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Related Concept Videos

Understanding the Self01:28

Understanding the Self

The self is a central aspect of human identity, encompassing an individual’s beliefs, emotions, perceptions, and experiences. It is a cognitive and psychological construct that enables individuals to interpret their traits and behaviors, influencing how they perceive themselves and interact with the world. While personality consists of stable and enduring characteristics, the self is shaped by self-perception and social experiences. This distinction highlights the dynamic nature of the self,...
Understanding Self-Concept01:20

Understanding Self-Concept

The self-concept encompasses individuals' beliefs about themselves, structured through cognitive frameworks known as self-schemas. These schemas function as mental representations of specific traits or behaviors, influencing how self-relevant information is perceived, processed, and remembered. For example, individuals who are schematic for body weight are more likely to interpret routine experiences—such as dining out or shopping—through the lens of that trait. Conversely, those aschematic for...
Self-Schemas02:16

Self-Schemas

In general, a schema is a mental construct consisting of a cluster or collection of related concepts (Bartlett, 1932). There are many different types of schemata, and they all have one thing in common: schemata are a method of organizing information that allows the brain to work more efficiently. When a schema is activated, the brain makes immediate assumptions about the person or object being observed.
Social Foundations of Self III: Self-Evaluation01:30

Social Foundations of Self III: Self-Evaluation

Self-evaluation is the process by which individuals assess their abilities, behaviors, and characteristics based on feedback from others. Charles H. Cooley observed that a person’s self-perception is primarily influenced by how others see and judge them. He suggested that individuals form their identities based on their interpretations of others' reactions. As a result, social interactions play a crucial role in shaping self-esteem and personal identity. These external evaluations often blend...
Self-Concept01:19

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Self-concept is the cognitive and emotional understanding individuals hold about their identity. It evolves through various developmental stages, beginning in infancy and maturing as children grow. This concept influences how individuals perceive their abilities, interact with others, and manage challenges throughout life.
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During infancy, self-concept is virtually nonexistent. Babies do not distinguish themselves as separate entities and often mistake their...
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Personal identity is the deeply felt sense of self that individuals cultivate over time, intricately woven from intrinsic qualities they consider essential to their existence—qualities such as morality, intelligence, and friendliness. These attributes serve as vital internal benchmarks, guiding individuals in evaluating whether their actions resonate with their true selves.When personal identity takes center stage in one's life, individuals often emphasize their distinctiveness, highlighting...

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A Modified Mirror Test as a Visual Guide for the Self-awareness Trait in Wild Antarctica Penguins, Pygoscelis adeliae
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What is the self?

Robert Hanna1

  • 1Department of Philosophy, C.B. 231, Hellems 142, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0232, USA. rhanna@colorado.edu

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|October 13, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This paper defines the self as rational, human, minded animals within a natural world. It explores the concept of the self, integrating natural science and metaphysics for a comprehensive understanding.

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Area of Science:

  • * Philosophy of Mind
  • * Metaphysics
  • * Philosophy of Science

Background:

  • * The enduring philosophical question of personal identity and the nature of the self.
  • * The need for a scientifically informed and metaphysically robust theory of the self.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To propose a theory that scientifically addresses the question: "What is the self?"
  • * To integrate insights from natural science and fundamental metaphysics.

Main Methods:

  • * Conceptual analysis and theoretical synthesis.
  • * Drawing upon principles from natural sciences and systematic metaphysics.

Main Results:

  • * The self is characterized as a rational, human, minded animal.
  • * This understanding is situated within a naturalistic, non-ideal world.
  • * Acknowledges the capacity for meaningful lives, irrespective of circumstances.

Conclusions:

  • * The proposed theory offers a scientifically grounded framework for understanding the self.
  • * Reconciles the concept of the self with both naturalistic and metaphysical perspectives.
  • * Emphasizes the embodied and rational nature of persons in a complex world.