Bernhard Hommel
Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
Cognitive science has a persistent interest in understanding the self. Despite intensive research, there seems to be little agreement on what constitutes a self and what is described by the concept of a self. Here, we identify four different notions how the concept of a self is used in contemporary science. We present their key tenets, their impact on the field, and highlight shortcomings and inner contradictions. We propose that these notions are not empirically testable against each other and seem to reflect different epistemological views. Summarizing stagnations in the field, we conclude with recommendations for future research on the self: research needs to take care to avoid the danger of reification, should focus on particular functions rather than concepts, and investigate mechanisms. This approach is promising to lead us to a better understanding of the self.
DFG SPP "The Active Self" 