Abstract
Philosophical conceptions of introspection and self-knowledge typically emphasize first-person access to one’s own mind, an orientation which we have analyzed in various ways throughout this book. More recent philosophical and scientific work emphasizes third-person objectivity which I have also brought into the mix to provide a more accurate and well-rounded understanding of introspection, as well as to mitigate some of the over-inflated epistemic privilege that has been granted to the first-person perspective, especially in Cartesian approaches to the mind. However, self-knowledge involves second-person interpersonal processes as well, through social interactions in which epistemic agents learn about themselves from others. The second-person stance is often not considered in philosophical and scientific work on the mind, though some have made efforts to give it more attention (e.g., Thompson, 2001; Ratcliffe, 2007, pp. 152–185). This chapter establishes a framework for bringing second-person social interaction into our understanding of introspection and self-knowledge. In particular, I will look at how substantial components of self-knowledge are acquired through social navigation and interpersonal testimony, via an agent’s ability to navigate her position in social environments through what others say to her.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2013 Jesse Butler
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Butler, J. (2013). On the Social Side of Self-Knowledge. In: Rethinking Introspection. New Directions in Philosophy and Cognitive Science. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137280381_9
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137280381_9
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-44767-1
Online ISBN: 978-1-137-28038-1
eBook Packages: Palgrave Religion & Philosophy CollectionPhilosophy and Religion (R0)