Single Idea 3827

[catalogued under 16. Persons / B. Nature of the Self / 4. Presupposition of Self]

Full Idea

The self is not an experience, nor is it an object that is experienced.

Gist of Idea

The self is neither an experience nor a thing experienced

Source

John Searle (Rationality in Action [2001], Ch.3.IX)

Book Reference

Searle,John R.: 'Rationality in Action' [MIT 2001], p.93


A Reaction

A nice dichotomy, that draws attention to the unique position of the self. Thanks to Descartes for focusing our attention on it. Personally I would say that the self is an object, which cannot be experienced by itself, but can be inferred by others.