The Cultural Psychology of Self: Place, Morality and Art in Human Worlds

Philosophers, psychologists, sociologists and historians all investigate "Self", but often in isolation from one another. In an attempt to overcome this disciplinary fragmentation this work focuses on integration and offers a fascinating exploration of self as a skilled process and of its functions. Benson argues that skills in navigating human worlds are primary requirements for being a successful human being, and that the main function of self as a psychological system is to position ourselves in relation to others and in relation to ideals which constitute our selves. He argues that we can best understand selves as "locative" or "navigational" systems and investigates the ways in which we orient ourselves and the language we use to describe our positions. He is especially interested in how selves can be diminished through inflicted suffering or expanded through positive engagements with art.

Ciaran Benson is Professor of Psychology at University College Dublin.