Philosophy Talk: Work and The Ethics of Identity

Philosophy Talk, the radio show based out of San Francisco, California features hosts Ken Taylor and John Perry of Stanford University. Philosophy talk visited Centenary College on Saturday October 27th and taped a live recording about work with guest Al Gini.

The Philosophy talk hosts Ken Taylor and John Perry interacted with students and faculty alike during their time at Centenary College. Both philosophers answered student questions in a conversational convocation on Friday, October 26. They described how philosophy came to be such an important part of their lives and identities, as well as how it has changed and shaped who they are today and provided a little philosophical advice to the freshman class of 2011. 

The philosophers discussed the relevance and importance of identity to the process of living. It is natural and, in this culture, necessary that people represent themselves through their work and achievements. However, both Perry and Taylor emphasized the importance of individuality to the very abstract concepts of work and ethical identity.

Ken Taylor finished the convocation with advice to Centenary's freshman class. "Be bold! Fortune favors the bold!" He meant bold in several contexts: courage to pursue happiness in our lives, and pursue it in a way that it reflects in every aspect: socially, economically, and academically. Although Taylor encouraged responsibility and hard work he also emphasized a sense of bold carpe diem!

Philosophy Talk the Ethics of Identity - pre-convocation requirement 

The Philosophy Talk hosts Ken Taylor and John Perry initiated a thought-provoking conversation about the topic of personal identity, as well as how identity relates to society in association with Anthony Appiah’s The Ethics of Identity. Appiah is a well established professor of philosophy at Princeton University, who discussed ideas associated with the ethical nature of identity as he defines it, with emphasis placed on the moral and political spectrums of identity.

A major theme was developed in which personal identity and social identity correspond, or quite possibly conflict for that matter, to create an image or identity which is projected to the world. Taylor and Perry began by explaining that personal identity is a representation of oneself and the collection of attributes which shape the way a person lives their life. Appiah makes a point however; to note that individuals often associate themselves with definitions of only what is commonly thought identity consists of: ethnicity, religious views, profession, gender, age and geography. Appiah strives to clarify that these are only shallow characterizations of the composition of an individual, but rather a person should describe themselves by their passions and moral values.

Appiah defines the ethics of identity as a highly personal question of what it means to lead a good life and the sense of principles and values which guides decisions. He asserts that individuality and identity are to be distinguished by how an individual responds and reshapes their life beyond culture and circumstance to correspond with personality and morality. Appiah’s beliefs maintain that the ethical nature of identity is thus a prototype for the projects and goals for an individual’s life, more than just a politically correct attitude, but a lifestyle. Appiah explains, according to his theories, that identity is flexible to personal circumstances and thus is self determining.

Philosophy Talk: The Ethics of Identity is an interesting examination of how individuals perceive themselves and others, as well as how these perceptions define social interactions. Anthony Appiah’s open minded view that identity lies in the abstract rather than the tangible helps articulate the struggle many encounter in terms of self discovery and the role identity should play in our daily lives.