ABSTRACT
This chapter sketches the main theoretical concepts that guide the analyses of personal identity in the rest of the book. It begins by distinguishing one’s ideas about oneself, particularly one’s group identifications (categorial identity), from one’s actual capacities, dispositions, and interests (practical identity). It goes on to differentiate implicit and explicit self-concept, perceptual self-image, and contextual variants of one’s practical and categorial identities. The chapter also takes up the issue of narrative identity, considering what sorts of identity are affected by narrative organization and what implications such organization has for our understanding of personal identity. Finally, the chapter discusses the importance of emotion to personal identity, particularly stressing attachment. In treating these topics, it considers works by Alain Robbe-Grillet, Arthur Miller, and Charlie Kaufman.
