The Divided Self
An exploration of identity and sanity within the framework of existential philosophy.
Summary of 7 Key Points
Key Points
- The divided self and existential philosophy
- Schizophrenia and the false self-system
- Ontological insecurity and personal identity
- Interpersonal experience and understanding others
- The true-self and the struggle for authenticity
- Society’s role in shaping personal identity
- Therapeutic approaches for existential crises
key point 1 of 7
The divided self and existential philosophy
In the exploration of the divided self, the existential philosophy is considered as a lens through which one can understand the human condition better. This concept introduces the idea of a person being divided into two parts, the true self and the false self. The true self is the part of us that is real, authentic, and connected to our deep feelings and desires. The false self, on the other hand, is the persona we present to the world, often shaped by societal expectations and norms. This division, as per existential philosophy, leads to a sense of disconnection, alienation, and existential angst in the individual…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 7
Schizophrenia and the false self-system
In ‘The Divided Self’, the concept of schizophrenia is presented as a breaking down of the unity of the self, creating a false self-system. This ‘false self’ is an artificial construct, a façade created by the individual to interact with the world while protecting their ‘true self’ from potential harm and perceived threats. The individual feels an existential insecurity and vulnerability, sensing that their true self may be destroyed or annihilated by the intrusions of the external world…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 7
Ontological insecurity and personal identity
Ontological insecurity is depicted as a state of severe anxiety and fear derived from an individual’s inability to uphold a consistent and coherent sense of identity or ‘self’. The person afflicted with this insecurity grapples with feelings of unreality and the sense of being detached or disconnected from their own self and the world around them. They may also find it difficult to maintain a stable sense of reality, experiencing life as a series of disjointed and disordered moments rather than a continuous, cohesive narrative…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 7
Interpersonal experience and understanding others
In the realm of interpersonal relationships, the book asserts that fragmentation and a divided self-concept often result from the inability to understand others. This is often a consequence of alienation and a sense of ‘otherness’ that the individual experiences…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 7
The true-self and the struggle for authenticity
The true-self, as perceived from the perspective of ‘The Divided Self’, is an authentic entity that remains consistent, regardless of the fluctuations in the external environment. It is the core of individuality and personal identity, which is not influenced by societal norms or restrictions. This true-self is capable of feeling, thinking, and acting in accordance with its inherent nature, thus reflecting authenticity. However, it often has to struggle for its existence and acknowledgment in a world that tends to impose conformity…Read&Listen More
key point 6 of 7
Society’s role in shaping personal identity
In The Divided Self, society is portrayed as a fundamental force in shaping personal identity. According to this perspective, the societal norms, expectations, and values that an individual is exposed to have immense influence on their personal identity. The identity is not seen as an inherent trait, but rather, it is constructed and molded by external influences, with society being the most prominent among them. This includes the immediate social circles like family and friends, as well as broader entities like cultural norms and national identity…Read&Listen More
key point 7 of 7
Therapeutic approaches for existential crises
Therapeutic approaches for existential crises are centered on the fundamental understanding that such crises originate from an individual’s struggle to find value and meaning in life. This struggle often results in feelings of anxiety, despair, and disconnection as individuals grapple with existential issues such as death, isolation, freedom, and meaninglessness. Therapy, therefore, aims to help individuals confront these existential realities and find personal meaning and authenticity in their lives…Read&Listen More