Bowen’s theory of self-differentiation presents practical steps for reaching a superior human value, for detaching out of the amorphous mass of “the ordinary” that remains in debt to the chronic anxiety. The liberating epistemological leap is to be made by switching from the elements of an emotional system to the elements of an intellectual one. The two systems represent different paradigmatic aspects that are situated at the opposite poles of the human being. The link of the two extremes is the consciousness of the individual that represents the elective and actual action “field” in the same time. For implementing the differentiation, Bowen proposes certain steps that have a pragmatic value and that allow a phenomenological-existential reading which we shall undertake. The Bowenian theory can be applied on at least four levels of different but interconnected readings that will be detailed in the paper. Since the differentiation scale proposed by the American author is not completely elaborated, we propose an interpretation that points to the transcending of the immediate data of the consciousness (given by the emotional and intellectual systems) towards the domain of self-discovery of the human being’s nucleus. Our article explores and develops some philosophical aspects of comprehending self differentiation. Surpassing the strict psychotherapeutic frame, we propose a reading placed beyond the domain of psychology. Self differentiation implies also existential issues along with anthropological aspects which respond to ethical and deontological challenges. The accomplishment of a clearly outlined personality, centred on its own values and criteria, presumes at least four directions of investigation. In conclusion, we can say that we try to operate differentiations on the basis of the self differentiation proposed by Bowen.
