People and Self

December 17, 2025

8 Sections

Beta

Overview

People and Self is the interdisciplinary study of personhood, identity, and the subjective experience of being an individual. It encompasses philosophical inquiries into the nature of the self, psychological research on self-concept and identity formation, and sociological examinations of how the self is shaped by social structures and cultural contexts. The field grapples with fundamental questions about consciousness, personal identity over time, the relationship between the individual and society, and the meaning of selfhood in an increasingly technological age. It sits at the intersection of metaphysics, psychology, neuroscience, ethics, and sociology.

Overview: The Concept of Self and Personhood

Defines the domain of selfhood and personhood, exploring the philosophical, psychological, and social foundations of the 'self'. It distinguishes between self and person, covers the nature of identity, and introduces key debates on consciousness.

History of Self-Concepts

Traces the historical and cross-cultural evolution of self-concepts, from ancient philosophies of the soul to Enlightenment individualism and modern psychological theories. Examines how views of the self have been shaped by religion, philosophy, and science.

Core Components of the Self

Explores the fundamental components and processes that constitute the self. Covers consciousness, self-awareness, self-concept, self-esteem, narrative identity, and the mechanisms of self-perception and self-regulation.

Types and Models of Self

Breaks down the self-system into major categories: cognitive, affective, social, and spiritual/transpersonal selves. Examines models such as the Johari Window, the Social Identity Theory, and the distinction between the 'I' and the 'Me'.

Personal Identity and Continuity

Investigates the central problem of what makes a person the same over time. Discusses theories of personal identity (psychological continuity, bodily continuity, narrative identity) and their implications for ethics, law, and technology.

The Social Self

Examines the relationship between the individual self and others, covering topics like social construction, the 'looking-glass self', self-presentation, attachment, and the role of culture in shaping interdependent vs. independent self-construals.

Criticisms and Challenges to the Self

Analyzes critical perspectives on the self-concept. Discusses philosophical critiques from Buddhism and Hume, postmodern deconstructions, the problem of self-deception, the illusion of free will, and the challenges posed by neuroscience.

Future Directions and The Evolving Self

Explores contemporary and future trajectories in understanding the self. Covers topics like the extended mind, digital selves and avatars, neuro-technological augmentation, the ethics of AI personhood, and the quest for self-transcendence.