The Minimal Self and the Narrative Self
The Minimal Self
Minimal self
The minimal self refers to the immediate, pre-reflective experience of being a subject.
Characteristics:
- Embodied: Rooted in the body's interaction with the world.
- Temporal: Exists in the present moment.
- Non-conceptual: Does not require language or reflection.
A minimal self is the sense of ownership you feel when you move your hand or the immediacy of experiencing pain.
The Narrative Self
The narrative self
The narrative self is the constructed identity that emerges from stories we tell about our lives.
Characteristics:
- Reflective: Involves self-awareness and language.
- Temporal: Spans past, present, and future.
- Social: Shaped by cultural and interpersonal narratives.
Your narrative self includes your memories, aspirations, and the roles you play in society, such as being a student, friend, or sibling.
Comparing the Minimal and Narrative Self
| Aspect | Minimal Self | Narrative Self |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Immediate and pre-reflective | Reflective and constructed |
| Foundation | Grounded in bodily experience | Involves language and social context |
The minimal self provides the foundation for the narrative self, while the narrative self gives meaning and continuity to our experiences.
The Relationship Between Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science
- Philosophy of Mind:
- Explores the nature of consciousness, identity, and mental states.
- Cognitive Science:
- Interdisciplinary field combining psychology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and philosophy to study the mind.
When analyzing the self, consider how philosophical questions about consciousness intersect with empirical findings from cognitive science.
How They Intersect
- Consciousness:
- Philosophy asks: What is the nature of consciousness?
- Cognitive science investigates: How does the brain produce conscious experience?
