more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 6475

[catalogued under 16. Persons / E. Rejecting the Self / 4. Denial of the Self]

Full Idea

In perception, the idea of the subject appears to be a logical fiction, like mathematical points and instants; it is introduced, not because observation reveals it, but because it is linguistically convenient and apparently demanded by grammar.

Gist of Idea

In perception, the self is just a logical fiction demanded by grammar

Source

Bertrand Russell (The Analysis of Mind [1921], Lec. VIII)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'The Analysis of Mind' [Routledge 1995], p.141


A Reaction

In 1912, Russell had felt that both the Cogito, and the experience of meta-thought, had confirmed the existence of a non-permanent ego, but here he offers a Humean rejection. His notion of a 'logical fiction' is behaviouristic. I believe in the Self.