Matej Cernigoj – Main concerns

I am interested in the exploration of various modes of being, particularly the most distinctively human mode of intersubjective being. Two main lines of inquiry arise from this general concern: the praxis of ‘self-knowing’ and the theoria of a ‘science of being’. I consider self-knowing to be a central aspect of the science of being, its raison d’être, actually, and the gateway to other possible modes of being. While self-knowing is rooted in the first-person experience of the individual knower, it is only possible because of an internalized structure of intersubjectivity, with subjectivity and objectivity as its complementary aspects. It is this structure that allows for the separation between the observer and the observed and hence observation; both in the established third-person and in the emerging first-person methodologies. In my opinion, intersubjectivity is also the proper starting point for the eventual reconciliation and integration of first-person and third-person approaches to consciousness. More importantly, this also suggests that for those interested in the exploration of consciousness/experience the main concern is the development of the second-person methodology of dialogic exploration, both in dyadic and group settings. My vision of a science of being builds upon the first-person motivation for self-knowing to include the second-person aspect of interpersonal regulation and the third-person aspect of collective accumulation. I believe that because of the strong individual epistemic autonomy in self-knowing, interpersonal regulation should be focused on the way of, and the general attitude toward, such exploration rather than on its contents. Consequently, collective accumulation should be understood in terms of an emerging self-knowing culture – in its normative (i.e. social norms and values) as well as denotative (i.e. language) aspects – rather than in terms of a growing body of knowledge. From this, my interest in attending a conference devoted to exploring the possibilities of a community of first-person inquiry follows rather naturally. At least, I expect some regulation of my thoughts about self-knowing and the science of being; at most, I would like to witness and participate in the creation of a genuine inquiring community. In either case, however, I have no doubt it will be a stimulating experience and a boost to my self-knowing.