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What is the I that I am? An Enquiry into the Self

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posted on 2021-11-14, 02:40 authored by Gosnell, Jennifer Leigh

This dissertation is an elucidation of the nature of the self. It consists of two major parts. The first part is an investigation of the necessary and sufficient conditions of the self, appealing to four theses: the Conceivability Thesis, the Equilibrium Thesis, Panpsychism and the Multiple Selves Doctrine and the Locus Thesis. Proponents of these views are examined in detail, including Descartes, Avicenna, Strawson, Parfit and Dennett. The conditions of selfhood are established through an examination of the individual’s perception and how they arrange their perceptions. The second part of the dissertation discusses the influences of the outside or others’ perception of a self, and how this can influence an individual’s own impression of the self. This is considered using as examples the psychological disorders of autism and schizophrenia. The primary aim of this dissertation is to establish criteria for the presence of the self in the individual and to examine some of the ways in which the self can be expressed. Furthermore, this dissertation begins to clarify the importance of the contribution the self makes towards a person’s successful functioning within his/her selected community.

History

Copyright Date

2013-01-01

Date of Award

2013-01-01

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

Author Retains Copyright

Degree Discipline

Philosophy

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Arts

ANZSRC Type Of Activity code

970122 Expanding Knowledge in Philosophy and Religious Studies

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Awarded Research Masters Thesis

Language

en_NZ

Victoria University of Wellington School

School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations

Advisors

Brock, Stuart; Joyce, Richard