Discussion on self knowledge: Who am I?

Hi everyone! 👋

In this event, we will explore the nature and importance of self-knowledge, along with various methods of observation and inquiry. Despite its central role in our lives, we often lack the tools for introspection that can deepen our understanding of ourselves.

Philosophers like Nietzsche have emphasized self-realization as the ultimate goal of philosophy, while the Upanishads state: know the self (Ātman) and you shall know reality (Brahman).

But how do we embark on this journey? Is there a universally accepted method for gaining clarity about the self? Can psychology assist us in this quest? What role does philosophy play? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion as we seek answers to these questions and more!

We will use the following questions to guide our conversation (the list will be updated as we approach the event):

1. Why do you think self-knowledge is important?
2. How can the self observe the self? What is the method of observation? What state of mind is required for this observation?
3. Can one be impartial in observing the self?
4. What characteristics constitute your self-image?
5. Is your self-image static or dynamic? Is it self-consistent?
6. Can people in our environment hold snippets of our self-knowledge that are unavailable to us?

Sources:

• For self-introspection (Eastern philosophy/phenomenology):
  On Awareness by J. Krishnamurthi
• For self-knowledge via our interaction with others (psychology):
  In Search of Our True Selves: Feedback as a Path to Self-Knowledge
• Self and Consciousness: Where Do We Draw the Line? (philosophy):
  Self and Consciousness by Dan Zahavi

Location: Stortorget 5, 222 23, Lund
Admission: Free