Dynamical Relations in the Self-Pattern

The pattern theory of self proposes that the self is a dynamical pattern that includes neural, embodied, and enactive processes, rather than a static entity. Critics argue the theory fails to explain how the elements of this self-pattern dynamically relate, reducing it to a mere list. This paper argues that the dynamics of the self-pattern can be investigated in three ways: through narrative reflection, by studying psychiatric and neurological disorders to see how relations fail, and by using predictive processing accounts in neuroscience to clarify the dynamical relations that constitute the self-pattern.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The notion of a self-pattern, as developed in the pattern theory of self (Gallagher, 2013), which holds that the self is best explained in terms of the kind of reality that pertains to a dynamical pattern, acknowledges the importance of neural dynamics, but also expands the account of self to extra-neural (embodied and enactive) dynamics. The pattern theory of self, however, has been criticized for failing to explicate the dynamical relations among elements of the self-pattern (e.g., Kyselo, 2014; Beni, 2016; de Haan et al., 2017); as such, it seems to be nothing more than a mere list of elements. We'll argue that the dynamics of a self-pattern are reflected in three significant and interrelated ways that allow for investigation. First, a self-pattern is reflectively reiterated in its narrative component. Second, studies of psychiatric or neurological disorders can help us understand the precise nature of the dynamical relations in a self-pattern, and how they can fail. Third, referencing predictive processing accounts, neuroscience can also help to explicate the dynamical relations that constitute the self-pattern.