Hi Chuck and Johann,
There are some subtle points around these issues that seem to be causing
confusion.
Damasio is careful to distinguish between:
1.The phenomenological experience of ' sense of self' as perceived
subjectively
2. 'Idea of self' as a philosophically defined abstract concept referring
to a pseudo-real entity (similar to 'peace' or 'a swim' (if you are 'going
for aswim' then when you come back show me this 'swim' thing that you have
gone to collect). In essence, the 'idea of self' as 'me' is culturally
determined. There are exercises in perception that demonstrate how this can
be thought of differently. It is a theory construction not a 'taken for
given' truth.
3. The physiological processes by which 'sense of self' is created
4. The physical entities that are the necessary pre-cursor building blocks
on which the physical process by which 'sense of self' is operationalized
within an individual.
5. The externally perceived apparent construct 'self' of a person as a
package of partially predictable behaviours that appear to others as if an
individual is operating fully as an executive agent.
6. The 'content' of the internally constructed in each moment concept of
'self' as subjectively perceived by an individual as their bodies construct
it to be sensed.
7. The 'content', as perceived by others, of the internally constructed
in each moment concept of 'self' as unconsciously constructed by an
individual as their bodies construct to be sensed.
Chuck is talking more about 4 and 6.
Johan is talking primarily about 5, 6 and 7.
The discussion about 'self as an illusion' involves all of them and starts
from 1.
Regards,
Terry
===
Dr Terence Love FDRS, AMIMechE, PMACM, MISI
Director,
Love Services Pty Ltd
PO Box 226, Quinns Rocks
Western Australia 6030
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www.loveservices.com.au
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-----Original Message-----
From: PhD-Design - This list is for discussion of PhD studies and related
research in Design [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Charles
Burnette
Sent: 13 March 2013 06:58
To: Dr Terence Love
Subject: The self issue
Dear Colleagues,
I think that there is a somewhat confused understanding of what the self is
all about. It isn't an illusion.
It is a neural manifestation built up in the memory of every individual from
their experience in the world.
It changes as we mature, learn and reflect on our existence. Because it is a
cognitive artifact created by each person it is not the easiest object of
thought to apprehend. Although designers should definitely try to
understand people as individuals it is very hard not to generalize, or apply
our own self images on their behalf.
Those interested in the cognitive and cultural ramifications of self should
read Antonio Damasio's most recent book "Self Comes to Mind". In it he
writes" it depends on the brain's capacity to hold expansive memory records
not only of motor skills but also of facts and events, in particular,
personal facts and events, those that make up the scaffolding of biography
and personhood and individual identity." p289 Not an illusion, just
memories, however formed.
Or, so I believe,
Chuck
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