Single Idea 6665

[catalogued under 16. Persons / A. Concept of a Person / 1. Existence of Persons]

Full Idea

I suggest that persons are selves - that is, they are subjects of experience which have the capacity to recognised themselves as being individual subjects of experience; selves possess reflexive self-knowledge.

Gist of Idea

Persons are selves - subjects of experience, with reflexive self-knowledge

Source

E.J. Lowe (Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind [2000], Ch.10)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind' [CUP 2000], p.264


A Reaction

I would express this as 'a capacity for meta-thought'. I increasingly see that as the hallmark of homo sapiens, and the key quality I look for in assessing the intelligence of aliens. Very intelligent people are exceptionally self-aware.