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"The selfie's self" [2019] ELECD 1381; in Broekman, M. Jan (ed), "Rethinking Law and Language" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2019) 132

Book Title: Rethinking Law and Language

Editor(s): Broekman, M. Jan

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Section: INTERMEZZO 4

Section Title: The selfie’s self

Number of pages: 3

Extract:

INTERMEZZO 4



The selfie's self


Significance, semioticians tell us, is a matter of mutual understanding,
whereby the dimensions of the "mutual" seem to unfold on a global
scale. They could call that "understanding," or, in accordance with its
essence, simply "footing." But footing as a concept and footing as a
social activity seem not primarily a matter of speaking, but of being
addressed. Differences between the two parallel the differences between
various positions in speech events.
Look at Ludwig. See him sitting in front of himself. The two stumble
over the same word: "this" or "that." One of them, which he calls "he
himself," tries to catch the proper word as if he were fishing in darkest
waters. Where is it, what is it? As if he had an immense mirror opposite
that challenges him: ask your partner, your O/other! But the mirror's
portrait is too vague, its colors too dark. It does not inform, just creates
the impression (which we all have from time to time) that there is really
nothing. Nothing. No-thing? What then of the "this" and the "that"? Are
they indicators of an absolute emptiness? Is one's share in humanity a
black hole?
Strange, even alienating to register how such ideas touch the trusted
concept of a "Self."
Actual literature on the concept of the Self augments this considerably:
there are many more theories, outlines, sketches, and essays regarding the
theme than ever before. Indeed, the "Self" became a subject of ...