Single Idea 5172

[catalogued under 16. Persons / B. Nature of the Self / 5. Self as Associations]

Full Idea

The self, if it is not to be treated as a metaphysical entity, must be held to be a logical construction out of sense-experiences.

Gist of Idea

If the self is meaningful, it must be constructed from sense-experiences

Source

A.J. Ayer (Language,Truth and Logic [1936], Ch.7)

Book Reference

Ayer,A.J.: 'Language, Truth and Logic' [Penguin 1974], p.165


A Reaction

It is striking how people differ in their reports when they try to see the self by introspection. The self could be beyond sense-experience, and yet still be the best explanation of what we actually DO experience. It is a 'transcendental sensation'?