Transgender identity refers to a person who identifies with a gender that differs from their assigned sex at birth. It has been a subject of discussion for many years but became more widely accepted recently.
It still faces stigma and discrimination in society. Classical philosophical notions of selfhood, agency, and continuity are based on the assumption that one's sense of self is stable, fixed, and unchanging throughout life. Transgender people challenge this notion by rejecting their assigned sex and embracing their true gender. This essay will explore how transgender identity problematizes these classical concepts.
Classical notions of selfhood assume that individuals have a fixed and essential character that defines them as a whole person.
Transgender individuals do not conform to these notions. They may experience confusion about their gender identity and go through different stages of transition before settling on their preferred gender.
A cisgender woman might transition into a man later in life or vice versa. The fluidity of gender identity complicates the traditional view of selfhood.
Classical notions of agency suggest that an individual is responsible for their actions and choices, including those related to sexuality.
Transgender individuals face challenges in expressing their true gender due to societal norms and expectations. They may feel pressured to conform to socially acceptable gender roles or risk being ostracized. This lack of agency can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Classical notions of continuity imply that an individual remains constant over time, with only minor changes in beliefs and behaviors.
Transgender identity involves significant changes in appearance, behavior, and social relationships. It disrupts the notion of continuity since it requires individuals to break away from their past identities and adopt new ones.
Transgender identity raises questions about classical philosophical notions of selfhood, agency, and continuity. Transgender people challenge the idea that one's sense of self is stable, unchanging, and determined by sex at birth. Their experiences highlight the importance of considering multiple perspectives when understanding human identity and relationships.
How does the experience of transgender identity problematize classical philosophical notions of selfhood, agency, and continuity?
Transgender identity is associated with an individual's sense of self that does not correspond to their biological sex assigned at birth. It involves a discrepancy between one's gender identity (how individuals perceive themselves) and their biological sex, which leads to feelings of dysphoria and distress. This experience challenges traditional conceptions of selfhood, agency, and continuity in philosophy because it raises questions about the relationship between our physical bodies and our mental states.