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The Self

Module description

This module is an interdisciplinary investigation of the self. It will critically examine various models of the self (e.g., the cognitive self, the embodied self, the minimal self, the narrative self, the social self, the ecological self, etc.) found in multiple disciplines, including philosophy (both phenomenology and analytical philosophy of mind), cognitive and neuroscience, psychiatry, and meditation-based approaches (e.g., Buddhism). Questions we will explore include: Why is the self philosophically interesting? What is the nature of the self? Does the self really exist? If not, why is the sense of self so persistent? What is the relation between consciousness and self? Body and self? Self and other? What sort of knowledge can we attain about the self, and is it reliable? What can different pathologies and anomalous forms of self experience (e.g., schizophrenia, severe depression, Moebius Syndrome) teach us about the self?

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module will contribute to the philosophy programme by introducing, discussing, and critically evaluating various conceptual and empirical issues related to the self. It will demonstrate how these issues relate to other philosophical topics such as consciousness, embodiment, social cognition, ethics, animal cognition, and religious experience. It will explore how philosophy can inform, and be informed by, scientific inquiry. Finally, it will also demonstrate how seemingly abstract philosophical questions can have concrete relevance for everyday life.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate knowledge of several philosophical and empirical models of the self
• 2. Evaluate some of the strengths and interrelationships of these different models
• 3. Formulate new questions based upon our consideration of these models

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Illustrate a variety of philosophical positions on a specific topic
• 5. Critically evaluate, both orally and in writing, different philosophical positions
• 6. Appreciate the process of formulating and evaluating different philosophical arguments
• 7. Understand a variety of philosophical positions in relation to their sociocultural and scientific context

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 8. Engage critically with assigned readings
• 9. Communicate concepts and ideas clearly both orally and in writing
• 10. Engage productively and charitably in group discussions

Syllabus plan

Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:

• Philosophical controversies surrounding the self
• The brain and the self
• The embodied self
• Developmenal and experimental approaches to the self
• Intersubjectivity and the social self
• The disrupted self: pathological perspectives
• The disappearing self: skeptical and meditation-based approaches

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Shaun Gallagher and Jonathan Shear (eds). (1999). Models of the self. Imprint Academic.

Various supplementary articles

Key words search

Philosophy, Self