Philosophy and the self
Who am I? Is there such a thing as “my true self”? These and related questions will be looked at from various philosophical perspectives.
NB There will be no class on 26/05/26.
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 13 May 2025End Date: 29 Jul 2025Tue (Evening): 17:30 - 19:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 11 sessions (over -12 weeks)Course Code: HP162Tutors: Ariel KernbergFull fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Who am I? Is there such a thing as “my true self”, distinct from my public one (or ones)? Am I the same person I was in my childhood and will I be the same person in old age? Does society (and language) play a role in making me who I am? Are my private thoughts and experiences really private? At the very least, it seems, I am the agent of my actions, the one responsible for what I choose to do. But how does this square with a scientific account of human nature? These and related questions will be looked at from various philosophical perspectives (with some digressions to sociology and psychology).
No class on 26/05/26.
What will we cover?
Personal identity, reason-explanations, freedom of the will, action and responsibility, human nature, thought and language, the social self, social interaction and social institutions.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- feel and appreciate the intellectual pressure exerted by the questions posed above
- appreciate their philosophical import
- identify some theoretical strategies of addressing them
- appreciate notable strengths and weaknesses of these strategies.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course does not presuppose any theoretical knowledge. It does, however, require a willingness to engage with abstract and challenging ideas. Some of the reading required is not easy. An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be delivered through lectures interspersed with plenary and small-group discussions, utilising audio-visual material.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All course materials will be provided by the tutor or available free of charge online.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might be interested in this tutor's next course, Introduction to moral philosophy (HP012) which starts in September 2026.
Please see City Lit's website for full details of upcoming philosophy courses.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
