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The Experiential Self: Objections and Clarifications

Dan Zahavi

Oxford University Press eBooks December 1, 2010 DOI: 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199593804.003.0003 (opens in new tab)

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AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Citations 80
Key points Argues that the phenomenological view of consciousness as entailing self-consciousness and a minimal self withstands recent objections, and clarifies the position by addressing semantic and metaphysical disputes, concluding with reflections on self and diachronic unity.

Abstract

This chapter first outlines a view regarding the relationship between consciousness, self-consciousness, and a minimal notion of self that is widespread in the phenomenological tradition. It then discusses some of the motivations behind this proposal, and then in the main part of the chapter critically engages with various objections that have recently been raised against this view by Albahari and Dreyfus. Discussing these objections will allow for an important clarification of the view defended here. Also discussed are some of the semantic and metaphysical disagreements that separate defenders and deniers of self, concluding with some reflections regarding the relation between self and diachronic unity.