Single Idea 3829

[catalogued under 16. Persons / B. Nature of the Self / 1. Self and Consciousness]

Full Idea

A self is conscious, persists through time, operates with reasons, carries out free actions, and is responsible.

Gist of Idea

Selfs are conscious, enduring, reasonable, active, free, and responsible

Source

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

Book Reference

Searle,John R.: 'Rationality in Action' [MIT 2001], p.95


A Reaction

Personally I would substitute 'makes decisions' for 'carries out free actions', but otherwise I agree, though he seems to miss a key aspect, which is that the self is in charge of the mind, and directs its focus and co-ordinates its inputs and outputs.