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What is consciousness without the concept of self, though? "I think, therefore I am" is the basis of how we view human existence, and there is no reason to not
by simmanian 8y ago
What is consciousness without the concept of self, though? "I think, therefore I am" is the basis of how we view human existence, and there is no reason to not think that the concept of self is just another illusion created by our pattern recognizing brain.
- porpoisely 8y agoConsciousness without the concept of self is general consciousness. Like animals or infants. A consciousness that can experience and react to the environment, but has no idea of itself. Consciousness with the concept of self is self-awareness. It's a more "advanced" form of consciousness. Where the consciousness is aware that it is conscious. I might be wrong, but that's how I understand it. As for the self being an illusion, we don't know for sure, but I think that's the most likely case.
- warent 8y agoThat may be how it's commonly viewed in western philosophy, but some eastern philosophies are closer to the reverse: "I am, therefore I think." Just keep in mind there are currently many living philosophies that conflict with Descartes.