Identity – who are we?

This chapter explores how consciousness and personality might arise in the brain. The metaphor of the brain with different apps is elaborated; apps may contradict or support other apps. The personality is not unified because the brain consists of separate systems. Anosognosia neglect, alien hand syndrome and blindsight are referenced as examples. The split-brain experiments are referenced to show differential access to language in the brain. The brain system known as the ‘interpreter’ is explained, with how it creates a coherent narrative for our conscious self. The separate nature of brain systems is used to explain unconscious bias and the implicit association test (IAT). Practical applications for coaches are proposed, and the role of intuition is considered. Clients’ stories are shown in a new light. The questions of self-control, ego fatigue and delay discounting are explained, and Baumeister’s research is referenced. The marshmallow effect and Mischel’s research are explained together with the implications for coaching. Finally, the question of free will and ‘free won’t’ is discussed together with Libet’s research.