The concept of the self being an "illusion" stems from the idea that our sense of a unified, permanent "I" is a constructed narrative rather than a solid biological reality. Neuroscience suggests that the concept of self is an illusion, as there is no singular "central controller" governing it. Instead, brain activity is distributed across various networks, and the interplay of these activities gives rise to the notion of self. Neuroplasticity further indicates that the brain is perpetually changing, implying that an unchanging self cannot exist. There is no central "pilot" steering the ship. Brain cells are constantly replaced, and therefore, there is no "unchanging" core.
The brain's Default Mode Network (DMN) is a large-scale, distributed network with primary locations on the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) surfaces of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes, often referred to as the brain’s "center for the sense of self". The DMN acts as a "center of narrative gravity," synthesizing fragmented experiences into a coherent story of "me" and creating autobiographical memory. It allows one to project oneself into the future to plan and imagine future scenarios.
The self can be understood as a dynamic process rather than a fixed entity. Research by Michael Gazzaniga on individuals with a severed corpus callosum reveals that the self functions as an interpreter module, crafting a narrative of unity amidst a multitude of disparate processes. This perspective aligns with the views of a Canadian philosopher and cognitive scientist, Evan Thompson, who posits that the self is an evolved construct essential for an organism's navigation of its environment. As David Hume’s "Bundle Theory" highlights, there are "bundles of changing thoughts, feelings, and memories.
Philosopher Thomas Metzinger postulates that the brain functions as a "storyteller," crafting narratives that play a crucial role in how we perceive and interact with the world around us. According to Metzinger, these internal stories are not mere embellishments; rather, they serve as cognitive frameworks that help individuals make sense of their experiences and navigate complex social and environmental landscapes.
Dr. Ruwan M Jayatunge
