The Relational Mind (An Enactive Theory of the Self)

A new, enactive approach to the self as a fundamentally social phenomenon, in which the mind arises from human relations.

What if connection—not separation—was the starting point for thinking about the human self? In The Relational Mind, philosopher and cognitive scientist Miriam Kyselo calls into question the common individualist assumption that the self is what separates us from others and comes before sociality. Taking on two of philosophy’s most central problems—the mind-body problem and the nature of self and personal identity—she presents a fundamentally social theory of the self as a fragile social interface that allows humans to balance a sense of openness and independence from others.

Developing a systematic framework across philosophy, phenomenology, cognitive science, and psychology, Kyselo shows how rethinking the self as an ongoing, relational achievement integrates first-person subjective and third-person objective perspectives. The book applies the enactive theory of the self to practice and real-world cases, including harassment, solitary confinement, disorders, and caregiver relationships. Opening up a fresh perspective on the intertwinement of self, sociality, and embodiment, the book provides a new foundation for research on subjectivity, social cognition, development, and mental health—engaging philosophers and interdisciplinary audiences alike.