What or where is our real sense of self?

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In summary, there is no general consensus among experts in philosophy or cognitive neuroscience about the concept of the self. Questions about consciousness and the self have been ongoing, and the acquisition of knowledge is necessary to form a cohesive theory. Some essential questions that must be answered include the role of neural activity in consciousness, the nature of subjectivity, and how the self emerges. There are also issues that all theories of consciousness must address, such as binding, qualia, and the Cartesian Theatre. The theory of self-representation is appealing to some, as it posits that higher-order representations play a significant role in the origin of subjectivity. This is supported by the idea that metarepresentations, created by a second brain, allow humans to consciously
  • #71
Tregg Smith said:
Would a person with absolutely no memory have self?
You may wish to read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_Who_Mistook_His_Wife_for_a_Hat" [Broken]. Likely the best pop book on neuropsychologia ever. It mentions among other things the case of anterograde amnesia that Pythagorean and Apeiron mentionned, and discuss your question specifically (argue for a yes).
 
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  • #72
And of course, amnesiacs can still learn implicit memories, since their basal ganglia are still in tact, though implicit memory are not conscious.

Parkinsons and Huntingtons patients, on the other hand, are associated with basal ganglia problems.

The two different kinds of damage are associated with different kinds of learning deficiencies, though amnesiacs are clearly the case for the more popular autobiographical memory.
 
<h2>1. What is the concept of "self" in science?</h2><p>The concept of "self" in science refers to the individual's unique identity, including their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is also known as the sense of self or self-awareness, and is believed to be shaped by both genetic and environmental factors.</p><h2>2. Is our sense of self determined by nature or nurture?</h2><p>There is no simple answer to this question as both nature and nurture play a role in shaping our sense of self. While genetics may influence certain traits and characteristics, our environment and experiences also play a significant role in shaping our sense of self.</p><h2>3. Can our sense of self change over time?</h2><p>Yes, our sense of self is not fixed and can change over time. This can be due to various factors such as life experiences, relationships, and personal growth. Our sense of self is constantly evolving and can be influenced by both internal and external factors.</p><h2>4. How does culture impact our sense of self?</h2><p>Culture plays a significant role in shaping our sense of self. Our cultural background, beliefs, and values can influence how we perceive ourselves and our place in the world. It can also impact our behaviors and attitudes towards ourselves and others.</p><h2>5. Is our sense of self the same as our physical body?</h2><p>No, our sense of self is not the same as our physical body. While our physical body is a part of our identity, our sense of self also includes our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It is a complex and dynamic concept that goes beyond just our physical appearance.</p>

1. What is the concept of "self" in science?

The concept of "self" in science refers to the individual's unique identity, including their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is also known as the sense of self or self-awareness, and is believed to be shaped by both genetic and environmental factors.

2. Is our sense of self determined by nature or nurture?

There is no simple answer to this question as both nature and nurture play a role in shaping our sense of self. While genetics may influence certain traits and characteristics, our environment and experiences also play a significant role in shaping our sense of self.

3. Can our sense of self change over time?

Yes, our sense of self is not fixed and can change over time. This can be due to various factors such as life experiences, relationships, and personal growth. Our sense of self is constantly evolving and can be influenced by both internal and external factors.

4. How does culture impact our sense of self?

Culture plays a significant role in shaping our sense of self. Our cultural background, beliefs, and values can influence how we perceive ourselves and our place in the world. It can also impact our behaviors and attitudes towards ourselves and others.

5. Is our sense of self the same as our physical body?

No, our sense of self is not the same as our physical body. While our physical body is a part of our identity, our sense of self also includes our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It is a complex and dynamic concept that goes beyond just our physical appearance.

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