1 SUMMERS, Clark H. HUM618 – Horan 15 MAR 2014 Term Paper Identity, Sex, and Conflict – A Survey of Philosophy I’m studying the philosophical foundations regarding the concept of identity – what is it that defines identity as a universal aspect of humanity, and are there unique differences between male and female identity? I seek to better appreciate the manifestations that such differences may have in specific contexts and situations (specifically that of citizenship and military service). My thesis is that philosophical definitions of identity have evolved and matured during the 20 th century to include recognition and inclusion of the male-female dimension, and that this is reflected as an expression of membership within communities and the application of violence between communities. For my purposes here, I define “identity” as the concepts of self that individuals hold about themselves, and that form the basis for group or community inclusion (from the Oxford Dictionary of English, 2d Edition, “the characteristics determining who or what a person is”). In conducting this study, I will explore two basic questions: How does each philosopher define or address identity? And, is sex – male or female – an element or aspect of identity? (If so, explain how.) My investigation will start with a consideration of Martin Heidegger, seeking to establish the foundation that will be used to consider the philosophical development of identity following Heidegger, specifically (perhaps insert when) comparing the works of Hannah Arendt, Jacques Derrida, and Jean-Luc Nancy. How does Heidegger define or address identity? As with much of his work, Martin Heidegger’s concepts of identity present some challenges. As a unique topic of philosophical consideration, it receives almost no attention in his seminal 1926 Being and Time. Yet by 1957, the idea had evolved to become central to his reflections on the nature of technology