identiteten

Identiteten, in Scandinavian usage often translated as identity, refers to the characteristics, roles and continuity that define a person, group, object or concept as distinct from others. The term is used across philosophy, sociology, law, and technology, and it encompasses both who or what someone is and how that person is recognized by themselves and by others.

Personal identity concerns what makes a person the same individual over time. Classical theories include memory or psychological continuity (the idea that connected memories and mental states preserve sameness), bodily continuity (the body as the core of identity), and soul or essence theories. Later work, notably Derek Parfit and the idea of psychological connectedness, emphasizes connections and overlapping mental states rather than a single sacred essence. Narrative identity adds that individuals construct a life story that gives coherence to experiences and choices.

Social identity focuses on group membership and how belonging to categories such as nationality, ethnicity, gender, profession, or online communities shapes self-concept and behavior. Self-categorization, stereotypes, and intergroup dynamics are central to how identities are formed and negotiated in society.

Digital identity covers how individuals present and verify themselves online, including authentication, privacy, and data rights. Identity management systems, credentials, and personal data governance raise questions about trust, security, and agency.

In law and ethics, identity touches on personhood, recognition, and issues such as identity theft and privacy. Across disciplines, identiteten remains a foundational concept for understanding continuity, belonging, and how individuals and groups are recognized in changing contexts.