And why or why not? Not the same as everyone having an independent brain. This is an ongoing project about human consciousness. Please don't answer just for points.
2006-08-02 13:07:44 · 6 answers · asked by Archetypal 3 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I don't know if I'm answering what you want, but in my opinion (and no, I am no psychologist) I think everyone has an individual self. There are things you never tell anyone...thoughts you keep entirely to your 'self'...things about you that no one else in the world knows (and I don't mean things like illegal activities etc...). You know your 'self' best.
I think this is how people in horrible situations survive. They can crawl inside their 'self' because no matter what happens, THAT can't be taken from them. It's the only thing they have that is completely their own...that no one else can touch.
I also think that there are rules in life laid down by authorities, but when it comes down to it, people live by their own inner credo. You don't do illegal things because they're illegal, BUT...if your children were starving, would you steal food? Some people would and some would not. Why? Because you make decisions based on who you are as an individual. YOU decide right from wrong, no matter what the rules are. Your 'self' makes you who you are WAY down deep, and it's as seperate and individual as it can get.
2006-08-02 13:21:17 · answer #1 · answered by Lisa E 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By definition, an individual person has some characteristic that could be labelled the "self" that makes them an individual. But if you follow Descartes' reasoning, I can be fairly sure that I myself have a self or mind separate from everyone else's, and if I do, it's reasonable to assume that others who look like me (humans) also do.
2006-08-02 20:13:00 · answer #2 · answered by Tim 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not. No matter how much one person feels they are making decisions solely upon their own beliefs, and experiences it simply is not true. Everyone that is exposed to any sort of social society (including family*) has been influenced by others opinions, beliefs, and experiences, thus influencing ones personal beliefs on a daily basis. Your own self is created from everyone Else's idea of individuality, and morality. You are a creation of society whether you like it or not.
2006-08-02 20:16:49 · answer #3 · answered by christopher p 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think people can be complete individuals, but it is difficult. While it is easier to just "fit in" or "get along", Thoreau showed us how to completely leave "The Borg". Many others have done the same thing, Buddists do it regularly. Through my reading and reflections I like to hope I can one day achieve this.
2006-08-02 20:17:04 · answer #4 · answered by doggiebike 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you ever hear of the "herd mentality"? One can follow a herd directly off a cliff! Find your self, educate it, and share your new found healthy "self" with others. More answers you seek are within your "self". Listen
2006-08-02 20:17:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
WHO IS THIS? THE BORG? LOL
WE HUMANS ARE INDEPENDENT CAPABLE OF CREATIVE INDEPENDENT THOUGHTS. HOPEFULLY,
"GROUP THINK" IS A SOCIO PHENOMEN
2006-08-02 20:17:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋