For a feasible fulfilment 'I' was twice divided then finally blighted : a scrutiny of selfhood to secure self-fulfilment

Abstract

This dissertation is a scrutiny of selfhood, the scope of which is to secure the feasibility of self-fulfilment: it is an examined exposition of key concepts on selfhood and their implications as to its fulfilment from the perspective of Western philosophy and psychoanalysis. The treatment of these thoughts transpires through six chapters. The introductory chapter attempts an apprehension of selfhood as more than a mere self sufficient structure, fulfilled by satisfying its necessities or satiating its necessary sentiments: its fulfilment lies, instead, in having sense made of it. The second chapter is an' examined exposition of Rene Descartes' desire for certainty, technique to acquire it, drawn deductions, idea of "I", and doctrine of duality. The third chapter describes Jacques Lacan's sense of subjectivity, its foundation, development, and effect on fulfilment. The fourth chapter describes Charles Taylor's thoughts on the individualism of self-fulfilment, the main arguments against it, and the moral force behind it. The fifth chapter describes his ideas on the detractors and supporters of industrial-technological society, its founding moral frameworks, and its propensity to push people towards an indifferent and instrumentalist path. The concluding chapter is an abridged critical account of the aforementioned chapters: its find is forfeit the self for its fulfilment.