Subjectivity and Selfhood

Investigating the First-Person Perspective

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Mind & Body
Cover of the book Subjectivity and Selfhood by Dan Zahavi, The MIT Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Dan Zahavi ISBN: 9780262265171
Publisher: The MIT Press Publication: August 29, 2008
Imprint: A Bradford Book Language: English
Author: Dan Zahavi
ISBN: 9780262265171
Publisher: The MIT Press
Publication: August 29, 2008
Imprint: A Bradford Book
Language: English

What is a self? Does it exist in reality or is it a mere social construct—or is it perhaps a neurologically induced illusion? The legitimacy of the concept of the self has been questioned by both neuroscientists and philosophers in recent years. Countering this, in Subjectivity and Selfhood, Dan Zahavi argues that the notion of self is crucial for a proper understanding of consciousness. He investigates the interrelationships of experience, self-awareness, and selfhood, proposing that none of these three notions can be understood in isolation. Any investigation of the self, Zahavi argues, must take the first-person perspective seriously and focus on the experiential givenness of the self. Subjectivity and Selfhood explores a number of phenomenological analyses pertaining to the nature of consciousness, self, and self-experience in light of contemporary discussions in consciousness research.

Philosophical phenomenology—as developed by Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty, and others—not only addresses crucial issues often absent from current debates over consciousness but also provides a conceptual framework for understanding subjectivity. Zahavi fills the need—given the recent upsurge in theoretical and empirical interest in subjectivity—for an account of the subjective or phenomenal dimension of consciousness that is accessible to researchers and students from a variety of disciplines. His aim is to use phenomenological analyses to clarify issues of central importance to philosophy of mind, cognitive science, developmental psychology, and psychiatry. By engaging in a dialogue with other philosophical and empirical positions, says Zahavi, phenomenology can demonstrate its vitality and contemporary relevance.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

What is a self? Does it exist in reality or is it a mere social construct—or is it perhaps a neurologically induced illusion? The legitimacy of the concept of the self has been questioned by both neuroscientists and philosophers in recent years. Countering this, in Subjectivity and Selfhood, Dan Zahavi argues that the notion of self is crucial for a proper understanding of consciousness. He investigates the interrelationships of experience, self-awareness, and selfhood, proposing that none of these three notions can be understood in isolation. Any investigation of the self, Zahavi argues, must take the first-person perspective seriously and focus on the experiential givenness of the self. Subjectivity and Selfhood explores a number of phenomenological analyses pertaining to the nature of consciousness, self, and self-experience in light of contemporary discussions in consciousness research.

Philosophical phenomenology—as developed by Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty, and others—not only addresses crucial issues often absent from current debates over consciousness but also provides a conceptual framework for understanding subjectivity. Zahavi fills the need—given the recent upsurge in theoretical and empirical interest in subjectivity—for an account of the subjective or phenomenal dimension of consciousness that is accessible to researchers and students from a variety of disciplines. His aim is to use phenomenological analyses to clarify issues of central importance to philosophy of mind, cognitive science, developmental psychology, and psychiatry. By engaging in a dialogue with other philosophical and empirical positions, says Zahavi, phenomenology can demonstrate its vitality and contemporary relevance.

More books from The MIT Press

Cover of the book The Politics of Adoption by Dan Zahavi
Cover of the book Groundless Grounds by Dan Zahavi
Cover of the book In the Bubble by Dan Zahavi
Cover of the book Streetlights and Shadows by Dan Zahavi
Cover of the book Bibliometrics and Research Evaluation by Dan Zahavi
Cover of the book New Tendencies by Dan Zahavi
Cover of the book Keynes by Dan Zahavi
Cover of the book Participatory Politics by Dan Zahavi
Cover of the book A Case for Climate Engineering by Dan Zahavi
Cover of the book Gravity's Kiss by Dan Zahavi
Cover of the book 3D Printing by Dan Zahavi
Cover of the book Processing Inaccurate Information by Dan Zahavi
Cover of the book Robot Rights by Dan Zahavi
Cover of the book Rebel Genius by Dan Zahavi
Cover of the book Entrepreneurial Finance and Accounting for High-Tech Companies by Dan Zahavi
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy