Homios

Homios is a term used in speculative fiction and philosophy to denote the idea of identity continuity across distinct substrates. The coinage draws on the Greek root hom- meaning “same” and a suffix that signals sameness or similarity across forms. In many uses, homios refers to a person, entity, or system whose consciousness or identity persists when moved between bodies, machines, or digital environments.

In fiction, homios commonly denotes a species or technology that enables consciousness transfer or embodiment exchange. Protagonists described as homios may inhabit robots, synthetic bodies, or virtual avatars, while retaining memories and personality. The concept is often used to explore questions of consent, autonomy, and the ethics of embodiment.

In philosophy, the term is used in thought experiments about personal identity. Proponents may argue that psychological continuity suffices for identity, while critics emphasize bodily or causal continuity. Homios serves as a flexible label for discussions about what it means to remain the same person across changes of form.

In worldbuilding, authors employ homios to construct systems of governance, law, and society around interoperable substrates. Some portrayals distinguish true homios from provisional or contested forms, while others present a seamless, multiform society where many embodiments share a single legal persona.

Ethical and legal implications frequently focus on rights, consent, access disparities, and accountability for actions taken by alternate embodiments. Debates address whether multiple hosts should have shared liability and how to reconcile identity with property or inheritance regimes.

See also: personal identity, consciousness transfer, avatar, mind uploading.