Contextualization

The question "Who am I?" is probably one of the oldest and most intriguing questions raised by humanity and has been the focus of numerous philosophical discussions throughout time. To better understand this question, we need to explore the concept of "Identity".

Identity is a multifaceted construction that involves aspects such as personal identity (who we are as unique individuals), social identity (how we see ourselves in relation to others and how others see us), and cultural identity (how our culture shapes and defines us). These three intertwined dimensions form the basis of our identity, influencing the way we perceive our lives and the world around us.

In the field of philosophy, the question of identity is even more complex. The philosopher René Descartes, for example, argued that we exist simply because we think ("Cogito, ergo sum" - "I think, therefore I am"), suggesting that our identity is intrinsically linked to our mind. Other philosophers, such as David Hume, rejected the idea of a fixed personal identity, arguing that our "identity" is just a collection of experiences and perceptions.

The way we see ourselves and how others see us has a huge impact on all aspects of our lives, from our personal relationships to our careers. Furthermore, in an increasingly globalized world, where we are constantly exposed to different cultures and perspectives, the question of identity becomes even more relevant.

Understanding our own identity and respecting the identity of others is essential for building a more just and inclusive society. By understanding that each of us is unique and has our own experiences and perspectives, we can learn to communicate better, to respect differences, and to build bridges instead of walls.

To deepen the study on the subject, I suggest the following resources:

• Book "Identity Issues: Clinical work with children and adolescents in times of violence", by Sandra Francesca Conte de Almeida.
• "The Concept of Identity in Erik Erikson and Stuart Hall", available on the Scielo website.
• TED Talk "The power of defining yourself", by Thandie Newton, available on YouTube.
• Article "Identity: a philosophical reflection", available on the InfoEscola website.

Practical Activity: "Building Our Identities"

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to help you understand more deeply the concept of identity, how it is formed, and how it affects our lives. The intention is that by the end of this project, you will be able to understand the complexity of the multiple facets that make up an individual's identity.

Project Description

Groups will be composed of 3 to 5 students, and each group must choose a fictional character or real-world personality. The group will then conduct in-depth research on the life and identity of this character or personality.

Required Materials

• Internet access for research.
• Paper and pencil for taking notes.
• Presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Prezi for creating a visual presentation of the project.

Step by Step

1. Group Formation: Form a group with 3 to 5 students. Each group must choose a fictional character or a real-world personality to analyze.

2. Research: Conduct in-depth research on the life and identity of the chosen character or personality. The research should cover personal, social, and cultural aspects of identity. For example, if the character is from a book, analyze the environment in which they live, their personality, values, beliefs, relationships with other characters, etc. If it is a real-world personality, you can seek information from biographies, interviews, case studies, etc.

3. Analysis: Based on the research conducted, the group should analyze how the different aspects of the identity of the chosen character or personality interconnect and how this influences their actions, behaviors, and perceptions.

4. Presentation: Each group must create a visual presentation (using software such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Prezi) to share their findings with the class. The presentation should include: an introduction to the chosen character or personality, a description of the research conducted, the analysis of the identity, and final conclusions.

Project Delivery

1. Visual Presentation: The completed visual presentation must be delivered to the teacher.

2. Written Report: In addition to the visual presentation, each group must prepare a written report addressing the following points:

   • Introduction: Provide context for the theme, its relevance and real-world application, as well as the project's objective.

   • Development: Explain the theory behind identity; detail the activity, indicating the methodology used, and present and discuss the results obtained through research, analysis, and presentation.

   • Conclusion: Students should conclude the work by summarizing their main points, explaining the lessons learned, and drawing conclusions about the project.

   • Bibliography: Indicate the sources used to work on the project such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

The project must be delivered within one week.

The completion of this project will allow you to develop the technical skills necessary to analyze the foundations of ethics in different cultures, times, and spaces, identifying processes that contribute to the formation of ethical subjects who value freedom, cooperation, autonomy, entrepreneurship, democratic coexistence, and solidarity. Additionally, teamwork will encourage the development of socio-emotional skills such as problem-solving, communication, and time management.