Is it possible to know ourselves? | Iain McGilchrist, Bence Nanay, Betty Sue Flowers, and more
80Will we ever reach a common scientific understanding of the self? Iain McGilchrist, Bence Nanay, Betty Sue Flowers, and Anil Ananthaswamy debate.
00:00 Intro
00:59 Betty Sue Flowers
02:27 Anil Ananthaswamy
04:04 Bence Nanay
07:38 Iain McGilchrist
Watch the full debate at https://iai.tv/video/catching-sight-of-our-self?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=description
From the self-help industry to the contemporary focus on mental health, the ancient Greek maxim 'Know Thyself', is very much in fashion. But many would argue it is an impossible dream. We can't catch sight of ourselves, and the attempt to do so often leaves us lost and confused. What's more, from the notorious serial killer Ted Bundy to drug addicts who's lives are in ruin, individuals can be well aware of their failings but unable or unwilling to change.
Should we see knowing ourselves as a dangerous philosophical mistake and instead focus on specific and practical change instead? Is the illusion of self knowledge a reason to reject psychoanalysis in favour of alternatives like behaviour therapy? Or is knowing ourselves, not only a real possibility but a vehicle for improving our lives?
#SelfVsCollectiveSelf #SelfKnowledgePsychology #KnowThyself
Author of 'The Master and his Emmisary', @DrIainMcGilchrist , Professor of Philosophy at University of Antwerp, Bence Nanay, Emerita Professor of English at the University of Texas, Betty Sue Flowers, and famed author and science journalist, Anil Ananthaswamy, lock horns over the notion of self knowledge. Hosted by philosopher, Mary-Jane Rubenstein.
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