GE 1 Flashcards
What does the term ‘philosophy’ mean?
It means ‘loving knowledge’ or ‘loving wisdom’.
Who is Socrates and what is he known for?
A Greek philosopher known for his method of inquiry called the ‘Socratic Method’.
What was Socrates’ famous quote regarding knowledge?
‘I know that I don’t know.’
What are the three parts of the soul according to Plato?
The appetitive (sensual), the rational (reasoning), and the spirited (feeling).
What is Plato’s philosophical method?
Collection and division of ideas.
What is St. Augustine’s view on knowledge?
‘All knowledge leads to God.’
How did St. Augustine’s ideas relate to Plato’s Theory of Forms?
He was deeply influenced by it, viewing the self as an immaterial but rational soul.
What aspects of self/soul does St. Augustine emphasize?
Self-awareness, recognition of unity, and holistic awareness.
What is the famous phrase by René Descartes that encapsulates his philosophy?
I think, therefore I am.
What does Descartes assert about the senses?
Everything perceived by the senses could not be used as proof of existence because human senses could be fooled.
According to Descartes, what is the nature of the ‘self’?
The ‘self’ is constant, not prone to change, and not affected by time.
What does John Locke mean by ‘tabula rasa’?
The human mind at birth is a blank slate, and knowledge is derived from experience.
How does Locke define the ‘self’?
The ‘self’ is identified with consciousness and consists of sameness of consciousness, often interpreted as memory.
What is David Hume’s stance on knowledge?
All knowledge is derived from human senses.
What theory did Hume oppose?
Rationalism, which posits that reason is the foundation of all knowledge.
What is Hume’s Bundle Theory?
The ‘self’ is a bundle or collection of different perceptions that are in perpetual flux.
What are the strongest perceptions according to the text?
Impressions.
How does Immanuel Kant define morality?
As being achieved only when there is an absence of war due to enlightenment.
What does Kant believe about the structure of human experience?
The human mind creates the structure of human experience.
What are the two kinds of consciousness of self according to Kant?
Consciousness of oneself and one’s psychological states in inner sense, and consciousness of oneself and one’s states by performing acts of apperception.
What are the two components of the ‘self’ as proposed by Kant?
Inner Self and Outer Self.
What is the central concept of Freud’s psychoanalytic theory?
The proposed existence of the unconscious.
What are the three levels of consciousness distinguished by Freud?
Conscious, Pre-conscious/subconscious, and Unconscious.
What are the three parts of the psyche according to Freud?
ID, EGO, and SUPEREGO.
What critique did Gilbert Ryle make against Descartes’ idea?
He argued that the distinction between mind and body is a ‘category-mistake’.
What does Paul Churchland assert about the sense of self?
That the physical brain, not the imaginary mind, gives us our sense of self.
What is Churchland’s view on the existence of the soul/self?
He believes that the immaterial, unchanging soul/self does not exist because it cannot be experienced by the senses.
What does eliminative materialism claim?
It claims that people’s common-sense understanding of the mind is flawed.
How does Maurice Merleau-Ponty define the ‘self’?
‘Self’ is defined as embodied subjectivity.
In sociology, how is the self viewed?
The self is seen as a product of social interactions and structures.
What role do social institutions play in shaping individual identity?
Social institutions like education, media, and technology influence the self by imposing demands and norms.
What is meant by the self as a ‘necessary fiction’?
The self is defined through societal expectations, roles, and narratives, creating a constructed identity.
What do postmodernists argue about the self?
They argue that the self is not singular but fragmented and fluid, with multiple identities based on context.
How can the self be viewed as an artistic creation?
The self is seen as an ongoing creative project, shaped by personal choices and experiences.
What is the relationship between self-creation and collective identity?
Self-creation is personal but also shaped by collective identity, such as cultural groups and social norms.
What is the significance of cultural recognition in society?
Cultural recognition allows for the validation of one’s self-identity.
How does the struggle for recognition relate to broader societal issues?
It is tied to issues of power, social justice, and equality.
Who introduced the concept of the Social Self?
George Herbert Mead.
What are the three stages of self-development according to Mead?
Preparatory Stage, Play Stage, and Game Stage.
What occurs in the Preparatory Stage of self-development?
Children imitate others without understanding roles or social expectations.
What is the focus of the Play Stage in Mead’s theory?
Children begin to take on specific roles and understand role-playing.
What is the Game Stage in Mead’s theory?
Children learn to understand and anticipate the roles of others and internalize society’s expectations.
What concept did Charles Horton Cooley develop?
The Looking Glass Self.
How is self-concept shaped according to Cooley?
It is shaped through our perception of how others view us.
What are the three stages of the Looking Glass Self process?
Imagining how others see us, imagining how they judge us, and developing self-feelings based on these judgments.
What feelings can develop based on perceived judgments from others?
Feelings such as pride or shame.
Who developed the Social Comparison Theory?
Leon Festinger.
What does Social Comparison Theory suggest?
We determine our personal worth by comparing ourselves to others.
What is upward comparison?
Comparing ourselves to someone better, which can motivate or lead to dissatisfaction.
What is downward comparison?
Comparing ourselves to someone worse off, which can boost self-esteem.
What is the focus of anthropology?
The study of what it means to be human, including understanding human evolution and differences.
How does Ewing (1989) describe the self?
As illusory, constructed from cultural concepts and personal memories.
What does self-representation mean in anthropology?
Culturally shaped self-concepts that one applies to oneself.
How does culture influence relationships?
It affects whether relationships are seen as voluntary or duty-based.
How does culture influence personality traits?
It shapes the value placed on traits like humility, self-esteem, and assertiveness.
How does culture influence the definition of success?
It affects how one values individual and group achievements.
How does culture affect emotional expression?
It influences what affects you emotionally and how you express feelings.
How are the concepts of ‘self’ and ‘person’ viewed in contemporary anthropology?
They are deeply shaped by culture and society, and are fluid rather than fixed or universal.
What does the cognitive construction of the self imply?
The self is created by our mind based on our experiences and perceptions.
What are the two components of William James’ self theory?
Me-self (how we view ourselves) and I-self (the part that experiences life and makes decisions).
What is the difference between Global Self and Differentiated Self?
Global Self is a broad, holistic sense of self, while Differentiated Self recognizes specific roles and traits.
What does the Real Self represent?
How we see ourselves at the present moment, including our actual traits and behaviors.
What is the Ideal Self?
Who we aspire to be, encompassing our dreams and goals.
What is the concept of Multiple Selves?
The idea that we present different ‘selves’ depending on the situation.
What does the Unified Self concept suggest?
There is a core self that remains consistent across all situations.
What is the True Self?
The authentic self, how we feel and act when we’re most comfortable and genuine.
What is the False Self?
A mask we wear, shaped by societal expectations or pressures, to fit in or avoid conflict.
Give an example of the True Self.
Feeling free to express thoughts and feelings with close friends without fear of judgment.
Give an example of the False Self.
Acting formally or reserved at a formal event due to expected behavior.
What does the concept of the Self as Proactive and Agentic imply?
We actively shape our lives rather than being passive observers.
What is the Proactive Self?
A psychological trait that affects motivation and behavior, believing significant improvements can be made.
What is the Agentic Self?
The facet of personality influenced by evaluations of activities, aims, and future objectives.
What does the term ‘Agent Self’ refer to?
The executive function that permits action and oversees decision-making and self-control.
What is Human Agency?
An active process of investigating, modifying, and influencing surroundings to achieve desired results.
What are the core features of human agency according to Bandura?
Intentionality, forethought, self-reactiveness, and self-reflectiveness.
What is Self-Efficacy?
The conviction that one can act in a way that will result in the intended outcome.
What is the central concept of Bandura’s theory of social cognition?
Self-efficacy, which gauges one’s capacity to accomplish a task.
How do individuals with high self-efficacy typically respond to challenges?
They are often willing to take on difficulties due to confidence in their abilities.
What did Socrates emphasize regarding the self?
Self-knowledge and moral/intellectual self-examination.
What is René Descartes’ famous assertion about the self?
‘Cogito, ergo sum’ (‘I think, therefore I am’), emphasizing rationality and consciousness.
What concept did Friedrich Nietzsche introduce regarding the self?
The idea of the ‘Übermensch’ and the self as a dynamic, evolving construct.
How is the self viewed in Buddhism?
As an illusion (anatta or anatman), with no permanent, unchanging self.
What does Confucius emphasize in defining the self?
The importance of roles, relationships, and ethical behavior.
In Daoism, how is the self understood?
In terms of alignment with the Dao and interconnectedness with the cosmos.
What are the ‘Four Beginnings’ in Confucian philosophy?
Innate moral qualities that lead to virtue: Jen (compassion), Yi (righteousness), Li (ritual propriety), and Chih (wisdom).
What is the difference between Western and Eastern thought regarding the self?
Western philosophy often views the self as a stable entity, while Eastern thought sees it as dynamic and interconnected.
How do Eastern philosophies view the self?
As a more fluid, relational, or illusory construct.
What is the Western perspective on the self in society?
The self is seen as an independent agent with intrinsic worth.
What is the focus of self-realization in Western thought?
Intellectual and moral self-examination or self-assertion.
What do Eastern philosophies emphasize regarding the self?
The self in relation to others and the larger cosmos.
What are the three parts of personality according to Freud?
ID, EGO, and SUPEREGO.
What are the five stages of psychosexual development according to Freud?
Oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital.
What is fixation in Freud’s theory?
A defense mechanism where an individual remains locked in an earlier developmental stage due to under- or over-gratification of needs.
What are erogenous zones according to Freud?
Areas of the body that provide pleasure and influence adult personality based on how conflicts are resolved.
What is the oral stage of psychosexual development?
The stage between infancy and two years old where pleasure is derived from the mouth.
What can result from excessive or insufficient satisfaction during the oral stage?
Oral fixation or oral personality traits.
What is the erogenous zone during the anal stage of Freud’s psychosexual development?
Anus.
What age range does the anal stage occur?
Between 15 months and three years old.
What is a common fixation associated with the anal stage?
Preoccupation with neatness, parsimony, order, and organization.
What is the erogenous zone during the phallic stage?
Genitals.
What complex is associated with the phallic stage for boys?
Oedipus Complex.
What is the age range for the latency stage?
Between six years old and puberty.
What occurs during the latency stage?
The child represses all interest in sexuality and develops social and intellectual skills.
What is the final stage of psychosexual development called?
Genital stage.
What is the erogenous zone during the genital stage?
Penis or Vagina.
What happens during the genital stage?
It is a time of sexual reawakening, with sexual pleasure becoming focused on someone outside the family.
What are common erogenous zones mentioned in Freud’s theory?
Armpits, lower abdomen, mouth, neck, breasts, buttocks, shoulders, lower back, and genitals.
What organs are included in the female reproductive system?
Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina.
What organs are included in the male reproductive system?
Prostate, testes, and penis.
What are the four phases of the sexual response cycle?
Excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.
How does the timing of orgasm typically differ between partners?
It is unlikely that both partners will reach orgasm at the same time.
What does sexuality encompass?
Sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions, and behaviors towards others.
What is sexualization?
The use of sexuality to influence, control, and/or manipulate others.
What does intimacy refer to in the context of sexuality?
The experience of closeness with another person.
What is sensuality?
Awareness, acceptance, and enjoyment of one’s own and others’ bodies.
What does sexual identity involve?
How we perceive ourselves as sexual beings.
What is the focus of sexual health and reproduction?
Attitudes and behaviors related to sexual and reproductive systems, including health and hygiene.
What hormones drive lust?
Testosterone and estrogen.
Which neurotransmitters create attraction?
Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
What hormones mediate attachment?
Oxytocin and vasopressin.
What does sex refer to?
A person’s biological characteristics, including internal or external genital organs, hormone levels, or sex chromosomes.
What is the gender binary?
A classification that refers only to women or men, excluding intersex individuals.
What is sexual orientation?
The sexual attraction to people of the female sex or gender, male sex or gender, or those whose gender identity falls outside these categories.
What defines a homosexual person?
A person who is sexually attracted to people of the same sex or gender.
What is asexuality?
Having little to no sexual attraction to others.
What is gender identity?
The profound and personal feeling of being male, female, neither, or both.
What does it mean to be cisgender?
When a person’s gender identity corresponds to the sex assigned at birth.
What is gender expression?
The way individuals express their gender through actions, behavior, dress, and how these expressions are interpreted by others.
How are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) primarily spread?
Mainly by sexual contact.
What are some symptoms of STIs?
Unusual discharge, pain when peeing, lumps or skin growths, rash, unusual vaginal bleeding, itchy genitals, blisters, sores, or warts.
What is one method to prevent STIs?
Use latex condoms every time you have sex.
What are some risks associated with teenage pregnancy for the mother?
Poverty, malnutrition, complications of pregnancy, and emotional problems such as depression, drug, and alcohol use.
What are the risks for children born to teenage mothers?
Greater risk of physical, cognitive, and emotional problems.
What is one way to prevent teenage pregnancy?
Be clear about your own sexual values and attitudes.
Why is it important to supervise and monitor children’s activities?
To help prevent teenage pregnancy.
What does the physical self refer to?
Our body and its attributes, including appearance, health, and physical capabilities.
What influences body image?
Societal standards and personal experiences.
How does physical health impact overall well-being?
It affects mental and emotional well-being.
What are the components of the physical self?
Body image, physical health, and physical abilities.
How can one cultivate a positive physical self?
Engage in regular exercise, healthy eating, and practice self-care.
What role does physical presence play in social interactions?
It influences relationships and social situations.
