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A self-fulfilling prophecy: linking belief to behavior
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|October 13, 2011
Summary
This discussion explores how environmental interactions shape the self, influencing traits like free will and virtue. It examines the construction of personal identity through these complex relationships.
Area of Science:
- Interdisciplinary science
- Philosophy of mind
- Cognitive science
- Environmental psychology
Background:
- The concept of self is explored through diverse scientific and philosophical lenses.
- Understanding the self involves examining its relationship with the external environment.
- Key aspects of selfhood, including free will and character, are considered.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the multifaceted ways the environment shapes the concept of self.
- To analyze the emergence of traits such as free will and responsibility.
- To explore how character and virtue are constructed as targets for self-development.
Main Methods:
- A moderated panel discussion involving experts from philosophy, cognitive science, and physics.
- Analysis of the interplay between environmental factors and self-perception.
- Exploration of philosophical and scientific theories on self-construction.
Main Results:
- The self is not static but dynamically shaped by continuous environmental interactions.
- Free will, responsibility, and personal identity emerge from these interactions.
- Character and virtue are identified as key components in the active construction of the self.
Conclusions:
- The self is a complex, evolving construct influenced by both internal and external factors.
- Interdisciplinary approaches are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of selfhood.
- Conscious effort and environmental engagement play vital roles in personal development and identity formation.
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