Title
A philosophical foundation for the right to personal identity
Abstract
In this article, I present a philosophical foundation and characterization of the right to personal identity (RPI). First, I criticize the dominant formulations of the right to personal identity proposed to address new challenges brought about by neurotechnologies (Ienca and Andorno 2017; Yuste et al 2017; Yuste et al. 2021; Ienca 2021). I criticize these formulations for being too narrow and not encompassing enough, failing to capture and protect relevant dimensions of identity and self. Then, I propose a multidimensional framework of identity and the self (Gallagher 2013; Newen 2018) and clarify the conditions for self-extension. This will allow me to present a multidimensional, multi-layered and extended characterization of the right to personal identity, as a special instance of the right to mental integrity (Cassinadri 2025).
About Guido
Guido Cassinadri is a PhD candidate in Health Science, Technology and Management at Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa and a guest scientist at the Chair of Ethics of AI and Neuroscience at the Institute for History and Ethics in Medicine at TU Munich. In his research, he addresses the ethical implications of cognitive integrations with different forms of technology: from generative AI to neurotechnologies. In his doctoral thesis he is analyzing how the extended mind thesis shapes the strength, scope and definition of neurorights.