Lesson 1: Self from the Perspective of Philosophy Flashcards
Emphasized the importance of self-reflection
and critical thinking in the pursuit of truth and
wisdom.
“An unexamined life
is not worth living”
Considered the father of Western philosophy
Socrates
He encouraged individuals to question their beliefs, values, and assumptions; challenging them to seek knowledge and self-understanding through dialogue and inquiry (___________)
Goal of Socrates and socratic method
For ________ the goal of philosophy is to ‘know thyself’
Socrates
He believed that the self is composed of two parts: ‘rational soul and the irrational appetites’
Plato
“The self is an immortal soul”
Plato
Pursuit of truth and virtue
Rational soul
Lead to ignorance and moral corruption
Irrational appetites
He believed the soul exists before birth and after death.
Plato
He said “We should care about our soul rather than our body”
Plato
The soul (mind) itself is divided into 3 parts: ?
Reason, appetites, and will
The source of love, anger, indignation, ambition, aggression, etc
Will - A part of the soul (mind)
Dualistic perspective of Plato
Immaterial mind (soul) and material body
Locus of true knowledge
Immaterial mind (soul)
The ‘mind’ and the ‘body’ are ________ and ________ ?
Mentally independent and serve their own function
“The soul is the essence of the self”
Aristotle
Emphasizes his belief that the soul is not a separate entity but the fundamental principle that defines a living being.
“The soul is the essence of the self”
He believed that self is a harmonious integration of various faculties, reason, emotion, and perception
Aristotle
He advocated for eudaimonia, or
flourishing
Aristotle
He defined the ‘soul’ as the “essence of a living
being” but argued its having a separate existence.
Aristotle
He said “The ‘soul is an activity of the body, it cannot be immortal’ “
Aristotle
For __________, “humans have bodies for rational activity” and the potential for rational activity thus constituted the essence of a human soul
Aristotle
“The soul is superior to the body”
St. Augustine
___________ has two cities “________” and “________”
St. Augustine; “City of God and City of Man”
“__________” - our body/the material world; our body that cries, gets horny, has bad behavior, and more.
City of Man
He integrated “Christian theology” with “philosophical inquiry to explore the nature of self.”
St. Augustine
He viewed the ‘self’ as ‘flawed’ due to original sin, a consequence of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, but capable of ‘redemption’ through ‘divine grace.’
St. Augustine
He acknowledged the ‘struggle’ between ‘earthly desires’ and ‘spiritual fulfillment’ and emphasized the ongoing battle between the flesh and the spirit
St. Augustine
“I think, therefore I
am (Cogito, ergo sum”
Rene Descartes
__________ said “This means that as long as you are thinking, you know you exist”
Rene Descartes
Although the mind and the body are physically together as a whole, the ‘mind’
and the ‘body’ are “mentally independent
and serve their own function
Rene Descartes
The only thing you can rely on, the surest thing you know is true… is ‘you who thinks and doubts’.
Rene Descartes
__________ - ‘You know nothing’
Socrates
Find your missing piece (soul)
Plato
Eudaimonia (through true happiness and virtues person)
Aristotle
City of God, City of Man—Balance
St. Augustine
