Others in Mind
Social Origins of Self-Consciousness

In this book, Philippe Rochat explores self-consciousness, how it originates and how it shapes our lives, arguably the most important and revealing of all psychological problems. Why are we so prone to guilt and embarrassment? Why do we care so much about how others see us, about our reputation? What are the origins of such afflictions? Rochat argues that it is because we are members of a species that evolved the unique propensity to reflect upon themselves as an object of thoughts; an object of thoughts that is potentially evaluated by others. Based on empirical observations, this is a book of ideas, tapping into both developmental and anthropological phenomena and guided by strong existential intuitions regarding the human condition. At the core of these intuitions, there is the idea that human psychic life is predominantly determined by what we imagine others perceive of us.

Reviews & endorsements

'Rochat's book combines both theoretical and empirical support for the view that the self is socially constructed through interactions with others. Philosophers and psychologists interested in development, embodiment, the self, or relationships, will find that Rochat's book offers a concise and persuasive account which challenges a traditional internalist conception of the self. In short, it is the kind of work that will prove to greatly benefit the discourse on the nature of the self.' Lucas A. Keefer, Philosophical Psychology

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Product details

• Date Published: February 2009
• format: Paperback
• isbn: 9780521729659
• length: 264 pages

• dimensions: 231 x 152 x 23 mm
• weight: 0.41kg
• contains: 7 b/w illus.
• availability: Available