The march of self-reference

Focuses on the issue of increasing environmental and societal complexity, and its effects on the individual, especially visible in the increase of self-reference (the commonalities between man, animals and machines). Distinguishes three meanings of self-reference and discusses the interrelationships between self-reference, alienation, and growing societal complexity: states that, especially in the last few decades of this secular age, there has been increasing incidence of self-reference. Also discusses the relationship between self-reference, constructivism, and modern brain research. Asserts that the march of self-reference is likely to continue, but that it will change in character.