2nd Topic Flashcards
How is the self commonly defined in contemporary literature and common sense?
Separate
Self-contained
Independent
Consistent
Unitary
Private
What does it mean for the self to be “separate”?
It means that the self is distinct from other selves and always unique with its own identity.
Example sentence: Each person has a separate self that distinguishes them from others.
Why is the self considered self-contained and independent?
Because in itself it can exist and does not require any other self for it to exist.
Example sentence: The self is self-contained and independent, capable of existing on its own.
What characteristic of the self allows it to be studied, described, and measured?
Consistency
Example sentence: The self’s consistency allows researchers to study and describe it accurately.
What does “unitary” mean in relation to the self?
It means the self is the center of all experiences and thoughts that run through a certain person.
Example sentence: The self being unitary suggests that it is the core of an individual’s experiences.
What is the self’s private characteristic about?
Each person sorts out information, feelings and emotions, and thought processes within the self, which is never accessible to anyone but the self.
Example sentence: The private characteristic of the self refers to personal thoughts and feelings kept within oneself.
How does the self relate to external reality, according to the text?
The self is always at the mercy of external circumstances that bump and collide with it, making it ever-changing and dynamic.
Example sentence: The self’s relationship with external circumstances shapes its dynamic nature.
What perspective is concerned with the relationship between the self and external reality?
social constructionist perspective.
Example sentence: The social constructionist perspective focuses on how the self interacts with external reality.
What do social constructionists argue about ‘the person’ and ‘their social context’?
They argue for a merged view where the boundaries of one cannot easily be separated from the boundaries of the other.
Example sentence: Social constructionists believe that the person and their social context are intertwined and influence each other.
How should the self be seen, according to social constructivists?
The self should be seen as something that is in unceasing flux, in a constant struggle with external reality, and is malleable in its dealings with society.
Example sentence: Social constructivists view the self as ever-changing and adaptable to societal influences.
What roles does Jon play in his life?
Jon is a math professor, a husband, a father, and sometimes serves in the church as a lector and commentator.
Example sentence: Jon juggles multiple roles in his life, including those of a professor, husband, father, and church volunteer.
How does Jon change his behavior depending on his social situation?
When Jon is in the university, he conducts himself as a professor; as a husband, he is intimate and touchy; as a father, he can be stern; and as a lector and commentator, he is calm and always ready to lend a helping hand.
Example sentence: Jon adapts his behavior to fit the different social roles he plays in various situations.
What does the text suggest about the acceptability of changing roles?
The text suggests that changing roles is not only normal but also acceptable and expected.
Example sentence: The text implies that it is natural and acceptable to transition between different roles in life.
What question does the text pose regarding our awareness of our shifting selves?
The text asks if we are being hypocritical in doing so and if we are even conscious of our shifting selves.
Example sentence: The text questions whether individuals are aware of their changing selves and the authenticity of their actions.
What conclusion can one draw about the self’s capabilities?
The self is capable of morphing and fitting itself into any circumstances it finds itself in.
Example sentence: The self’s adaptability allows it to adjust and thrive in different environments.
