The Philosophical Roots of Narcissism

This video explores Narcissism as "excessive self-absorption". I use examples from both art and philosophy to argue that the subtle influence of certain philosophical and scientific attitudes lie at the root of the widespread sense that we live in narcissistic times.

The individual "point of view" of linear visual perspective is linked with the developments of Enlightenment philosophy, in particular, Immanuel Kant, and then contrasted with ancient and pre-historic forms of art to demonstrate the innately individualistic properties that have been fostered by such seemingly neutral practices as scientific method and our consumption of media images.

I suggest that deep (and therefore unacknowledged) historical trends are at the root of current social anxieties such as widespread feelings of alienation, narcissistic behaviour, and identity confusion.

Examples are provided from a range of visual and literary artists ranging from Aztec and Egyptian artefacts to Picasso paintings and Borges short stories.

In this previous video I explore the Myth of the Minotaur in more detail:
@   • Insta-Angst: Trapped in the Maze of t...  

and here I look at some ancient art:
@   • Art's Search for Lost Time -  the Mus...  

The text for the Borges short story mentioned right at the end can be found here:
@https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/greatwo...

Narcissism # Kant #Cave Paintings #Aztec Art #Egyptian Art