Research Paper`

My research paper will take a philosophical standpoint and overall discuss the importance of self identity and establishing some sort of a sense of self in order to be able to differentiate oneself and refrain from falling into the dull pattern of everyday life that most humans follow.

Solomon, Andrew. "Son." The New Humanities Reader. 5e ed. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2015. 368-392. Print.

This essay discusses how one develops their self identity from childhood. Where a parent may see a certain future for their child, the child actually experiences and encounters life in a way that forms his or her own self-identity and these experiences and encounters are ultimately completely unpredictable. This source will be used to exemplify the fact that one can never predict or know who one will become and it is ultimately up to that individual and no one else to form his or her own sense of self. 

Thurman, Robert. "Wisdom." The New Humanities Reader. 5e ed. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2015. 440-456. Print.

This source relates Buddhism to the sense of self and ultimately regards it as irrelevant and counterproductive as we only seek because we want to control it. In contrast, he argues the ideal of selflessness and giving up this hunt for "self" in return for enlightenment. However, some of his points do line up with certain point I am going to make as he brings up the stress and narcissism present on our society that becomes a burden and contaminates many of us. Whereas Thurman sees a lack of self as the solution, my essay will argue that being comfortable and developing an essence of self such that one is capable of differentiating oneself is key to a fulfilling existence. 

Twenge, Jean. "An Army of One: Me." The New Humanities Reader. 5e ed. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2015. 486-511. Print.

TWenge's essay focuses on our modern society... the "me me me" generation. This again brings up the narcissism point and exemplifies what occurs if one is not capable of identifying an individual sense of self and ends up falling into the pattern of life that is led by everyone else in society. In other words, there is the life that is part of the "herd" or the life that everyone leads without much substance but instead a rather superficial life. Then there is those who break free from the herd to differentiate themselves and form their own "self" and this is essential to stray away from narcissism, and many burdens of life. 

Heidegger, Martin, John Macquarrie, and Edward Robinson. Being and Time. Malden, MA: Blackwell, 1962. Print.

Heidegger is a philosopher that talks about the importance of differentiating oneself and how to do it. This is through caring and openness. Heideggers philosophy lines up exactly with my thesis and will be used as support.

http://changingminds.org/explanations/needs/identity.htm

This source primarily brings up Maslow's hierarchy and relates it to importance of self identity as it is the basic and immedaite need of all humans. This source may be used to counter Thurman's argument and expand on my own.