Module 1: Philosophical Perspective of the Self Flashcards
- Came from the Greek word “lovers of Wisdom”
- the study of general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language .
- Encompassed any body of knowledge
Philosophy
What are the philosophical methods
- Questioning
- Critical Discussion
- Rational argument
- Systematic presentation
VIEWS ABOUT SELF
- Synonymous with the soul
- First to be critical about the full power of reason on the human self: who we are, who we should be, and who will become.
- SOCRATES - An Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living
Stated that there are two dichotomous realms:
○ PHYSICAL REALMS : Changeable, Transients, and imperfect
○ IDEAL REALMS: Unchanging, eternal, and immortal
- SOCRATES - An Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living
He states that the self has a three part soul.
PLATO - The Self is an Immortal Soul
Theory of Forms
○ The world of forms (non-physical ideas) - real and permanent
The word of sense (Reality) - Temporary and only a replica of the ideal world.
PLATO - The Self is an Immortal Soul
- The body and soul are separate entities, the soul is merely a defining features.
- He stated that anything that has life has a soul, it is the essence of every living being.
ARISTOTLE - The Soul is The Essence of The Self
Three kinds of soul according to aristotle
Vegetative, Sentient, rational
Includes the physical body that can grow
Vegatative Soul
Sensual desires and emotions are
Sentient Soul
It is the intellectual act that enable man to know and understand
Rational Soul
- The physical Body is different and inferior to the immortal soul.
- Views the soul as a spouse to the body.
- The soul is what governs and defines man.
- Self-Knowledge is a consequence of Knowledge of God
- Stated that knowledge can only come by seeing the truth that dwells within us
AURELIUS AUGUSTINUS - The Self has an Immortal Soul
- He states that If it cannot be experienced by senses hence the mind does not really exist.
- The self is inseparable from the brain and physiology of the body
PAUL CHURCHLAND - The self is the Brain
- I think therefor I am is the keystone concept of his view on self.
- The act of being self-conscious is proof that there is a self.
- A thinking entity that doubts, understands, questions and reasons.
RENE DESCARTES - I think Therefore I am
two dimensions of the human self according to rene descartes
Thinking self and physical body
- As a non-material, immortal, conscious being and independent of physical laws of universe
THINKING ENTITY/SELF
- A material, the mortal, non-thinking entity, fully governed by physical laws of nature.
PHYSICAL BODY
- The human mind at birth is at a tabula rasa (blank state)
The key to understanding oneself is conscious awareness and from previous experiences.
JOHN LOCKE - The Self is Consciousness
○ Impression - are strong emotions that are vivid perceptions (strong and lively)
○ Ideas - are thoughts and images from impression (less lively and vivid)
DAVID HUME - There is No Self
- The self is a product of reason, which is a regulative principle, because the self regulates experience by making unified experiences possible.
- Abstract ideas can be understood because of rationality
IMMANUEL KANT- We Construct the Self
Three layers of self
Conscious self, unconscious self and preconscious self
lead by the reality principle which are, rational, practical and appropriate to environment.
Conscious Self
lead by the “pleasure principle”, basic instinctual drives, strong emotions, traumatic memories; thought and feelings that would be considered socially taboo.
Unconscious Self
non-threatening thoughts that are easily brought to mind.
Preconscious Self
