On the Disappearance of the Self

Abstract

This article discusses the reality of the existence of the Self as a self-sufficient phenomenon by tracing the relationship between the concepts of subject and the Self with consideration of postmodernist and socioconstructionist critiques. The author identifies the main approaches in the history of philosophy, arguing for the disappearance of the individual subject and propose counterarguments against those positions. Critically assessing the postmodern idea of the “death of the subject,” notions of the Self as a social and linguistic construction, as well as a narrative, the author demonstrates the inconsistency of a position that views the Self exclusively as a product of the European cultural tradition. It is shown that the concept of the Self presents the real phenomena of consciousness and self-awareness, and the use of this concept is necessary for the realization of any of the subject’s actions, both cognitive and social. At the same time, it is necessary to reconsider the concept of the Self from the point of view of new sociocultural circumstances, and constructionist criticisms of the Self can be useful in that regard.