Sexual orientation refers to an individual's attraction to people of different genders. This can be divided into four categories: heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, and asexual. In philosophy, there is debate over whether sexual orientation affects one's sense of self. Those who believe it doesn't argue that individuals are born with a fixed personality and identity independent of their sexual desires, while those who think otherwise claim that sexuality shapes how they view themselves. The former position is called essentialism, while the latter is called constructionism.
Essentialists hold that the self is defined by innate characteristics such as gender, race, and sexual orientation. For them, sexual desire is just one aspect of identity and does not change it fundamentally. They point out that we can distinguish between what someone is - their core essence - and what they do - their behavior or choices. To illustrate this, consider John, who was born male but later transitioned to female through hormone therapy and surgery. Despite his physical changes, he still considers himself a man because his internal sense of self remained unchanged. Therefore, according to essentialists, sexual orientation does not define who you are at your core.
Constructionists disagree, arguing that our identities develop over time based on personal experiences. According to them, the concept of continuity relies heavily on memory and narrative. Narratives shape our understanding of ourselves by organizing past events and experiences in meaningful ways. Without these stories, we would lack an understanding of the world around us and ourselves within it. Constructionists believe that sexual attraction plays a significant role in shaping individual narratives, influencing how we perceive relationships, careers, family life, etc. Therefore, for them, sexual orientation has considerable influence on identity formation.
Both positions have weaknesses. Essentialists fail to recognize how social factors can affect self-perception, while constructionists ignore the possibility that some people may feel trapped by their desires. In addition, neither account explains why we experience gender dysphoria or how it relates to gendered norms and expectations. The debate remains open, with philosophers exploring different approaches to the question.
How does sexual orientation shape philosophical debates about continuity of the self and narrative identity?
Sexual orientation can impact how individuals perceive their personal identities and life stories, which may influence broader philosophical discussions on continuity of the self and narrative identity. Some scholars argue that our biological predispositions for gender and sexual attraction are largely innate and fixed, while others emphasize the role of socialization in shaping our understandings of selfhood.