Philosophy For Our Times
In Search Of The Self | Simon Blackburn, Mary Midgley, Colin Blakemore
Sep 3, 2016
Simon Blackburn, a neo-Humean philosopher, Mary Midgley, an expert on self-illusion, and neuroscientist Colin Blakemore engage in a riveting discussion about the nature of the self. They delve into whether the self is merely an illusion or essential to our identity. The conversation weaves through how neuroscience and philosophy intersect, the influence of social contexts on cognition, and the implications of self-perception in identity formation. Expect to explore the balance between introspection and social interactions in understanding who we truly are.
40:43
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Quick takeaways
- The debate between the self as a biological construct and as an intentional agent highlights the importance of understanding agency in human behavior.
- Integrating social context into the concept of self enriches interactions and addresses ethical concerns about reducing individuals to mere biological agents.
Deep dives
Exploring the Concept of Self
The podcast delves into the complexities surrounding the concept of the self, highlighting two distinct interpretations. The first interpretation focuses on the self as a physical entity with bodily boundaries, perceiving the world from a specific location. The second interpretation considers the self as an agent with intentions and moral responsibilities, suggesting a more philosophical understanding of existence beyond mere biological definitions. This duality raises questions about the necessity and significance of perceiving oneself as an intentional agent in the context of human behavior.
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