Philosophy · 3rd Year

Active learning ideas

Identity and the Self

Identity and the Self explores the question: 'Who am I?' Students look at different theories of personal identity, such as the 'Body Theory' (I am my physical self), the 'Memory Theory' (I am my continuous thoughts), and the 'No-Self Theory'. This aligns with NCCA Philosophy LO 4.2 and supports the Junior Cycle 'SPHE' (Social, Personal and Health Education) curriculum.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• NCCA Philosophy LO 4.2: Explore concepts of personal identity and the self.
• SOL 6: The student appreciates and respects how diverse values, beliefs and traditions have contributed to the communities and culture in which she/he lives.

• 25–45 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Think-Pair-Share
• 25 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: The Ship of Theseus

Present the story of a ship where every plank is replaced over time. Is it the same ship? Students apply this to themselves: 'If every cell in your body is replaced every seven years, are you still the same person who was born?'

What makes you the same person today as you were ten years ago?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 02

• Inquiry Circle
• 40 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: The Memory Box

Groups are given a 'case study' of someone with total amnesia. They must debate: 'Is this the same person as before?' They then present which 'theory of self' they are using to justify their answer.

Is your identity defined by your mind or your body?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 03

• Gallery Walk
• 45 min · Individual

Gallery Walk: Digital vs. Physical Self

Students create two 'avatars', one representing their physical self and one their online persona. They post these and walk around, discussing whether their 'true self' is one, the other, or the relationship between both.

How does society shape our sense of self?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• My identity is just my name and my face.

  Identity also involves psychological continuity and social recognition. Using 'Identity Web' diagrams helps students see the many layers (hobbies, values, relationships) that make up a 'self'.

• I am the exact same person I was when I was five.

  While we feel like the same person, almost everything about us has changed. Peer-teaching about 'Persistence over Time' helps students understand the philosophical puzzle of 'change vs. identity'.

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Methods used in this brief

• Think-Pair-Share
• Inquiry Circle
• Gallery Walk