You may say what's the fuss about, but I would be interested to know how you see the idea of the self. It may be seen as a psychological idea, but it does figure as an aspect of philosophy too. — Jack Cummins
I think that the question 'who am I?' is indeed central to psychology and philosophy, but I do believe that it can be asked on many levels. It may appear to be a superficial question of identity, but I also believe that it goes much deeper. It involves questions about ego identity, and what lies behind the surface. How do we differentiate ourselves as individuals? — Jack Cummins
I think that the idea of loss of self is extremely interesting because it involves thinking beyond the most usual boundaries, and, of opening up to the idea of going beyond. — Jack Cummins
I'm with the ancient Vedas and Buddhist dharma on this question – it's largely pointless. 'Thou art that' and 'anatta', respectively. Rather: what are we that we can ask "who am I"? According to Spinoza, what we are (as a sentient species) is 'a finite mode sub specie durationis in bondage to our passive affects and imagination (i.e. the lowest kind of knowledge)'.I think that the question 'who am I?' is indeed central to psychology and philosophy ... — Jack Cummins
Long before we superficially attempt various ways to do so, simply being embodied at an unique point in spacetime relative to all other bodies deeply individuates each of us.How do we differentiate ourselves as individuals?
Every cell in your body, every cell with a membrane that has ever been, seeks out nutrients to metabolize (eat) everywhere it can except where it can't: that's the self. — 180 Proof
It’s as easy as looking in the mirror, so it’s strange that such an idea is fraught with mystery. A regular old ID card will say more about the self than any philosopher. — NOS4A2
I do agree with you, and, really, I am just trying to think about the way in which self is not simply an aspect of psychology, but a philosophy construct as well. — Jack Cummins
I think that the idea of loss of self is extremely interesting because it involves thinking beyond the most usual boundaries, and, of opening up to the idea of going beyond. There is a danger of fragmentation, in which identity may collapse detrimental, but, also, a possibility of opening up to aspects of experience which offer new possibilities. — Jack Cummins
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