What We Know About Ourselves In Thinking About Others

Department of Philosophy organised its first lecture of the online seminar series ‘Dialogue’ by inviting an acclaimed writer and philosopher Dr Ishwar Singh Dost. Dr. Ishwar Singh who is also a distinguished journalist and a researcher working over two decades with electronic media like NDTV and Jansatta. His recent publication include a book chapter on ‘Democracy and the Renewal of Socialism’ in the book ‘Socialism in the 20st Century’. The session was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr) Anita Kaushal who appreciated the Department of philosophy for having started the online seminar series “Dialogue” and said that “Dialogue would provide creative learning to the students and all participants.” Dr Ishwar Singh Dost presented his ideas on the topic “What we Know about Ourselves in thinking about Others”. The event was moderated/Chaired by Tanvi and Neetu of BA 3rd year. Dr. Ishwar Singh Dost initially highlighted the concept of Self and Others where he brought into consideration the fundamental notions of ‘I, We and They' and pointed out a significant perspectives on philosophical question “Who am I?” He critically reflected on the institution of marriage and offered insights on the notion of Identity in different cultural context. The very significant concept that Dr. Ishwar Singh pointed out was the concept of ascribed and acquired identity, where ascribed identity is (the set of demographic and role descriptions that others in an interaction assume to hold true for you) and acquired identity is (what you think you are). He also intervened about the concept of reality and illusion which holds an important place in the topic of ‘what we know about ourselves in thinking about others’. He threw light on humanism, self-destruction and experiences which play an important role in the formation of self and others. He mentioned a quote “Love Needs Others“ which states, the need for affection, solidifies our desire to know we are compatible with another human being, even if the relationship is on the friendship or familial level. Very aptly he brought into the light the concept of pornography which itself is a fundamental topic that needs answers but they are not usually discussed in different spaces. Toward the end he mentioned his ideas on existentialism as a theory or approach which emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will. The lecture was followed by a healthy discussion where students put forwarded their questions regarding their environment which plays an important role in this concept of self and others and also the importance of ascribed and acquired identity in our life. Very sincerely Dr. Ishwar Singh answered the possible questions both by students and the faculty. The first event of the online seminar series 'Dialogue' was indeed a success where one was able to assess and gather enough knowledge about who I am in the eyes of others. Courtesy : Tanvi, Ridam and Greta BA III