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Personhood and the non-self – a history
22 October 2025 All day
STRAND:WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE? The Self in Philosophy
SPEAKER: David
Summary from Peter K, at the end of the term Philosopher’s Christmas term wrap-up:
“There was a time when people started to think of themselves as separate beings, not just a part of the clan (Existentialism). There is an alternative Zen way in which this ego disappears: the non-self.”
Talk Slides and Notes:
20251022 David – PPG Presentation – Personhood and the Non-Self – Slides
Peter K commented in the PPG Facebook page.
Today David gave us insights into alternative views of the self from pre-history and Japanese Zen Buddhism. From personhood (the legal and social view of the self) and the possibility of composite selves (whether mixed bones of your ancestors ensconced in your home or a merged identity with implanted AI chips, he went on to consider the art of meditation as a means of banishing the self and its allegedly harmful effects on us all. Fascinating!