I think the idea that the self is an illusion does not make sense. The obvious first complaint is who is having this illusion?
It is obvious to me that perception requires a perceiver likewise experience needs an experiencer and I think these things are indispensable.
I agree with Thomas Nagel that Objectivity is a view from nowhere. I do not see how it is possible to have knowledge without a self or language and other mental representations, concepts and symbols or pain. — Andrew4Handel
instead we could all be a collective entity — Philosophical Script
If there is no god (and i acknowledge that possibility) then all of history is interpreted by flawed humans and flawed perspectives very often create even more or even worse flawed perspectives. — christian2017
If there is no god (and i acknowledge that possibility) then all of history is interpreted by flawed humans and flawed perspectives very often create even more or even worse flawed perspectives.
— christian2017
History is an interesting case. Historians are supposed to look at primary sources such as diaries, photos and archaeology etc to draw conclusions.
We are expected to look at the evidence ourselves and decide upon it's validity. My beliefs about history are personal beliefs based on the persuasiveness of the evidence.
However, there are always conspiracy theorists and alternative historians to challenge majority beliefs. — Andrew4Handel
i think its possible that the idea of an individual self could be an illusion and instead we could all be a collective entity — Philosophical Script
No-self simply means no enduring changeless thing can exist. It applies equally to everything and not just the self. — praxis
What about the sun? The sun has existed for Billions of years. It may not be changeless but it is enduring as an identifiable entity. — Andrew4Handel
However I don't think the self is an issue abut changes. I have never met anyone who thinks they have never changed. — Andrew4Handel
I define the self as a perspective that of an a perceiver and experiencer. — Andrew4Handel
I think the idea that the self is an illusion does not make sense. The obvious first complaint is who is having this illusion?
Have you tried any psychedelics or achieved a deep mediative state? In other words, have you actually done anything that would result in the loss of your sense of self? — DingoJones
If there is no god (and i acknowledge that possibility) then all of history is interpreted by flawed humans and flawed perspectives very often create even more or even worse flawed perspectives. — christian2017
I think the idea that the self is an illusion does not make sense. The obvious first complaint is who is having this illusion? — Andrew4Handel
If there is no god (and i acknowledge that possibility) then all of history is interpreted by flawed humans and flawed perspectives very often create even more or even worse flawed perspectives.
— christian2017
True, but the same is true with God existing. God itself, one may argue, is a name for a "perspective" too. — Xtrix
but what we are and who we are have a long history of interpretations. — Xtrix
True, but the same is true with God existing. God itself, one may argue, is a name for a "perspective" too.
— Xtrix
I guess it depends on how capable that god is at seeing "at all angles" and making accurate discernments/judgements. It also is contigent on if that god is good and/or doesn't take bribes and doesn't prefer physically attractive women. Lets be honest god is a man. lol. — christian2017
I think the idea that the self is an illusion does not make sense. The obvious first complaint is who is having this illusion?
but what we are and who we are have a long history of interpretations.
— Xtrix
And what is wrong with summarizing these interpretations with words like "I" or "self"... — ZhouBoTong
Perhaps another way of phrasing it...what purpose would it serve to admit there is no self...? Would we act differently? Would we know anything new? Do we gain anything? — ZhouBoTong
Well there is still something going on, an experience is happening but its not the “self” thats experiencing. When the “self” returns, — DingoJones
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