Self-awareness

What is meant by self-awareness?

The term self-awareness (sometimes used as a synonym for self-consciousness, although there may be substantial differences in meaning between the two, especially within neuroscientific research) primarily refers to the human capacity for abstraction, thanks to which it is possible to represent oneself to oneself.

The concept of self-awareness has been developed across different fields and from diverse, sometimes contrasting, perspectives, reflecting its centrality and complexity in human experience. In philosophical thought, it is understood as awareness of one’s own existence and of one’s actions as a subjective entity, capable of identifying within itself the causes of its own manifestations.

The perspective of Pedagogy for the Third Millennium

“For self-consciousness and self-awareness we mean the ability to perceive and read one’s most intimate and inner preferences, in order to transform them into resources and insights. Awareness of ourselves is expressed in the ability to read our emotions by anticipating their effects; in making contact with our strengths and with the limitations that make up our personality; in a grounded trust in ourselves and in confidence in our own value.
In the certainty that weaknesses can be improved and that strengths represent the foundation on which we move. It is precisely this initial understanding that guides us in detailing the next step. It is necessary to orient ourselves, learningIl termine apprendimento - con i sinonimi imparare, assimila... More the right priority between surrendering and resisting.”

(from Patrizio Paoletti, *21 Minutes: The Knowledge of Excellence – Ideas Will Save Europe*, Ed. 3P, 2011)

How can self-awareness be developed?

The underlying assumption is that self-awareness can be developed; it is not a static ability. On the contrary, like every other human capacity, it can constantly be the object of education and improvement. To develop self-awareness, there are numerous educational methods and research approaches, including those conducted by RINED, the Institute for Research in Neuroscience, Education and Didactics of the Patrizio Paoletti Foundation.

A simple way to approach this topic can be found in our column “The talents of the brain”.