Shrinking the Self
Jose Luis Perez Velazquez, Vera Nenadovic
Being and becoming January 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-78264-1_15 (opens in new tab) via Springer Nature
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPhenomenal self-consciousness arises from connections between the self and objects; stronger attachments to people and possessions nourish the sense of self. In a world abundant with opportunities to possess things, robust attachments develop. Reducing these attachments may diminish the size of the self and ego.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism |
| Keywords | Selfhood Non-attachment Transience |
| Key finding | Argues that reducing attachments to objects and people can diminish the sense of self and ego. |
Abstract
In this chapter, we will see how it is possible to diminish our selves. Phenomenal self-consciousness involves a relation between the self and objects; the more and stronger the connections between the individual and objects or other people, the greater nourishment for the sense of self. In our world with so many opportunities to possess things, robust attachments arise. Reducing the attachments may reduce the size of selves and egos.