Philosophers, psychologists, sociologists and historians all investigate "Self," but often in isolation from one another. In an attempt to overcome this disciplinary fragmentation this work focuses on integration and offers a fascinating exploration of self as a skilled process and of its functions. Benson argues that skills in navigating human worlds are primary requirements for being a successful human being, and that the main function of self as a psychological system is to position ourselves in relation to others and in relation to ideals which constitute our selves. He argues that we can best understand selves as "locative" or "navigational" systems and investigates the ways in which we orient ourselves and the language we use to describe our positions. He is especially interested in how selves can be diminished through inflicted suffering or expanded through positive engagements with art.

Part I: The Centrality of Place for Selfhood 1. Selves and the Need to Navigate Human Worlds: A Cultural Psychological Approach 2. The Brain's Work in Locating Selves 3. Placing Oneself in Personal Time: The Narrative Structure of Self 4. Moral Identity and Cultural-Historical Locations for Selves 5. Self-Creation as Self-Location 6. Pronouns Placing Selves: 'I' and its Associates Part II: Location, Dislocation and Relocation: Responsibility, Caring, Art and Changing Prospects 7. Emotions as Self's Pathfinders 8. Childhood, Responsibility and Acquiring Powers to Place Oneself as a Moral Agent 9. Pitilessness and Compassion: Caring Where Others Are 10. Suffering , Radical Dislocation and the Limits of Moral Responsibility 11. Being Moved: Art, Self and Positive Absorption 12. Points of View and None: Visual Art and the Location of Self 13. Individual and National Identity: Analogy, Symbiosis and Artistic Process 14. Psychologies of Maturity: Development or Destination? Conclusion: Navigating Human Worlds Bibliography Index