Why Do We Think We Matter? | Rebecca Goldstein

Why It Matters

Linking theory of mind and the mattering instinct clarifies core drivers of self‑awareness, social motivation, and moral behavior, with implications for psychology, education, and public policy aimed at well‑being and social cohesion.

Summary

Philosopher Rebecca Goldstein argues that the human sense of ‘‘mattering’’ depends on a psychological theory of mind—the early-developing ability to recognize that others have beliefs and desires—which we can turn inward to wonder whether we ourselves count. That inward turn produces the ‘‘mattering instinct,’’ a first‑person existential question about whether one is special or justified in valuing oneself, and it typically emerges in childhood but can recur across the life course. She also contends the relationship is bidirectional: attributing a mattering instinct to others enriches our theory of mind by framing other minds as value-seeking agents. When the mattering need is successfully met it often becomes backgrounded, but for many people it drives ongoing identity and moral projects.

Original Description

Does Rebecca Goldstein's concept of the mattering instinct require a robust theory of mind?

Rebecca Goldstein argues that it does. She explores how our ability to understand that other people have beliefs and desires different from our own may allow us to turn that same capacity on ourselves, leading to the question: "Why do I think I matter?"

0:00 Does Mattering Require Theory of Mind?

2:15 Turning Theory of Mind on Ourselves

3:58 Why Do I Think I Matter?

5:01 How the Mattering Instinct Arises

7:01 Can Mattering Enrich Theory of Mind?

9:16 Understanding Other People's Mattering Projects

Rebecca Newberger Goldstein is a MacArthur Fellow and National Humanities Medal recipient whose ten acclaimed books span philosophy and fiction, including her new work _The Mattering Instinct: How Our Deepest Longing Drives Us and Divides Us._

More from Rebecca Goldstein on Closer To Truth:

* Closer To Truth: The Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFJr3pJl27pLLkP0kHQKL9nZh35UkgkR_

* Rebecca N. Goldstein - Closer To Truth: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFJr3pJl27pJHIwgd48GqNCJ0XWg8vuLu

* Goldstein’s Mind-Body Problem: https://loc.closertotruth.com/theory/goldstein-s-mind-body-problem

* Closer To Truth contributors: https://closertotruth.com/contributor/rebecca-newberger-goldstein/

Subscribe to Closer To Truth: https://www.youtube.com/@CloserToTruthTV

Join the Community:

* Membership (5,000+ videos): https://closertotruth.com/register/

* Audio Podcast: https://closertotruth.podbean.com

* Support the Show: https://closertotruth.com/donate/

* Official Merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/closertotruth/

Follow Us:

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CloserToTruthTV/

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closertotruth/

* X: https://x.com/CloserToTruth

Closer To Truth, created and hosted by Robert Lawrence Kuhn, presents the world's greatest thinkers exploring humanity's deepest questions. Discover fundamental issues of existence and sentience. Engage new and diverse ways of thinking. Appreciate intense debates. Share your own opinions. Seek your own answers.

#CloserToTruth #RebeccaNewbergerGoldstein #TheoryOfMind #MatteringInstinct #Meaning