The Concept of the Self: A Multidisciplinary Exploration

Keywords: concept of self, philosophy of self, psychological theories of self, neuroscience of self, social media and self-identity, true self debate

Ancient Philosophical Views on the Self

Eastern traditions like Buddhism and Hinduism emphasize the transient, illusionary nature of the self, challenging Western notions of a fixed identity (Olendzki, 2010). These teachings highlight self-awareness and detachment from material existence.

Modern Philosophy: Descartes, Locke, and Hume

René Descartes’ famous assertion, “Cogito, ergo sum” (“I think, therefore I am”), laid the foundation for Western philosophy of self (Descartes, 1637). John Locke’s theory of continuity of consciousness and David Hume’s bundle theory of self (viewing identity as a collection of sensory experiences) further shaped debates (Hume, 1739).

Psychological Theories of Self: Freud, Jung, and Rogers

Sigmund Freud’s id, ego, and superego model revolutionized understanding of the psyche (Freud, 1923). Carl Jung’s archetypes and Carl Rogers’ self-concept theory (actual vs. ideal self) deepened insights into personal identity (Rogers, 1951). Erik Erikson’s psychosocial stages tied self-development to lifelong experiences (Erikson, 1950).

Sociology of Self: Cooley, Mead, and Goffman

Charles Cooley’s “Looking Glass Self” theory argues that our self-image mirrors others’ perceptions (Cooley, 1902). George Herbert Mead linked the self to social interactions, while Erving Goffman’s dramaturgical analysis framed identity as a performance (Goffman, 1959).

Neuroscientific Insights into the Self: Brain Structures and Identity

Neuroscience reveals how brain regions like the prefrontal cortex govern self-awareness (Northoff, 2016). Disorders like Alzheimer’s and depersonalization illustrate the fragile neurobiological basis of selfhood (Feinberg, 2011).

The Digital Self: Social Media and Online Identity

In the digital age, social media platforms fuel curated online identities, often distorting self-perception (Gonzales & Hancock, 2011). The quantified-self movement, using apps to track behavior, reshapes how we understand personal identity (Lupton, 2016).

Debates in Self-Identity: Continuity and the “True Self”

Is there a true self? Philosophers debate self-identity continuity amid constant change (Giles, 1987), while neuroscience and psychology grapple with defining consciousness (Zahavi, 2005).

Why Understanding the Self Matters: Mental Health and Relationships

A stable self-concept is critical for mental health, influencing motivation, relationships, and resilience (Sedikides & Brewer, 2001). Therapies like CBT often target distorted self-views (Markus & Wurf, 1987).

Conclusion: The Evolving Understanding of Self

From ancient philosophy to neuroscience and digital culture, the self remains a fluid, interdisciplinary concept. Understanding it enriches our grasp of human existence in an ever-changing world.