The Unconscious, Self-Consciousness, and Responsibility

Massimo Marraffa

Abstract


Abstract: In this article I argue that (1) introspective self-consciousness is an activity of narrative re-appropriation of the products of the cognitive unconscious; and (2) this activity has an essentially self-defensive character, being ruled by the primary and universal need to construct and protect a subjective identity whose solidity is the ground of the intrapsychic and interpersonal balances of human organism. Finally, in this framework firmly based on psychological sciences, I reconsider John Locke’s link between responsibility and self-consciousness.

Inconscio, autocoscienza e responsabilità

Riassunto: In questo articolo sostengo che (1) l’autocoscienza introspettiva è un’attività di riappropriazione narrativa dei prodotti dell’inconscio cognitivo; e (2) questa attività ha una natura essenzialmente difensiva, essendo governata dal bisogno universale e primario di costruire e proteggere un’identità soggettiva la cui solidità è il fondamento degli equilibri intrapsichici e interpersonali dell’organismo umano. Infine, in questo quadro saldamente fondato sui dati delle scienze cognitive, riconsidero il nesso istituito da John Locke fra responsabilità e autocoscienza.

Parole chiave: Identità; Responsabilità; Autocoscienza; Narrazione di sé; Inconscio


Parole chiave


Identity; Responsibility; Self-consciousness; Self-narration; Unconscious

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4453/rifp.2014.0016

Copyright (c) 2014 Massimo Marraffa

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