Identity and its shadow (Sociocultural configurations of self-identity)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the publication of collected works by a well-known American psychoanalyst Erik Erikson (1902-1994) recognized as a leader in many fields of psychological and philosophical knowledge. The concept of identity developed by E. Erikson is discussed in detail. He interprets this notion as self-awareness that offers a Human being an opportunity to create a stable, solid understanding of oneself. The most eminent thinkers of the past century, e.g. M. Buber, P. Ricoeur, M. Heidegger, K. Jaspers, were engaged in deliberating this theme. The notion of identity has literally taken its root in philosophical anthropology. In the recent years, it has become a key concept also for comprehension of topical problems of culture and society. Nowadays, the problem of identity has many interpretations. The point of the authors of the article is that the identity is a non-existing entity. Nevertheless, individuals and nations continue to seek answers for the questions: "Who am I?", or "Who are we?".