Philosophical Views about The Self Flashcards
it is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline
Philosophy
What are the two philosophical lenses of philosophy of the self?
Empiricism and rationalism
It derives the explanations of the self from sensory experiences and bodily responses. We know things because we have experienced it through our bodily senses.
Empiricism
It is the innate knowledge; they differ in that they choose different objects of innate knowledge. It explains the self from the standpoint of what is “ideal” and “truth”, not rooted in what is felt by the senses of our body.
Rationalism
What is SPA?
Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle
Socrates used this principle as his guiding principle, which he passed on to his students. Since Socrates as a guru preferred to engage his students in an endless type of discussion, it is said that he had never written down any of his ideas but instead untiringly discussed concepts and principles with his students.
Aphorism
He is Socrates’ most prized student who thoroughly expounds on Socrates’ ideas of self. His conceptualizations of the Self were profoundly introduced in his dialogue “Phaedrus”, which has been a popular text for many decades on the subject of Philosophy.
Plato
What concept of Plato has been a popular text for many decades on the subject of Philosophy? The main idea in this dialogue is about truth-seeking, and that the truth can be distinguished in two forms: the mind and body.
Phaedrus
This philosopher is a prized student of Plato. He expounded the idea of truth about the human self and formalized it. He emphasized the separation of ideal and phenomenal existence, he suggested that the ideal is subsumed in the phenomena as a “matter”. He also emphasized the the 2 co-exist and are co-independent, the “essence” provides meaning and purpose to the “matter”, and the matter provides substance and solidity to essence.
Aristotle
- Knowledge is the personification of good while ignorance is that of evil.
- Self-knowledge is the ultimate virtue. As the ultimate virtue, will lead to ultimate happiness.
Socratic Philosophy (Socrates)
- Ideal is found inside the phenomena and the universals inside the particulars.
- ideals are ESSENCE
- Phenomena is MATTER
- Matter has no form ; essence has no mass
- Matter and Essence need each other
Aristotelian Philosophy (Aristotle)
- Moral virtue is rooted in the intellect and leads to happiness.
- Wisdom and knowledge lead to virtue which will lead to happiness.
Dualism and Idealism (Plato)
- All knowledge leads to God
- Only the pure in heart can see god
Love of God, faith in Him, and Understanding of his Gospel will ultimately lead to happiness.
Neoplatonism (St. Augustine)
- It is in the consciousness alone that identity exists, not in the body and soul
- There is a distinction between man and person
- The soul may change, but consciousness remains intact
Theory of Personal Identity (John Locke)
- “I think, therefore, I am”
- The mind and soul can exist without the body
- Establishing the distinction between the soul from the body can make people believe in the afterlife and the soul’s immortality
Mind-body dualism (Descartes)
