Self: Ancient and Modern Insights about Individuality, Life, and Death
- ISBN-10
- 0226768252
- ISBN-13
- 9780226768250
- Series
- Self
- Category
- Philosophy
- Pages
- 412
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2006-10-15
- Publisher
- University of Chicago Press
- Author
- Richard Sorabji
Description
Drawing on classical antiquity and Western and Eastern philosophy, Richard Sorabji tackles in Self the question of whether there is such a thing as the individual self or only a stream of consciousness. According to Sorabji, the self is not an undetectable soul or ego, but an embodied individual whose existence is plain to see. Unlike a mere stream of consciousness, it is something that owns not only a consciousness but also a body. Sorabji traces historically the retreat from a positive idea of self and draws out the implications of these ideas of self on the concepts of life and death, asking: Should we fear death? How should our individuality affect the way we live? Through an astute reading of a huge array of traditions, he helps us come to terms with our uneasiness about the subject of self in an account that will be at the forefront of philosophical debates for years to come. “There has never been a book remotely like this one in its profusion of ancient references on ideas about human identity and selfhood . . . . Readers unfamiliar with the subject also need to know that Sorabji breaks new ground in giving special attention to philosophers such as Epictetus and other Stoics, Plotinus and later Neoplatonists, and the ancient commentators on Aristotle (on the last of whom he is the world's leading authority).”—Anthony A. Long, Times Literary Supplement
Get the book
Other editions
-
- 2008-09-26
- 416 pages
- Ebook
- University of Chicago Press
Similar books
-
Sources of the Self: The Making of the Modern Identity
By Charles TaylorDiscusses contemporary notions of the self, and examines their origins, development, and effects In this inquiry into the sources of modern selfhood, Charles Taylor shows that the modern turn inward is not disastrous but is in fact the ...
-
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print
By Dave King, Renni BrowneEach point is illustrated with examples, many drawn from the hundreds of books Browne and King have edited.
-
The Responsible Self: An Essay in Christian Moral Philosophy
By Helmut Richard NiebuhrWhen I respond to natural events I do so as a social being ; on the other hand , when I respond to my companions I do so as one who is in response - relations to nature . I do not exist as responsive self in two separate spheres or in ...
-
Mastering Your Hidden Self: A Guide to the Huna Way
By Serge King9 The Rood to Self - Mastery Mastery of your " hidden self " refers to the establishment of a directing relationship with your subconscious mind . You can learn to control your subconscious , but not in the sense of a master - slave ...
-
Mindful Self-Discipline: Living with Purpose and Achieving Your Goals in a World of Distractions
By Giovanni DienstmannThis manual for living your life purposefully contains: Over 50 step-by-step exercises Over 100 illustrations and diagrams Links to the scientific studies about each topic Many, many examples - all to make it as easy as possible for you to ...
-
The Visible Self: Global Perspectives on Dress, Culture and Society
By Joanne B. Eicher, Sandra Lee EvensonIn the late nineteenth century, the terms primitive, barbarian, and savage were used to describe those who were believed to live in early stages of social and technological development. Most were dark skinned and wore little clothing.
-
How to Self-Publish Your Book
By Carla KingSelf-published author and expert Carla King gives a simple step-by-step guide to self-publishing your book as an e-book or print book.
-
Self-Financed Candidates in Congressional Elections
By Jennifer A. SteenAre our elections for sale? Americans have long asked this question in the face of skyrocketing campaign spending by candidates and parties. Then, in the 1990s, came a wave of...
-
The Self-regulation of Health and Illness Behaviour
By Linda Diane Cameron, Howard Leventhalpatients suggests that the self - system ( discrepancies between current and hoped - for self ) mediates the effects of factors such as chronic timelines on elevations of emotional distress . It is unclear , however , whether or not the ...
-
Self-Determination of Peoples: A Legal Reappraisal
By Antonio CasseseUnlike the inter - governmental compromises in the field of self - determination , the Algiers Declaration is forthright and even radical . The message it bears is clear and accessible.40 There is no place here for the ambiguity and ...