Sources of the Self

Synopsis

In this extensive inquiry into the sources of modern selfhood, Charles Taylor demonstrates just how rich and precious those resources are. The modern turn to subjectivity, with its attendant rejection of an objective order of reason, has led-it seems to many-to mere subjectivism at the mildest and to sheer nihilism at the worst. Many critics believe that the modern order has no moral backbone and has proved corrosive to all that might foster human good. Taylor rejects this view. He argues that, properly understood, our modern notion of the self provides a framework that more than compensates for the abandonment of substantive notions of rationality.

The major insight of Sources of the Self is that modern subjectivity, in all its epistemological, aesthetic, and political ramifications, has its roots in ideas of human good. After first arguing that contemporary philosophers have ignored how self and good connect, the author defines the modern identity by describing its genesis. His effort to uncover and map our moral sources leads to novel interpretations of most of the figures and movements in the modern tradition. Taylor shows that the modern turn inward is not disastrous but is in fact the result of our long efforts to define and reach the good. At the heart of this definition he finds what he calls the affirmation of ordinary life, a value which has decisively if not completely replaced an older conception of reason as connected to a hierarchy based on birth and wealth. In telling the story of a revolution whose proponents have been Augustine, Montaigne, Luther, and a host of others, Taylor's goal is in part to make sure we do not lose sight of their goal and endanger all that has been achieved. Sources of the Self provides a decisive defense of the modern order and a sharp rebuff to its critics.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Embodied Self

* Summary: Explores the role of the body in shaping our sense of self. Argues that our physical experiences, sensations, and movement contribute to our subjective experience.
* Real Example: A person who loses a limb may experience a sense of phantom limb pain, suggesting that the body's representation in the brain continues to influence the perception of self even after the limb is gone.

Chapter 2: The Narrative Self

* Summary: Examines the role of storytelling and narrative in constructing our sense of self. Argues that we shape our identity through the stories we tell about ourselves and our experiences.
* Real Example: A person who has experienced a traumatic event may struggle to integrate the memory into their narrative self, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Chapter 3: The Social Self

* Summary: Explores the influence of social interactions and relationships on our sense of self. Argues that our interactions with others shape our self-perceptions and behaviors.
* Real Example: A person who has been bullied may develop a negative self-image and low self-esteem, as a result of the negative social feedback they have received.

Chapter 4: The Cultural Self

* Summary: Investigates the impact of cultural norms, values, and expectations on our sense of self. Argues that our cultural context influences our identities, beliefs, and behaviors.
* Real Example: A person who grew up in a collectivist culture may emphasize the importance of group harmony and cooperation, while someone from an individualistic culture may prioritize personal achievement and self-expression.

Chapter 5: The Spiritual Self

* Summary: Explores the role of spirituality and religious beliefs in shaping our sense of self. Argues that spiritual experiences and practices can provide a sense of purpose, connection, and meaning.
* Real Example: A person who has undergone a spiritual awakening may experience a shift in their identity, including increased empathy and a sense of interconnectedness.

Chapter 6: The Evolving Self

* Summary: Examines the dynamic nature of the self and argues that our sense of self is constantly evolving and adapting to new experiences, challenges, and relationships.
* Real Example: A person who experiences a major life event, such as a career change or the birth of a child, may go through a period of self-reflection and identity adjustment.

Chapter 7: The Integrated Self

* Summary: Synthesizes the concepts from previous chapters and argues that a healthy sense of self involves integration of the different aspects discussed in the book.
* Real Example: A person who has a strong sense of self is able to balance their physical, narrative, social, cultural, spiritual, and evolving dimensions, creating a coherent and resilient identity.