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Single Idea 4020

[filed under theme 16. Persons / A. Concept of a Person / 4. Persons as Agents ]

Full Idea

The modern notion of the self is defined by disengaged reason (with its associated freedom and dignity), by self-exploration, and by personal commitment.

Clarification

'Disengaged' presumably means 'neutral'

Gist of Idea

The modern self has disengaged reason, self-exploration, and personal commitment

Source

Charles Taylor (Sources of the Self [1989], §13.1)

Book Ref

Taylor,Charles: 'Sources of the Self' [CUP 1992], p.211


A Reaction

Taylor makes a good case that this broader view of how the self is seen is as important as narrow debates about personal identity.


The 9 ideas from 'Sources of the Self'

Consistency presupposes intrinsic description [Taylor,C]
Selfhood and moral values are inextricably intertwined [Taylor,C]
To have respect for people, you must feel their claims, or their injustices, or hold them in awe [Taylor,C]
I can only be aware of myself as a person who changes by means of my personal history [Taylor,C]
Nominalists defended the sovereignty of God against the idea of natural existing good and evil [Taylor,C]
In later utilitarianism the modern stress on freedom leads to the rejection of paternalism [Taylor,C]
My aim is to map the connections between our sense of self and our moral understanding [Taylor,C]
The modern self has disengaged reason, self-exploration, and personal commitment [Taylor,C]
Willingness to risk life was the constitutive quality of the man of honour [Taylor,C]