What is the”self” and to become “one-self”? To resolve this questions possibility I´ve been using the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard metaphysic paradoxes. This essay about the “self” shows the reader the difference between describing a transcendent and immanent phenomenon and if it´s possible to become or to not become ourselves. The process is a key of the “self” which Kierkegaard explains the “self” in and for it-self. This transcendental phenomenon correlates between the dialectical relation it is constituted with and its own reflection, a “self” that becomes. If the “self” was not preceded as a process it would be an imminent “self” like it is described in positivistic methods. The transcendent “self” is the one which could only be captured in the moment and is a relation between two contradictories of three kinds. These three are finiteness and infinites, temporality and eternal, body and soul.

The positivistic method is the psychology and theological one. From this method the “self” is account from a view which sees the “self” as a healthy one. This positivistic “self” can only proceed towards sickness. The opposite option, to describe the “self” as a sick one that is proceeding towards health, is a negativistic method. This investigation shows the difference describing a phenomenon as the “self” and to become ourselves, through philosophy and natural science like psychology or theology. To describe the “self” through philosophy is to describe the “self” from and in correlation to its sickness. In this essay to show the differences I´ve described the Kierkegaard’s “self” both in a positivistic and in a negativistic method.

Still one can ask if the “self” and the process of becoming ourselves is even a possible. What choices do we have as human beings to choose, either to become or not to become ourselves? In every choice the sickness is present, and in every presence the quilt is a reality. The choice of become ourselves and the choice to not become ourselves includes the possibilities of freedom but also a necessarily. To become ourselves are both possible as necessary. The “self” is a great paradox idea of Kierkegaard, which I have explored.

In this investigation I used Kierkegaard´s Fear and Trembling (1844) and Sickness Unto Death (1881). I also used articles by James Collins to show the “self” in a positivistic method and the philosopher Michael Theunissens article about the negativistic method.