Do you exist?

[sandandfoam]

What of the constructionists idea that the self is entirely social, that notions of individuality are illusory?
Does the inside emerge from the outide?
Is our self no more than the product of language and discourse?

[Guitar's Cry]

I do agree that the Self is a relationship. But in order to have a relationship--especially a social one--there must be a subject; in this case, the definer of "I," the Observer.

[Wandered Off]

Having separate physical bodies seems a pretty solid basis to develop a notion of individuality. Your own view of individuality is subjective, but I'm not sure illusory is the right word.

[Thief]

Shall we do a digression up front?

Individuals are singular...separate....can exist without others...solitary.

Regressing to the beginning, when there was only One...
How would the One be social?
Would He be able to say...'I am'?

[Willamena]

Originally Posted by stephenw

What of the constructionists idea that the self is entirely social, that notions of individuality are illusory?

Illusions exist. If they didn't, they could have (be) no effect. "I" exist. It's more important, to "me", that I know in what context that "I" exists.

Originally Posted by stephenw

Does the inside emerge from the outide?

More significantly, does (can) the concept of an "inside/outside" cease to be relevant? It can, in certain context (that being uncertain context ).

Originally Posted by stephenw

Is our self no more than the product of language and discourse?

That's where the aforementioned context becomes significant. Language provides the world with context.

[logician]

Originally Posted by stephenw

What of the constructionists idea that the self is entirely social, that notions of individuality are illusory?
Does the inside emerge from the outide?
Is our self no more than the product of language and discourse?

Bacteria exist, but there are many states of existence, from simply reacting to outside stimuli, to self-actualization.

[spursrule68]

I can safely say that I do exist

hence why you can see my post :P

[sandandfoam]

Originally Posted by spursrule68

I can safely say that I do exist

hence why you can see my post :P

I see you as emerging from your post. Is there something apart from your discourse?

[Madhuri]

Originally Posted by stephenw

What of the constructionists idea that the self is entirely social, that notions of individuality are illusory?
Does the inside emerge from the outide?
Is our self no more than the product of language and discourse?

This is exactly what Hinduism teaches. This is partly what easterners refer to when we speak of illusions of the material world. The only 'self' is the consciousness that exists once you take away the mind and the senses.