I am pleased to announce that my latest chapter will be featured in the upcoming book, Thinking About Oneself: The Place and Value of Reflection in Philosophy and Psychology, edited by Waldomiro J. Silva Filho and Luca Tateo (Springer).
Book Details:
Title: Thinking About Oneself: The Place and Value of Reflection in Philosophy and Psychology
Series: Philosophical Studies Series
Publisher: Springer
Chapter 9: Bodily origin of self-reflection and its socially extended aspects Shogo Tanaka (Tokai University)
While we often presuppose that reflection is a purely mental act—a tradition stemming from Descartes—I argue that its true origin lies in our bodily experience.
In this chapter, I provide a genetic account of self-reflection through the lens of phenomenology and cognitive science. While traditional phenomenology often focuses on the body as a "subject" of action, I explore the "body-as-object." Our ability to perceive our own body as an intentional object precedes and underpins the psychological experience of self-reflection.
Furthermore, I discuss how this "body-as-object" is shared with others, extending the act of reflection into the realms of intersubjectivity, empathy, and social anxiety. Ultimately, the analysis suggests that being a self-reflective agent and being a social agent are two sides of the same coin.
I hope you find the perspective insightful.
Best regards,
Shogo
