Self

The self is the idea of how a person understands and recognises themselves. It is a combination of knowledge, memory, character and choices that a person considers to belong to them, which they refer to as "I". The central question in this field is whether the self is a permanent, real thing, or whether it is an image constructed by the mind that changes over time.

The Somali words 'nafta' and 'naftirka' are used in two ways. One is the common usage referring to the person themselves. The other is a philosophical usage referring to the centre of consciousness and thought. The sections that follow examine how different disciplines approach this subject.

Philosophical perspectives

Western philosophy on this matter generally divides into two positions. One position, associated with thinkers like Descartes, holds that the existence of thought proves there is a permanent thinking substance. The other position, associated with Hume, holds that when a person examines themselves they find only a stream of changing experiences, and find no underlying thing. Buddhist philosophy holds a similar idea (anattā) that denies the existence of a permanent self.

Psychology

Psychology divides the self into measurable components. These include self-concept, which is how a person describes themselves, and self-esteem, which is how they value themselves. There is also self-regulation, which is the ability of a person to control immediate emotions in order to reach distant goals. Research on child development examines at what age a child begins to recognise themselves in a mirror.

The social self

Social perspectives hold that the self does not arise from the individual alone, but emerges from interaction with others. A person understands themselves through the responses they receive from others, and therefore society, language and culture play a role in forming the self. Some societies define the self primarily through family and clan ties, while others emphasise individual autonomy.