Philosopher of cognitive science Frédérique de Vignemont will discuss the relationship between the body and self. G. Gabrielle Starr (Seryl Kushner Dean of the College of Arts and Science and Professor of English, NYU) is respondent. The body has an ambiguous status, as it seems to be both what we are and what belongs to us. The study of the relationship between the body and the self raises several distinct issues. First, there is the question of personal identity: would the prince be the same person if he had the cobbler’s body? Second, there is the question of the nature of the self: is the self only mental or also bodily? Third, there is the question of the sense of ownership: how do I know that this body is my own?

Link: http://mindingthebodyconference.wordpress.com/about-the-conference/keynote-speaker/