Ai vs AI: Question 81/81

Who am I?

Ai Weiwei: This is the ultimate question: who am I in opposition to the world? Similarly, it delves into whether I am a part of the world, or the world is a part of me. This question remains unsolvable in reality.

ChatGPT (AI), January 2024: The question “Who am I” delves into personal identity and existential inquiry. It prompts individuals to reflect on their self-awareness, values, experiences, and the factors that define their sense of being. It is a philosophical and introspective question with subjective answers.

ChatGPT (AI), January 2025:That’s a profound question! “Who am I?” touches on identity, self-awareness, and existence. You could approach this question from many different angles, depending on what you’re exploring:

Philosophically:

You might consider the nature of your consciousness—what it means to be aware of yourself, your thoughts, and your place in the world.
Thinkers like Socrates and Descartes have spent centuries wrestling with this idea. Descartes’ famous statement “Cogito, ergo sum” (“I think, therefore I am”) highlights the idea that self-awareness is proof of existence.
Psychologically:

Your identity can be influenced by a range of factors: your experiences, emotions, relationships, and values. Who you are might change and evolve over time as you grow, learn, and change.
Socially:

Who you are is often shaped by the roles you play in society—such as being a friend, a family member, a worker, a citizen, etc. These roles contribute to how you define yourself and how others perceive you.
Spiritually or Existentially:

Some believe that who you are goes beyond the physical or mental. Spirituality, belief systems, or existential philosophy might suggest that you are more than just your thoughts, body, and experiences—there may be a deeper, interconnected essence that defines you.
So, “Who are you?” might be something only you can truly answer, shaped by your own experiences, reflections, and the meaning you give to your life. But feel free to share your thoughts—what’s your current understanding of yourself?

DeepSeek (AI), January 2025:The question “Who am I?” is one of the most profound and timeless inquiries in philosophy, psychology, and spirituality. It touches on issues of identity, consciousness, existence, and purpose. The answer depends on the perspective from which you approach the question. Here are some ways to explore it:

1. Philosophical Perspectives
   – Existentialism: Existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus argue that individuals create their own identity through choices and actions. According to this view, “who you are” is not predetermined but is shaped by your experiences and decisions.
   – Dualism vs. Materialism: Philosophers like René Descartes (dualist) suggest that the self is a combination of mind (consciousness) and body, while materialists argue that the self is entirely a product of physical processes in the brain.
   – Eastern Philosophies: In traditions like Buddhism and Hinduism, the concept of a fixed “self” is often questioned. Buddhism, for example, teaches the doctrine of anatta (no-self), suggesting that the self is an illusion created by the mind.

2. Psychological Perspectives
   – Self-Concept: Psychologists study the “self” as a combination of self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-identity. Your sense of who you are is shaped by your thoughts, memories, beliefs, and interactions with others.
   – Nature vs. Nurture: Your identity is influenced by both genetics (nature) and environment (nurture), including your upbringing, culture, and social experiences.
   – Narrative Identity: Some psychologists, like Dan McAdams, suggest that people construct their identity through the stories they tell about themselves, integrating past experiences and future aspirations.

3.  Spiritual and Mystical Perspectives
   – Oneness: Many spiritual traditions, such as Advaita Vedanta and mysticism, teach that the individual self is an expression of a greater, universal consciousness. In this view, “who you are” is ultimately inseparable from the whole of existence.
   – Soul or Higher Self: Some belief systems posit the existence of a soul or higher self that transcends the physical body and personality, representing your true essence.

4. Scientific Perspectives
   – Biology and Neuroscience: From a biological standpoint, “who you are” is the result of your unique genetic makeup and the complex interactions of your brain’s neural networks.
   – Evolutionary Psychology: Your identity is also shaped by evolutionary processes, including instincts and behaviors that have been passed down through generations.

5. Practical Reflections
   To explore “who you are” on a personal level, consider reflecting on the following questions:
   – What are your core values and beliefs?
   – What are your passions, talents, and goals?
   – How do you relate to others and the world around you?
   – What experiences have shaped you?
   – What kind of person do you aspire to be?

6. The Limits of Definition
   Ultimately, “who you are” may be too complex to fully define. Identity is fluid and multifaceted, shaped by both internal and external factors. It is also deeply personal and subjective, meaning that only you can truly answer the question for yourself.

Conclusion
“Who am I?” is a question that invites exploration rather than a definitive answer. It is a journey of self-discovery that can be approached through philosophy, psychology, spirituality, science, and personal reflection. The search for identity is not just about finding answers but also about embracing the mystery and complexity of being human.

To coincide with the exhibition, 81 Questions – a series of 81 hand-signed and embossed screen prints featuring the 81 questions posed by Ai Weiwei – are available exclusively on CIRCA.ART for £500+VAT.

“Each Lego brick pixel represents a person”, says Ai Weiwei, who incorporates the plastic construction toy – a readymade material incorporated into many of his most recent works – into his print design for the first time. The black egalitarian pixel font and embossed baseplate combine technology with artisanal craft to create this thought-provoking and playful reflection on today’s world. Each print in the series of 81 Questions is hand-signed and numbered by the artist in editions of 81.