Individual and Social Ontologies of the Self: Analyzing the Spectrums of Selfhood

I propose to engage in a survey and critical evaluation of various fundamental understandings of selfhood. I will organize my analysis along two ontological dimensions. The first considers the difference between individualist and communalist understandings of the self. The second considers the difference between essentialist and non-essentialist (or socially constructed) understandings of the self. My intention is to argue for a view that is conducive to human flourishing by providing greater understanding of the self in relation to certain aspects of one’s existence through which one can create meaning, and live a life directed towards the good as an individual and a member of a community