Description
Book SynopsisIn this book, Rochat explores self-consciousness, how it originates and how it shapes our lives, arguably the most important and revealing of all psychological problems. Based on empirical observations, this is a book of ideas, tapping into both developmental and anthropological phenomena and guided by strong existential intuitions regarding the human condition.
Trade Review'Rochat's book combines both theoretical and empirical support for the view that the self is socially constructed through interactions with others. Philosophers and psychologists interested in development, embodiment, the self, or relationships, will find that Rochat's book offers a concise and persuasive account which challenges a traditional internalist conception of the self. In short, it is the kind of work that will prove to greatly benefit the discourse on the nature of the self.' Lucas A. Keefer, Philosophical Psychology
'… an ambitious and fruitful project … Rochat's theory of the social construction of the self will undoubtedly be valuable for both philosophers and psychologists, with the caveat that there are unexplored theoretical issues in need of development.' Philosophical Psychology
Table of ContentsForeword; Introduction: main ideas; 1. Self-conscious species; 2. Six propositions; 3. Variety of self-reflective mind states; 4. Mind states in development; 5. Birth of self-consciousness; 6. Shame and self-knowledge; 7. Roots of guilt; 8. Giving and sharing; 9. Origins of owning and sharing; 10. Social construction of identity; Conclusion: moral space and the self; Post-script note.
