Self-Identity

[Iwannaplato]

So these traits allow a human to set him/herself apart from animals.

How then do humans set themselves apart from each-other?

By the brands they choose to show their individuality.

[Age]

Your pre-supposition is flawed. We don't have identities - we have complex histories.

What do you mean by 'complex' histories.

To me, there are just 'histories'. ALL VERY DIFFERENT from one individual, to another, but NEVER 'complex', just DIFFERENT.

The sort of thing you cal "identity" in a social setting is a carricature of a human being. It's a reductionist story - a linguistic avatar that leaves out large chunks of one's history.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complexity

As I said earlier, to me, there are just 'histories', with none of them being so-called 'complex' at all.

[Veritas Aequitas]

I have some reservation with regard to intelligence itself setting humans apart from canines, because dogs, higher primates, crows, dolphins, elephants, octopuses, etc. has demonstrated some sort of intelligence.

I believe what is more distinct with humans apart from other animals is a much higher sense of self-awareness or self-consciousness [looking into the mirror and recognize themselves] which are limited to a small degree in only some animals.

Other than the above, below are what separate humans from the all if not the majority of animals [99.9%].

The human brain possesses several distinct functions that are generally considered more advanced or uniquely developed compared to other animals. Some of these functions include:

Language and Communication: Humans have highly developed language abilities, allowing for complex communication through spoken and written words. While other animals may have their own forms of communication, human language is unique in its complexity and ability to convey abstract concepts.

Symbolic Thinking and Abstract Reasoning: Humans have the capacity for symbolic thinking, enabling the use of symbols and abstract concepts to represent and manipulate information. This ability is fundamental to various cognitive processes such as mathematics, art, and conceptual reasoning.

Metacognition: Humans have the ability to reflect on their own thoughts and think about thinking, known as metacognition. This includes self-awareness, introspection, and the ability to monitor and regulate one's own cognitive processes.

Future Planning and Mental Time Travel: Humans have the capacity to mentally project themselves into the future, plan ahead, and anticipate consequences. This ability for mental time travel enables us to consider future scenarios and make decisions based on long-term goals.

Theory of Mind: Theory of mind refers to the ability to understand that others have beliefs, desires, and intentions that may differ from one's own. Humans have a well-developed theory of mind, allowing us to attribute mental states to others and infer their thoughts and perspectives.

Executive Functions: Humans possess advanced executive functions, including the ability to inhibit impulses, plan and organize behavior, set goals, and adapt to changing circumstances. These functions play a crucial role in decision-making, problem-solving, and self-control.

Moral Sense:

So these traits allow a human to set him/herself apart from animals.

How then do humans set themselves apart from each-other?

There are many elements that differentiate one individual as unique from another.

One critical element is the DNA comprising >3 billions of coding pairs of A, T, G, C.
Just imagine the possible permutations.
Another, the human brain has appx. 100 billion neurons each with up to 10,000 connectors [synapes], again note the possible permutations.
Another, each individual human of the > 8 billion [past and present] has a unique set of fingerprints.

The unique permutation of the above will set individuals from each other.

However, naturally there will be general patterns [e.g. genes & nurturing factors] thus differentiating individuals in groups, e.g. race, physical appearances, Intelligences, health, psychology, inclinations, etc. etc.

Thus if you want to differentiate one individual from other or groups from another, you will have to specify the variable[s] involved.

[Skepdick]

What do you mean by 'complex' histories.

To me, there are just 'histories'. ALL VERY DIFFERENT from one individual, to another, but NEVER 'complex', just DIFFERENT.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complexity

As I said earlier, to me, there are just 'histories', with none of them being so-called 'complex' at all.

It doesn't matter whether you call them complex. They are complex.

[Age]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complexity

As I said earlier, to me, there are just 'histories', with none of them being so-called 'complex' at all.

It doesn't matter whether you call them complex. They are complex.

LOL

WHY, because you call 'them' complex?

[Dontaskme]

How do people, as young children, begin to develop their "Sense of Self"? How did/do you? What is "you" or "I"?

The human brain being capable of pattern recognition. The sense of self ''you'' ''I'' ''me'' etc.. is developed as and through a synthetic reactory recognition of sound, heard as words. The words, ie; concepts are an illusory appearance of what is in reality total emptiness.

[Wizard22]

Your pre-supposition is flawed. We don't have identities - we have complex histories.

The sort of thing you cal "identity" in a social setting is a carricature of a human being. It's a reductionist story - a linguistic avatar that leaves out large chunks of one's history.

On the contrary, the 'linguistic avatar' is the preferred mode by which humanity evolved to set ourselves apart and distinct from one-another.

Without this, you would be unable to identify yourself apart from myself.

[Wizard22]

BUT, UNTIL you WRITE the EXACT WORDS that I ACTUALLY USE, 'things' could only GET MORE CONFUSED here.

The only 'confusing' thing is you, contradicting yourself.

So which is it, is difference an illusion, or are people actually different and distinct from one-another, having individuality?

[Wizard22]

By the brands they choose to show their individuality.

You sound like you've been victimized by Edward Bernays.

[Wizard22]

There are many elements that differentiate one individual as unique from another.

One critical element is the DNA comprising >3 billions of coding pairs of A, T, G, C.
Just imagine the possible permutations.
Another, the human brain has appx. 100 billion neurons each with up to 10,000 connectors [synapes], again note the possible permutations.
Another, each individual human of the > 8 billion [past and present] has a unique set of fingerprints.

The unique permutation of the above will set individuals from each other.

However, naturally there will be general patterns [e.g. genes & nurturing factors] thus differentiating individuals in groups, e.g. race, physical appearances, Intelligences, health, psychology, inclinations, etc. etc.

Thus if you want to differentiate one individual from other or groups from another, you will have to specify the variable[s] involved.

That's sufficient for me. You chose genetics, brain chemistry/mental composition, and all other derivative factors. That's a lot more detailed than anybody else on this forum seems to offer. Once you get into genetics, you quickly earn the labels of 'racist', 'nazi', 'eugenicist', by way of having interest or knowledge alone. Thus it is dangerous to set people apart too profoundly. The masses are sold on notions of camaraderie and humanity, sameness rather than distinction.

If humans are so diverse and distinct apart from one-another, as you present, then I wonder how people share attributes and likeness, such as in thought and rationality. Can you say something about that? How do people 'intuit' meaning between each other?

[Wizard22]

The human brain being capable of pattern recognition. The sense of self ''you'' ''I'' ''me'' etc.. is developed as and through a synthetic reactory recognition of sound, heard as words. The words, ie; concepts are an illusory appearance of what is in reality total emptiness.

Empty as in, you don't have a body?

[FlashDangerpants]

Once you get into genetics, you quickly earn the labels of 'racist', 'nazi', 'eugenicist', by way of having interest or knowledge alone.

How so?

[Wizard22]

How so?

It's like a magnet. It just pulls the philo-semites from thousands of miles away...across the planet even.

It's basically magic.

[FlashDangerpants]

Once you get into genetics, you quickly earn the labels of 'racist', 'nazi', 'eugenicist', by way of having interest or knowledge alone.

No, for real. How do you make this journey from amateur scientist to racist nazi?

[Iwannaplato]

By the brands they choose to show their individuality.

You sound like you've been victimized by Edward Bernays.

Did I say 'I'? Do you disagree that people differentiate through purchase and (try to) form their identities this way?