Argument of REFLEXIVITY

Consider a proposition of the form: « N 1 — Verb — N2 ». The relation denoted by the verb is reflexive if it connects N1 to itself, that is, if « N1 — Verb — N1″ makes sense.

“Is contemporary with ” is a reflexive relation; A is contemporary with all the people who live at the same time as he, and in particular he is strictly contemporary with himself.

The causal relation is not reflexive; no being is its own cause. Only God is causa sui, his own cause – though it is possible to be a son of one’s own works.

Reflexivity can be exploited in ad hominem argumentation. The principle “charity begins at home” forces the reflexivity of the relationship « to do charity to ». Similarly, love of others can be used to promote a certain love of self:

If you want to help the whole world, you’d do well to start by helping yourself a little!

A counselor’s competence can be challenged by encouraging him to use his talents  reflectively:

You give me advice and you act the old way, start by giving yourself advice!

You fight for women’s liberation, and (= but) at home you never do the dishes.

Doctor, heal yourself!

You claim to teach others how to argue, but you are incapable of arguing yourself!

Or again:

Among the ragged people, there are some who wear long robes,
And boast that they are masters in the art of transmuting metals.
Why don’t these people make a little gold for themselves?
Because their whole art is to sell a little clear water to gullible people.
The Alchemists. Six Chinese Short Stories. [1885] / 1999 [1]