The Perception of Self and the Illusion of Perception

The perception of self as a distinct entity separate from the act of perception is deemed erroneous, as the self is proposed to simply be an ongoing collection of perceptions, not the perceiver. This concept is akin to the brain's process of making sense of the external world by forming predictions based on sensory signals, also being applied to monitor and control the body. Both worldly experiences and selfhood are suggested to stem from perceptual predictions, susceptible to illusions and discrepancies. The principle extends to core self-elements beyond high-level identity, encompassing the body, emotions, moods, and even free will. Viewing self as a product of varied perceptions guiding behavior aids in understanding abnormalities in psychiatric and neurological conditions. Ultimately, the notion of a unified, stable essence of self is challenged, urging a perception of self as dynamic and influenced by perceptual processes.