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A contextualised approach to the phenomenon of the self for this study“Like Kant, he” (Wittgenstein) “believed that philosophers often unwittingly stray beyondthe limits into the kind of specious nonsense that seems to express genuine thoughts but infact does not do so.” (Pears, 1997, 2 nd edition p.12)Mindful of Pears’ caution when writing of Wittgenstein, it has been my intention – in themundane attitude – to present a range of literature that has been consulted to show how the selfis regarded within the philosophical/phenomenological attitude.The intention has been toexpress genuine thoughts. In the process, and as an outcome of a post-writing reflexive process,it seems as though three themes have emerged:• The importance of linguistic accuracy and specificity when tackling a potentiallyamorphous topic like the self;• The centrality of ‘I’ and ‘Me’ (both subject and object) within the thought experimentthat this study represents;• The impossibility of shedding theological training from the processes of reflectionand writing, nor the deployment of metaphors and models derived from religions, thediscourse of religious education and my own religious experiences.This latter point would be troubling were it not for the cautions already applied in relation to thepotential solipsism of Buddhist reflection, on the one hand, and action research on the other.Moreover, what also emerges from a critical investigation of phenomenology is the opportunityto undertake a structured, contextualised approach to my own self in the expectation that such ajourney will yield potential learning gains that will be of use to Me, as well as I, and to otherselves within the professional domains in which I operate. I can no more detach myself from myown situated reality than I can empathise fully with one of Bob Jackson’s research subjects71Simon Hughes Ph.D. Thesis (October 2012)