Lesson 1 Flashcards
What does philosophy seek to discover?
Philosophy employs the inquisitive mind to discover the ultimate causes, reasons, and principles of everything.
How does philosophy differ from scientific investigation?
Philosophy goes beyond scientific investigation by exploring all areas of knowledge, such as religion, psychology, politics, physics, and medicine.
What is the etymological definition of philosophy?
The etymological definition of philosophy is ‘love of wisdom,’ which pertains to the desire for truth through never-ending questions.
Who were the ancient Greek philosophers that first introduced the philosophical framework for understanding the self?
The ancient Greek philosophers Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle introduced the philosophical framework for understanding the self.
What does Socrates mean by ‘Know thyself’?
‘Know thyself’ suggests the importance of self-knowledge and understanding one’s own self.
What is Socrates’ view on the self?
For Socrates, the self is synonymous with the soul, which he believes is immortal and survives the physical body.
What are the two realms according to Socrates?
Socrates suggests that reality consists of the physical realm (changeable and imperfect) and the ideal realm (unchanging and immortal).
What is the essence of the self according to Socrates?
The essence of the self is the soul, which strives for wisdom and perfection.
What is the Socratic method?
The Socratic method is a method of introspection to carefully examine one’s thoughts and emotions to gain self-knowledge.
How does Plato elaborate on the concept of the soul?
Plato introduces a three-part soul/self: reason, physical appetite, and spirit or passion.
What is the role of Reason in Plato’s philosophy?
Reason is responsible for sorting out conflicts among the three elements of the self and restoring harmony.
What does Aristotle believe about the soul?
Aristotle believes that the soul is the essence of all living things and is not separate from the body.
What are the three kinds of souls according to Aristotle?
The three kinds of souls are vegetative, sentient, and rational.
What is St. Augustine’s view on the relationship between the body and soul?
Augustine believes that the body is inferior to the immortal soul and that they are united for man to be complete.
What is the significance of self-knowledge according to Augustine?
Self-knowledge is a consequence of the knowledge of God, and reflection and prayer are important for understanding this.
What is Descartes’ famous phrase regarding the self?
Descartes’ famous phrase is ‘Cogito, ergo sum’ or ‘I think, therefore I am.’
What does Locke propose about the human mind?
Locke proposes that the human mind at birth is a tabula rasa or blank slate, shaped by sense experiences.
What does Hume argue about the concept of the self?
Hume suggests that there is no self, only a bundle of perceptions and distinct entities: impressions and ideas.
What is Kant’s view on the self?
Kant believes the self organizes and synthesizes thoughts and perceptions, making experiencing an intelligible world possible.
How does Freud describe the layers of the self?
Freud describes the self as consisting of three layers: conscious, unconscious, and preconscious.
What is Ryle’s principle regarding the self?
Ryle’s principle is ‘I act, therefore, I am,’ suggesting that the self is best understood as a pattern of behavior.
What does Churchland advocate about the self?
Churchland advocates that the self is inseparable from the brain and the physiology of the body.
What does Paul Churchland advocate regarding the self?
Paul Churchland advocates the idea of eliminative materialism, suggesting that the self is inseparable from the brain and the physiology of the body.
What happens to the self if the brain is gone, according to Churchland?
If the brain is gone, there is no self.
How does Churchland view the mind?
Churchland believes the mind does not really exist because it cannot be experienced by the senses.
What is Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s view on the self?
Maurice Merleau-Ponty argues that the self is embodied subjectivity, based on the phenomena of experience.
What does Merleau-Ponty mean by ‘I’?
‘I’ is a single integrated core identity, combining mental, physical, and emotional structures.
What does Merleau-Ponty state about consciousness?
Consciousness is a dynamic form responsible for structuring conscious ideas and physical behavior.
What is Socrates’ belief about the self?
Socrates suggests that the self is synonymous with the soul, which is immortal.
What are the three elements of the soul according to Plato?
The three elements are reason, physical appetite, and spirit or passion.
What does Aristotle suggest about the rational nature of the self?
Aristotle suggests that the rational nature of the self is to lead a good, flourishing, and fulfilling life.
What is St. Augustine’s view on the body and soul?
St. Augustine believes that the body is united with the soul so that man may be entire and complete.
What does Descartes propose as proof of the self?
Descartes suggests that the act of thinking about the self or being self-conscious is proof that there is a self.
What are the two dimensions of the human self according to Descartes?
The self as a thinking entity and the self as a physical body.
What does Locke believe is key to understanding the self?
Locke believes that conscious awareness and a memory of previous experiences are key to understanding the self.
What is Hume’s perspective on personal identity?
Hume believes that personal identity is a result of imagination and that careful introspection reveals there is no self.
What does Kant say about the self?
Kant states that the self constructs its own reality, creating a familiar and predictable world.
How does Freud describe the layers of the self?
Freud holds that the self consists of three layers: conscious, unconscious, and preconscious.
What is Ryle’s view on the self?
Ryle believes that the self is best understood as a pattern of behavior.
What does Merleau-Ponty say about knowledge of the self?
Merleau-Ponty states that all knowledge about the self is based on the phenomena of experience.
