Video - Unraveling the Self: A Journey Through Philosophy, Buddhism, and Neuroscience

Have you ever pondered whether we truly have a self? The notion of the self is central to human experience, yet it's one of the most elusive concepts in philosophy. From René Descartes' "I think, therefore I am" to David Hume's assertion that the self is nothing but a bundle of perceptions, thinkers have long debated its essence. The question arises, is the self a tangible, objective entity, or merely a mental construct? Buddhism suggests anatman, the idea that there is no enduring, unchanging self, contrasting with Western notions of a persistent identity. Neuroscientists today argue that what we perceive as the self is a byproduct of brain activity—a constantly evolving narrative. Yet, this view faces the paradox of an unfixed self generating consistent experiences. In light of these perspectives, can we assert the existence of a true self, or must we accept its fluid and dynamic nature? Perhaps the quest to define the self reveals more about our desire for permanence in a transient world than about the self itself. What remains clear is that this exploration invites us to reflect on our essence and the nature of our existence, encouraging a shift from seeking definitive answers to embracing profound questions.