Question

In Zoltan Torey's The Conscious Mind, the author discusses the emerge of self-awareness: Turning to the changes that the acquisition of language instantiated, Damasio reflects on these changes in some detail:To hold extensive memory records not only of motor-skills but also of the facts and events, in particular of personal facts and events, those that make upthe scaffolding of biology, of personhood and the individual’s identity, these depending on the ability to reconstruct and manipulate memory records in a working brain-space, parallel to the perceptual space, an off-line holding area where time can be suspended during a delay and decisions freed from the tyranny of immediate responses. What does this mean?

Answer 1

In summary, the passage discusses how language and memory contribute to the emergence of self-awareness and personal identity. Language provides a framework for arranging and reflecting on memories, which is critical in shaping our consciousness and sense of self. Consciousness and memory are central to our understanding of personal identity, as highlighted by philosophers such as Damasio and Locke.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage in question explores the impact of language on the development of self-awareness and identity. Damasio suggests that language enables us to store extensive memory records of not only motor skills but of personal facts and events that contribute to the makeup of an individual's identity. This is because language allows for the reconstruction and manipulation of memory records within an 'offline' brain space, parallel to perceptual experiences, where decisions can be made without the pressure of immediate responses.

Memory construction and reconstruction are essential to shaping personal identity as we continuously modify our recollections, integrating new information and emotions. The development of self-awareness is closely tied to the ability to communicate and reflect on one's experiences, emotions, and memories, as language provides the tools necessary for this introspection, leading to an understanding of oneself that is both coherent and adaptable over time.

Philosopher John Locke emphasized this point by suggesting that our identity is defined by our consciousness and continuity of memories, rather than by our biological attributes. So, the capacity to think, to possess and reflect upon memories, is what constitutes the self.