Know Thyself: The Value and Limits of Self-Knowledge

Know Thyself: The Value and Limits of Self-Knowledge explores the nature, value, and limits of self-knowledge, drawing from classical sources, 20th-century thinkers, neuroscience, and experimental psychology. It examines topics such as knowledge, personal identity, the unconscious, free will, self-misleading, and experimental psychology, and is designed for use in conjunction with a free online course.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 148 pages
\n Publication date: 04 December 2017
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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Know Thyself: The Value and Limits of Self-Knowledge delves into the intricate nature, significance, and boundaries of self-knowledge. Author Mitchell S. Green draws upon a rich tapestry of classical sources, including Plato and Descartes, as well as 20th-century thinkers such as Freud, and integrates cutting-edge insights from neuroscience and experimental psychology. This comprehensive exploration encompasses a wide range of topics central to our understanding of who we are.

The result is an honest and unflinching examination of the accomplishments and limitations of the diverse endeavors to gain a deeper self-awareness. Within this volume, key themes emerge, including:

Knowledge: Delving into the essence of knowledge, exploring the interconnectedness between wisdom and knowledge, and highlighting the importance of leading an examined life.

Personal Identity: Addressing fundamental questions about dualism (the notion that our mind is distinct from our brain), bodily continuity, and personhood.

The Unconscious: Examining the various forms of the unconscious proposed by psychoanalysis and recent research on the adaptive unconscious.

Free Will: Discussing the existence and implications of free will, considering the challenges posed by neuroscience to the traditional notion of human agency.

Self-Misleading: Investigating the ways in which we deceive ourselves intentionally and how this relates to empathy, peer disagreement, implicit bias, and intellectual humility.

Experimental Psychology: Exploring the automaticity of emotion and other cognitive processes, and their profound impact on shaping our lives.

This book is thoughtfully designed to be utilized in conjunction with the free 'Know Thyself MOOC' (massive open online course), a collaborative initiative between the University of Connecticut's Project on Humility and Conviction in Public Life and the University of Edinburgh's Eidyn research center. Hosted on the Coursera platform (https://www.coursera.org/learn/know-thyself), the MOOC offers a comprehensive and interactive learning experience, allowing individuals from around the world to explore these profound topics in depth.

Furthermore, Know Thyself: The Value and Limits of Self-Knowledge serves as an invaluable text for interdisciplinary courses in the philosophy of mind or self-knowledge. It encourages students to engage with a range of perspectives and methodologies, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of human consciousness and self-awareness.

In conclusion, Know Thyself: The Value and Limits of Self-Knowledge is a groundbreaking exploration of the nature, value, and boundaries of self-knowledge. Through a rich blend of classical and contemporary sources, author Mitchell S. Green offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking journey into the core of our existence. This book empowers readers to gain a deeper self-awareness, challenge their assumptions, and explore the rich tapestry of human consciousness. Whether used as a standalone resource or in conjunction with the MOOC, Know Thyself is a must-read for anyone seeking to expand their understanding of the human psyche.

\n Weight: 242g\n
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 10 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781138676022\n \n