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Single Idea 24476

[catalogued under 16. Persons / C. Self-Awareness / 3. Limits of Introspection]

Full Idea

Because most of our thought is unconscious, a priori philosophising provides no privileged direct access to knowledge of our own mind.

Gist of Idea

We can't know our own minds, because most thought is unconscious

Source

G Lakoff / M Johnson (Philosophy in the Flesh [1999], 01)

A Reaction

The authors cite modern neuroscience for this view, but I agree with it simply from attempts at introspection. My consciousness finds my other mental activities quite bewildering.

Book Reference

Lakoff,G/Johnson,M: 'Philosophy in the Flesh' [Basic Books 1999], p.7

Related Idea

Idea 24475 We are largely unaware of how we reason [Lakoff/Johnson]