Philosophy of self
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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“That self-knowledge is the highest aim of philosophical inquiry appears to be generally acknowledged” --Essay on Man, Ernst Cassirer |
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The philosophy of self defines, among other things, the conditions of identity that make one subject of experience distinct from all others. Contemporary discussions on the nature of the self are not thereby discussions on the nature of personhood, or personal identity. The self is sometimes understood as a unified being essentially connected to consciousness, awareness, and agency (or, at least, with the faculty of rational choice). Various theories on the metaphysical nature of the self have been proposed. Among them, the metaphysical nature of the self has been proposed to be that of an immaterial substance.
Definitions of the self
Most philosophical definitions of self—per Descartes, Locke, Hume, and William James—are expressed in the first person. A third person definition does not refer to specific mental qualia but instead strives for objectivity and operationalism.
To another person, the self of one individual is exhibited in the conduct and discourse of that individual. Therefore, the intentions of another individual can only be inferred from something that emanates from that individual. The particular characteristics of the self determine its identity.
See also
- Atman (Buddhism)
- Being and Time
- Consciousness as the basis of personal identity (John Locke)
- Gnosis
- Mirror stage
- Open individualism
- Other
- Personal identity
- Reflexive Self-Consciousness
- Self (psychology)
- Self (sociology)
- Self (spirituality)
- Self-realization
- Self-Schema
- Ship of Theseus
- Subject (philosophy)
