relationship to the world around us.
Religious Perspectives
Religious traditions offer distinct perspectives on self and identity. In Islam, the concept of nafs refers to the soul or inner self, which is believed to be the seat of consciousness and the locus of moral and ethical decision-making. According to Islamic theology, the nafs can be purified through spiritual practice and submission to the will of Allah. The ultimate goal of human existence is to achieve closeness to Allah and to be granted entrance into paradise in the afterlife.
In Hinduism, the concept of atman is central to understanding the nature of the self. According to this tradition, atman is the eternal, unchanging essence of the individual, which is distinct from the physical body and the ego. The goal of human existence is to realize the unity of atman with the ultimate reality, or Brahman, through spiritual practice and self-realization. This is achieved through various means, including meditation, devotion, and selfless action. Advaita philosophy offers a non-dualistic perspective on self and identity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things and the illusory nature of the ego. According to this tradition, the ultimate reality is pure consciousness, or Brahman, which is identical to the individual self, or atman. The goal of Advaita practice is to realize this non-dualistic nature of reality through self-inquiry and meditation.
In Buddhism, the concept of anatman challenges the notion of a permanent self. According to this tradition, the self is a composite of impermanent elements that are constantly changing. There is no eternal, unchanging essence of the individual, and the self is therefore an illusion. The goal of Buddhist practice is to achieve enlightenment, which involves transcending the illusion of the self and realizing the interconnectedness of all things.
In Christianity, the concept of the soul is central to understanding the nature of the self. The soul is believed to be an immortal essence that transcends the physical body and is created in the image of God. Through faith in Jesus Christ, humans can achieve salvation and eternal life in heaven. The goal of human existence is to fulfill God's purpose and to live in accordance with His will.
Judaism similarly places a strong emphasis on the soul as the essence of the self. The soul is believed to be a divine spark that has descended into the physical world. Through the practice of mitzvot, or commandments, humans can achieve closeness to God and fulfill their purpose in life. The ultimate goal of human existence is to bring about the redemption of the world and the establishment of the Messianic era.
Scientific Perspectives
Scientific theories of consciousness and identity offer a different perspective on the nature of the self. These theories are based on empirical evidence and aim to provide a more objective understanding of the self.
One prominent theory of consciousness is the global workspace model, which suggests that consciousness arises from the integration of information across different parts of the brain. According to this theory, the brain acts as a kind of theater, where different cognitive processes compete for attention and the winner gains access to consciousness. The self is an emergent property of the brain's ability to integrate and process information, and it is constantly changing as new information is processed.
Another theory of consciousness is the integrated information theory, which proposes that consciousness arises from the integration of information across complex systems. According to this theory, consciousness is a fundamental property of the universe, and it can arise in any system that is capable of integrating and processing information. The self is a product of the brain's ability to integrate information and is constantly changing as new information is processed.
In addition to theories of consciousness, there are also scientific theories of identity. One such theory is the self-schema theory, which proposes that the self is a mental construct that arises from our experiences and interactions with the world around us. According to this theory, the self is a collection of beliefs, memories, and experiences that shape our understanding of who we are. These schemas can be positive or negative and can influence our behavior and emotions.
Another theory of identity is the social identity theory, which suggests that our sense of self is influenced by the groups to which we belong. According to this theory, we derive our sense of identity from our membership in various social groups, such as our family, friends, and community. Our sense of identity is shaped by our relationships with others and can change as we move in and out of different social groups.
Overall, scientific theories offer a more objective and empirical perspective on the nature of the self and consciousness. These theories emphasize the importance of the brain's ability to integrate and process information, as well as the influence of our experiences and social context on our sense of identity. However, they do not provide a complete understanding of the self and do not address the spiritual or metaphysical dimensions of self and identity.
