Discussion on self knowledge: Who am I?

Hi everyone!

In this event we will talk about the knowledge of the self - its nature, importance, the methods of observation, inquiry etc.

Despite being central to our experience, we have not been taught ways of introspection/inquiry that will let us know more about ourselves.

Many have considered it a focal point of philosophy. For instance, Nietzsche claimed self-realization to be the ultimate goal of philosophy. The Upanishads (a selection of classical Indian writings) have clearly stated: know the self (Ātman) and you shall know reality (Brahman).

But how is one to proceed? Is there a universally accepted method that lets us have a clear view of the self?
Can a central body of knowledge, such as psychology, help us in this endeavor? What role does philosophy play in it? Join us for a discussion where we try to answer these questions and more!

We will use the following questions as aids to move the discussion (the list will be updated as we get closer to the event):

0. Why do you think, self-knowledge is important?
1. How can the self, observe the self? What is this method of observance? What is the state of mind during which the observation takes place?
2. Can one be impartial in the observance of the self?
3. What characteristics constitutes your self-image?
4. Is your self-image static, dynamic? Is it self-consistent?
5. Can people in our environment, hold snippets of our self-knowledge unavailable to us?

Sources:

For self-introspection ( eastern philosophy/phenomenology):
On awareness by J. Krishnamurthi: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13fHDSSvtHrbNlqQywy-7ufhSVb2Ipcmy/view?usp=sharing

For self-knowledge via our interaction with others (psychology):
In search of our true selves: Feedback as a path to Self-Knowledge: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3208397/pdf/fpsyg-02-00312.pdf

Self and consciousness: Where do we draw the line? (philosophy)
Self and consciousness by Dan Zahavi: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1srIpjcS03o9SgD1uR7z1pAZtsXSES40L/view?usp=sharing

Random quote:
“Surely I ought to know myself better than these indifferent outsiders can know me; nay, better even than my intimate friends, to whom I have never breathed those items of my inward experience which have chiefly shaped my life.
Yet I have often been forced into the reflection that even the acquaintances who are as forgetful of my biography and tenets as they would be if I were a dead philosopher, are probably aware of certain points in me which may not be included in my most active suspicion. We sing an exquisite passage out of tune, and innocently repeat it for the greater pleasure of our hearers.” - Eliot 1879

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Note that you do not need any prior philosophical training/knowledge to be part of the discussion. We are just a regular group of people who come together to learn from one another and engage in an open, friendly, and at times, passionate dialogue.