Date of Award
8-25-2020
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Philosophy (MPHIL)
Department
Philosophy
Programme of Study
MPhil (Philosophy)
Chief Supervisor
Prof. Darrell Patrick ROWBOTTOM
Abstract
The essential task of the investigation of self-deception is nothing more than establishing the boundary of it, herein known as the distinction problem of self-deception. Such a boundary is necessary for distinguishing the phenomenon of self-deception from other similar phenomena, especially wishful thinking, and sheds light on the future research of other theoretical questions posed by the phenomenon. Although philosophers have reached a vague consensus on certain necessary elements involved in the phenomenon of self-deception, there is no general agreement on their details, leading to a lack of canonical literature regarding the question of what makes self-deception a unique phenomenon.
In this thesis, I begin by attempting to re-establish the initial definition of self-deception by illustrating the vague consensus in the current discussion of self-deception. Then, several representative views are examined to uncover the reason(s) for their failure to capture the distinction between self-deception and other kinds of irrationality. These findings are then used to clarify what the basic structure of self-deception should be. Finally, I develop an account revealing that the distinction problem is related to the study of the necessary attitude(s) involved in self-deception. My analysis shows that a special kind of instability inherent in the necessary attitude(s) involved in self-deception is the key to establishing self-deception as a distinctive case of motivated irrationality.
Language
English
Copyright
The copyright of this thesis is owned by its author. Any reproduction, adaptation, distribution or dissemination of this thesis without express authorization is strictly prohibited.
Recommended Citation
Chan, C. Y. (2020). The distinction problem of self-deception (Master's thesis, Lingnan University, Hong Kong). Retrieved from https://commons.ln.edu.hk/otd/76/