Relational Self Analysis

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In regards to identity and self, I find the argument for the Relational Self to be the most compelling. Adherents state that the only way see ourselves is in relation to others. Taylor stated, “I must acknowledge my belonging before I can understand myself.” Hegel furthers the argument stating that a person is only free and independent when person isn’t captive to his own desires or some external force. I find this view to be the most correct as self, at least in part is defined, by our environment. Contrasting the view of the Relational self is the view of the Atomistic Self. In this view, the core of a person, is independent of others and self-contained. Descartes states that to truly understand one’s “real” self can only be achieved by

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