The Nameless Theory: A Unified System of Identity on the Human Continuum
This paper presents the Nameless Theory, a future-oriented framework for identity. Its foundation is the Timeless Genius of Humanity: human beings are profoundly alike, yet each person is irreducibly singular. The paper argues that labels are useful tools but dangerous masters. Categories help people speak, organize, repair harm, and seek protection; they become oppressive when treated as destiny. The paper applies this framework to category-based harms and systems of classification, from racial classification and collective enmity to sex and gender, sexuality, diagnosis, disability, competitive systems, and algorithmic modeling. The deeper answer lies beyond category worship, in a sharper understanding of shared humanity and individual uniqueness. The framework develops four ideas: the three-stage arc, freedom of self-definition, continuity, and fluidity. Its guiding principle is simple: see the person, not the label.
Authors
- Ivan Z. Feng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3849-7183)
Institutions
- University of Southern California (US)
- California Southern University (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Published
- 2026-06-30
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21082863
- Primary Topic
- Race, Genetics, and Society
- Type
- preprint