The Discipline of Subjectivity

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Exploring Montaigne's philosophical insights, Ermanno Bencivenga critiques the Cartesian notion of self-consciousness as a foundational source of knowledge. He argues that the self should be viewed as a continuously constructed project, emphasizing that true understanding requires practical effort and ongoing training. Montaigne's assertion that he is the subject of his own work illustrates this concept, highlighting the need for a revolutionary and playful approach to self-constitution, which contrasts sharply with the static nature of traditional self-perception.