Howison LECTURE SERIES

Thinking and Talking About the Self

John Perry, Professor of Philosophy, Stanford University

March 11, 2009 — 4:10 PM
Toll Room, Alumni House, UC Berkeley Campus.
CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY: Due to Lower Sproul construction starting early March 2013, nearby parking and access to this venue may be limited or affected. Please allow extra time for arrival. Questions: contact Alumni House Events at 510.642.1892.

John Perry investigates two quite different ways of thinking of ourselves; one, that we express with the first person, that is a special way of considering ourselves; the other, for which we use our name, that allows us to think of ourselves more or less as others do. He explores these two different ways of thinking, and talking, about ourselves, and draws some conclusions about the structure of thought and language.

About John Perry

John Perry is renowned for his significant contributions to the field of philosophy, including his work on language, logic, personal identity, and philosophical issues related to cognitive science. Perry's investigation of the issues of personal identity begins with the fundamental question of continuity: "Is one person the same person over time?" The way we respond to this question as a society is of special concern regarding moral judgment and penal codes, in both religious and secular contexts.

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