What is Self?

Introduction

The concept of "self," which refers to an individual's sense of who they are, is intricate and diverse. It is the bedrock upon which our individual and collective psyches, philosophies, and societies are built (Leary & Tangney, 2003). With insights from history, psychology, sociology, and neuroscience, this article provides a thorough examination of the notion.

Two Types of Self

However, a common way to understand the self is to divide it into two primary categories: the "I" and the "Me."

The "I" Self: This aspect of self, also known as the subjective self, is the active, decision-making, and consciousness part of the self. It is associated with our personal perspective, our experiences, and actions. It represents the self that is thinking, believing, acting, and feeling. This is the part of our self-concept that is able to say "I am," "I want," or "I feel."

The "Me" Self: This aspect, also referred to as the objective self, represents the self as an object in the world, which can be observed and described. It's how we believe we are seen by others, and it's influenced by societal norms and expectations. It incorporates the beliefs, values, and rules for behavior that we have internalized from our surroundings and it's the part that says "I am a student" or "I am a friend."

This differentiation was first proposed by psychologist George Herbert Mead in his theory of social behaviorism. According to Mead, the "I" is the response of the individual to the attitudes of others, while the "Me" is the organized set of attitudes of others which an individual assumes.

It's important to note that this is just one way to categorize aspects of the self, and other models may divide the self differently based on different criteria or theoretical frameworks.

Historical Perspectives on the Self

The concept of "self" has been studied historically from numerous angles. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle were just a few of the ancient philosophers who hammered home the value of self-reflection and good character (Taylor, 1989). In contrast, Eastern philosophies, including Buddhism and Hinduism, emphasize the transient and illusionary nature of the self (Olendzki, 2010).

Modern philosophical theories brought a new dimension. René Descartes proposed the concept of 'Cogito, ergo sum' ('I think, therefore I am'), asserting the existence of self (Descartes, 1637). John Locke argued for a continuity of consciousness, while David Hume proposed a bundle theory, viewing the self as a collection of sensory experiences (Hume, 1739).

Psychological Perspectives on the Self

Psychological perspectives on the self have evolved markedly. Freud's structural model portrays the self as the interaction of the id, ego, and superego (Freud, 1923). Jung developed this further, introducing archetypes as influential components of the self (Jung, 1953). Carl Rogers proposed a self-concept, consisting of actual, ideal, and perceived selves (Rogers, 1951). Erik Erikson added the dimension of psychosocial development across the lifespan, impacting the formation of the self (Erikson, 1950).

Sociological Perspectives on the Self

Sociology offers another perspective, positing the self as a product of social interactions. Charles Cooley's 'Looking Glass Self' theory suggests our self-image is shaped by how we believe others perceive us (Cooley, 1902). George Herbert Mead extended this by defining the self as a social structure that arises through social experience (Mead, 1934). Erving Goffman’s dramaturgical analysis views the self as a performance shaped by social interaction (Goffman, 1959).

Neuroscientific Perspectives on the Self

Neuroscience relates the self to specific brain structures and neural networks (Northoff, 2016). Studies show certain brain areas are associated with self-awareness and self-recognition. Disorders like Alzheimer's and depersonalization further underscore the neurobiological basis of the self, demonstrating how changes in the brain can alter one's sense of self (Feinberg, 2011).

Self in the Digital Age

In our modern digital age, the concept of the self has encountered new dynamics. Social media has profound impacts on self-perception, often leading to a curated self-image (Gonzales & Hancock, 2011). Online identities have added layers to self-concept, allowing virtual personas that may differ from our physical self. The quantified-self movement, involving self-tracking through digital tools, has also facilitated a new form of self-understanding (Lupton, 2016).

Controversies and Challenges in Defining the Self

Despite these insights, defining the 'self' is fraught with challenges. The issue of constant change complicates self-identity, raising questions about the continuity of the self (Giles, 1987). Philosophical problems of other minds challenge our understanding of our self versus others (Zahavi, 2005). The question of whether there exists a true self remains controversial.

Practical Implications of Understanding the Self

A deep understanding of the self has practical implications. It plays a crucial role in mental health, where disorders often stem from a disrupted self-concept (Sedikides & Brewer, 2001). Our self-concept impacts motivation and achievement and can shape our relationships and social interactions (Markus & Wurf, 1987).

Conclusion

The 'self' is a complex, multifaceted construct that defies simple definition. Its understanding spans across disciplines, each offering unique perspectives. Despite its complexity and the debates it incites, exploring and understanding the self remains a crucial endeavor, essential to every aspect of human life.

References

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