Whitehead

Alfred North Whitehead on Self and Identity: A Process Philosophy Perspective

Introduction

Alfred North Whitehead revolutionized philosophy by shifting the focus from static substances to dynamic processes. In *Process and Reality*, he rejects the traditional notion of a fixed, enduring self, arguing instead that what we consider to be “self” is the outcome of a constant flux of becoming. Unlike the view that centers on an unchanging core, Whitehead sees identity as emergent—a pattern woven through countless events and interactions. His metaphysical framework invites us to imagine the self not as a preformed entity but as an ongoing synthesis of past influences and present experiences  and Human Experience in Whitehead's ...]

(https://www.bu.edu/wcp/Papers/PPer/PPerYong.htm).

Process Metaphysics and the Nature of Self

At the heart of Whitehead’s thought is the idea that reality is constituted by “actual occasions”—the basic units of experience that are never frozen snapshots, but always in the state of becoming. In this context, each individual or “self” is a nexus of these occasions, a fluid aggregate where what one experiences is continuously integrated and reformed. This dynamic process, termed “concrescence,” suggests that every moment of experience contributes to an evolving personal order. In this way, selfhood is not a substance that endures unchanged but a process that continually creates and transforms identity  and Human Experience in Whitehead's ...]

(https://www.bu.edu/wcp/Papers/PPer/PPerYong.htm).

Concrescence and the Emergence of Identity

Whitehead’s concept of concrescence encapsulates the idea that each event or “occasion” of experience is a creative act that brings together diverse influences from the past into a unified present moment. Identity, then, is not defined by an immutable inner essence, but by the selective integration of experiences over time. This means that the self is always in a state of flux—each moment reshapes the self by incorporating its complex web of antecedents and potentialities. Thus, identity is inherently temporal and relational, defying the conventional notion of a static, permanent soul  and Human Experience in Whitehead's ...]

(https://www.bu.edu/wcp/Papers/PPer/PPerYong.htm).

The Social Self and Relational Identity

A significant aspect of Whitehead’s thought lies in understanding the self as fundamentally social. His view extends beyond individual concatenations of experience towards a broader conception of the “social self.” In his framework, the self emerges within a network of relationships—a community of interrelated events that shape and are shaped by the individual. This “personal order” is not isolated; rather, it exists as part of a continuum where the interactivity and shared bonds of experiences play a crucial role. Critics and interpreters have noted that, while this relational model is systematically coherent, it risks overlooking the internal, subjective aspects of personal identity that many consider central to the human experience  and Human Experience in Whitehead's ...]

(https://www.bu.edu/wcp/Papers/PPer/PPerYong.htm).

Critiques and the Limits of Process Identity

Despite its innovative appeal, Whitehead’s process-oriented perspective on selfhood is not without its detractors. Scholars such as A. H. Johnson, Peter Bertocci, and Rem Edwards have raised concerns that his model—while robust from a metaphysical standpoint—may not fully capture the lived reality of personal identity. Critics argue that by reframing identity solely as a continuous process of events, Whitehead might underplay the deeply personal and subjective sense of continuity that many experience as the “self.” This tension between an elegant metaphysical system and the raw data of human introspection highlights an ongoing debate about whether Whitehead’s abstract model can ever fully account for the nuances of personal selfhood .

**Conclusion**

Whitehead’s reinterpretation of self and identity invites us to see the “self” not as a fixed, unchanging substance, but as an intricate, evolving process—a tapestry woven from the threads of countless moments. His process philosophy challenges traditional metaphysics by arguing that individuality is continuously reconstituted through a series of relational events, each moment contributing to an emergent and dynamic identity. In doing so, it opens up new avenues for thinking about personal growth, responsibility, and connection in a world where change is the only constant 

---

*