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[The fragility of the self]
Anales De La Real Academia Nacional De Medicina
|June 19, 2003
Summary
The concept of self is a fragile brain construction, not innate but developed through childhood and influenced by culture. Evidence from split-brain and multiple personality disorder cases demonstrates its non-indivisible nature.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- The nature of the self is a long-standing debate in psychology and neuroscience.
- Understanding the self is crucial for comprehending human consciousness and identity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the hypothesis that the self is a fragile construction of the brain.
- To explore the developmental, cultural, and neurological factors influencing the self.
Main Methods:
- Review of developmental psychology findings on self-formation in childhood.
- Analysis of cross-cultural studies on personality perception.
- Examination of neurological and psychiatric case studies (e.g., split-brain, multiple personality disorder).
Main Results:
- The self is not present at birth but develops over time.
- Cultural variations significantly impact the perception and experience of the self.
- The self is shown to be divisible, as evidenced by neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Conclusions:
- The self is a dynamic and fragile construct of the brain.
- Developmental, cultural, and neurological factors are key determinants of selfhood.
- The indivisibility of the self is challenged by clinical evidence.