Skip to content

Sellars's "myth of Jones" is deployed against what Sellars…

“Sellars's "myth of Jones" is deployed against what Sellars calls "the myth of the categorial Given": the idea that to be aware of something is to be aware of it as something. This short circuit between "awareness of" and "awareness as" inhibits the project of self-understanding because it…” quote by Ray Brassier
Download Open image
“Sellars's "myth of Jones" is deployed against what Sellars calls "the myth of the categorial Given": the idea that to be aware of something is to be aware of it as something. This short circuit between "awareness of" and "awareness as" inhibits the project of self-understanding because it perpetuates the assumption that there is a point where being and knowing coincide.”

Ray Brassier

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Argues that conflating awareness of something with awareness as something blocks self‑understanding, as it assumes a point where being and knowing merge.

In simple terms: Confusing awareness types hinders self‑knowledge.

Key Takeaway

Clarify the distinction between noticing and defining.

Themes

philosophy self‑knowledge ontology epistemology

Mood

thoughtful introspective

Type

theoretical analytical

When to use this quote

  • personal introspection
  • academic study
  • psychotherapy
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

phenomenology conceptual analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this distinction affect your self‑reflection?
  • Can you apply it to resolve a personal conflict?
A Different Perspective

May be too abstract for everyday use.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ray Brassier

Explore all 15 Ray Brassier quotes

More Assumption quotes

Browse all 1,277 Assumption quotes