[This is going to be a collection of comments on the data that exists on the subject of self. Quotes and comments are going to be continually added here. Readers are welcome to put their thoughts in the comments section.]
Original comment of May 29, 2011
From Wikipedia:
The philosophy of self is the defining of the essential qualities that make a person distinct from all others. There have been a number of different approaches to defining these qualities. The self is the idea of a unified being which is the source of consciousness. Moreover, this self is the agent responsible for the thoughts and actions of an individual to which they are ascribed. It is a substance, which therefore endures through time; thus, the thoughts and actions at different moments of time may pertain to the same self. As the notion of subject, the “self” has been harshly criticized by Nietzsche at the end of the 19th century, on behalf of what Gilles Deleuze would call a “becoming-other”
Vinaire’s comments:
It is consideration that brings into existence the essential qualities that make a person distinct from others. Therefore, self may be viewed as a unique combination of considerations. Self may be called a substance because it is made up of considerations
It is incorrect to assume that self is the source of consciousness. More likely, as I see it, self is a filter of consciousness. The idea that thoughts and actions come from self, and that self is responsible for them is again not a very accurate picture. More likely, self is as much a part of the situation as those thoughts and actions are, for which it is being made responsible. Self does not stand outside of the situation.
What is beyond self is also beyond consideration. It is, therefore, unknowable (meaning it cannot be considered).
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May 30, 2011:
SOURCE: Wikipedia
SUBJECT: Philosophy of Self
KEY WORDS: Subject, subjective consciousness, consciousness, awareness, object, reference, objective
(1) Consciousness or awareness has to do with the interaction between observer and observed, or between subject and object.
(2) An object is something thrown out there, or put forth to be observed. It becomes the point, place or source of origin of information carried back to the subject.
(3) The very act of thinking delivers self-knowledge to the thinker.
(4) “Cogito ergo sum (I think therefore I am)” – René Descartes
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June 1, 2011
These comments have been converted to the essay: Comments on Descartes’ Works
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June 5, 2011
These comments are place under the section on Friedrich Nietzsche.
September 13, 2011
These comments have been converted to the essay: Going Beyond Self
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September 21 2011
The following seems to be parallel between life and mathematics:
If self is equivalent to one, then nirvana (or, Brahma) is equivalent to zero, and the universe is equivalent to infinity.
On this “scale” God would be one because God is also self (individuality). Similarly, Jehovah and Allah would rate one.
There would always be conflict among supreme selves, because there cannot be more than one supreme self.
Comments
Vinaire, I love this one. right up my alley.
Thanks. I love it too.
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Vinaire, why not start off with own self, how you see what you are? you invite, there is food for the thought but my cup is empty there is no water, has the Spring gone dry?
What self? Ahh… you mean this self called “Vinaire”? What do you want me to do with it?
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This self “Vinaire” loves to simplify what it comes across.
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I believe that “self” is the way one sees the universe. The universe is simply a reflection of self.
(1) What is out there is unknowable (cannot be considered).
(2) That unknowable filters through self to become knowable.
(3) That knowable is what we call the “universe”.
(4) Attachment to self is attachment to universe.
(5) Or vice versa.
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Vinaire, your whole blog shows a very complex person who explores many avenues in search of simplicity. The search to gain knowledge gives one the many side since each view point becomes you yjr self
There is no person. You are looking at the subjects of KNOWLEDGE and SELF.
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You right again I used the wrong words
There is no right and wrong.
There are just one’s considerations.
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