The Rubinshteinic Philosophy of Names And A Directory

(Articles on the philosophy of names:

https://www.philosocom.com/post/what-s-in-a-name-names-as-rewards

https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-ballad-of-tom

https://www.philosocom.com/post/name-as-identity-rebranding-yourself-by-ms-panama-dusa)

The Rubinshteinic Philosophy of Names

(Background music)

Commonly, names are simply combinations of sounds we use to address one another. At their most fundamental level, they serve as utility tags—tools to distinguish individual A from individual B.

However, if we choose to view names as more than mere identifiers, they begin to hold a heavier significance. Could a name potentially reflect a life's purpose or destiny? While this idea often lives in the realm of superstition or unconscious bias, it is a possibility we should not dismiss outright.

The Logic of Fiction: Names as Prophecy

In fiction, names almost always carry a teleological weight—they symbolize the character's function within the narrative.

• Scar (The Lion King): Named not only for his physical disfigurement but for the emotional scarring he inflicts on the kingdom.

  
  

• Darth Vader (Star Wars): Alludes to "Invader" and the Dutch word for "Father," foreshadowing his role long before the plot reveals it.

  
  

• Lazlo (Suikoden IV): The name means "Glorious Ruler," and he becomes exactly that—a commander and leader of nations.

  
  

In stories, names are promises. They are clues left by the author about who the character must become.

The Chaos of Reality

However, reality is rarely as neat as fiction. Life isn't a structured plot with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Many of us lead ordinary lives that do not fit the grandeur of our names. A man named "Victor" may lose every battle he fights. A woman named "Grace" may be clumsy. Our lives unfold in chaotic arcs, indifferent to whether our next chapter is worthy of being written down.

We do not all have clearly defined villains or definitive conclusions other than death. When a relationship ends, the curtains don't descend; life simply carries on. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude scientifically that names determine our fate. Surely, a few letters on a birth certificate are not enough to alter the laws of physics or economics, correct?

The Cosmic Writer Hypothesis

However... what if they do?

The question of whether names influence destiny depends entirely on whether there is a "Cosmic Writer."

• If the universe is random: Names are just sounds.

  
  

• If the universe is authored: Names might be the script.

  
  

As long as we remain in the realm of the unknown regarding God or cosmic forces, we cannot deny the possibility of Nominative Determinism, or the theory that people are psychologically predisposed to pursue occupations or interests that resemble or evoke their names in some way. If we cannot disprove the existence of a higher power, we cannot disprove the existence of a fate prescribed in our given names.

Maybe the universe is one big stage, defined by a writer unseen by us, but recognized through our sense of logic and pattern recognition.

The Philosopher as Heretic

Consider the name Thomas. It refers to Thomas the Apostle—the doubter. If one bears a name linked to doubt or heresy, does that predispose them to the life of a philosopher?

To philosophize is, by definition, to doubt. It is to be a heretic to the status quo.

• Spinoza and Solomon Maimon were considered heretics by their communities and persecuted for their questions.

  
  

• Socrates was executed for "corrupting the youth" with his constant questioning.

  
  

• Ludwig Wittgenstein was so skeptical he attempted to solve (and end) philosophy entirely.

  
  

There is no good philosopher who is not skeptical. If your name implies questioning, perhaps your destiny is to dismantle the illusions of the world.

The Power of Renaming

This leads to a crucial realization: If a name is destiny, then changing your name is an act of rewriting your fate.

Many cultures practice name-changing to alter a person's luck or character. If a person feels their birth name represents "naivety" or "innocence," and they wish to acquire wisdom, they may feel a psychological compulsion to change that name.

To lose one's innocence is imperative for wisdom. You cannot understand the world's flaws if you remain purely innocent. Therefore, adopting a name that reflects "maturity" or "sovereignty" might actually change how you interact with the world—not because of magic, but because of Self-Perception.

Conclusion: The Causal Fallacy?

Is this the Causal Fallacy? Are we confusing cause and effect? Do we become our names, or do we simply fit our names into the narrative we want to believe?

If my understanding is not impaired by this fallacy, it is possible that names affect the course of our lives by dictating how others see us, and more importantly, how we see ourselves.

I suggest you look at your own name. Look at its meaning, its history, and its sound. Does it align with who you are? Or are you fighting against it? Perhaps knowing your name is the first step to knowing yourself.