How Do Identity, Purpose, and Free Will Shape Our Understanding of the Self?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the interrelation of Identity, Purpose, and Free Will in defining the concept of the 'self'. It engages with philosophical assumptions, particularly those influenced by Heideggerian thought, and considers how these elements contribute to self-awareness and existential questions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that free will operates at varying levels within conscious entities, linking it to the Heideggerian concept of 'being'.
  • Another participant reflects on the relationship between personal desires and identity, proposing that identity can be shaped by what one wants and chooses.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that self-awareness is essential to identity, positing that without free will, any perceived purpose may be illusory.
  • There is a suggestion that the belief in free will influences how individuals perceive their choices and identity, leading to deeper existential inquiries about purpose and meaning in life.
  • One participant raises the question of whether free will is an illusion, indicating a potential shift in focus for further discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence and implications of free will, with some suggesting it may be an illusion while others maintain that it is a fundamental aspect of identity and purpose. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in their assumptions about free will, identity, and purpose, and the discussion reflects a range of philosophical interpretations without reaching consensus.

Jubal
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Looking for thoughts on how Identity, Purpose, and Free Will are related in defining the 'self'. This is making the assumption that free will does operate at some level and to different degrees within conscious entities. This is also assuming that these concepts are all intrinsically part of
the Heideggerian flavor of 'being'..
 
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I am ...I want...I choose...
or maybe
I am what I want and I choose who I am...
 
Last edited:
Identity is intrinsic to being. To be, one must have self awareness. Self awareness includes by necessity thinking and also implys awareness of ones surroundings.

Purpose? Whose? Why are we? Why are we here or what is our purpose, intent? Why are we here? To experience life and grow. What is our purpose?
To experience life and grow, live long and prosper as someone once said.

If I/we have no free will then we have no purpose and any such purpose that we may think that we have is nothing but an illusion as would be our freewill.

We have limited freewill, limited by our personalities, history, situation, abilities, etc, etc, etc. Given the identical choices and situation we would probably make the same choices if we could go back and choose again.
 
Ok, I think I get it but what if it kind of goes like this:

One subscribes to and buys into the illusion of free will,(I can chose the brand of shoes I would like to buy) as a result they think they make choices that define their identity,(who they are) the process of defining ones identity/self gives rise to an intrinsically human instinct which is to look for purpose in existence, (why am I). you know, those questions like “why are we here”, “what should one do with ones life”, “is there deeper meaning to life other than simply operating on a foundation of hedonistic behaviour”??

Maybe we should really be discussing if free will exists. Looks like Royce isn’t a big fan. OK new thread title ‘free will, is it simply an illusion’? thoughts or is this subject getting old already? ;)
 

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