Naess, on page 135, outlines the themes of the self, and the Self.
"The narrow self (ego) and the comprehensive Self (written with capital S)
Self-realization as the realization of the comprehensive Self, not the
cultivation of the ego.
The process of identification as the basic tool of widening the self and as
a natural consequence of increased maturity. Strong identification with the
whole of nature in its diversity and interdependence of parts as a source of
active participation in the deep ecological movement Identification as a source
of belief in intrinsic values. The question of "objective"
validity."
Might identification as a "spontaneous non-rational" process
resemble immediate sense-perception? Might this be a case where we reach
full human potential and self-realization from universals to particulars
(knowledge?), or from "objective validity" to
ego-realization? Is there a way we can progress from the Self to
the self? In this sense, identification might not be a "widening"
of the ego (self) but an introspective inquiry only after our holistic
development. Are our rational minds, in a process of demonstration as a
means to establish universal validity, the only way to truth?
Might intuitions serve as premises in practical modes of dialectic
inquiry? Are we, before our moment of "apperception"
a part of environment in such a way that we might call this unity identification? Is
this a useful way to think about our relationship with the environment?
I'm glad you brought up identification, as I think it is key to Naess's argument. Let's be sure to discuss it in class.
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