The Self and Identity
The Interpretation of Dreams (selections)
Sigmund Freud
While rooted in psychology, Freud’s work profoundly influenced how the humanities and social sciences understand the unconscious mind, the formation of the self, and the role of early experiences in shaping identity.
Psychology/Philosophy
Mind, Self, and Society
George Herbert Mead
A foundational text in symbolic interactionism, exploring how the self develops through social interaction and the internalization of societal perspectives.
Sociology/Social Psychology
The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life
Erving Goffman
Examines social interaction as a performance where individuals strategically present themselves to others to create desired impressions.
Sociology
Black Skin, White Masks
Frantz Fanon
A powerful exploration of the psychological impact of racism and colonialism on the formation of Black identity.
Postcolonial Studies/Psychology/Sociology
Knowledge and Truth
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
Thomas Kuhn
Introduces the concept of paradigm shifts and how scientific knowledge changes over time.
History of Science/Philosophy of Science
On Certainty
Ludwig Wittgenstein
Explores the foundations of knowledge and the role of certainty in our belief systems and practices.
Philosophy
Epistemology: A Very Short Introduction
Robert Audi
A concise overview of the major theories and problems in the philosophy of knowledge.
Philosophy