Ancient and Medieval Philosophers Quiz

Study Notes

Socrates: Advocated for the distinction between the physical body (changing) and the immortal soul (unchanging), emphasizing self-awareness and critical examination of life. Known for quotes like "Know thyself" and utilized the Socratic Method of questioning.
Plato: Socrates' student; proposed that the soul consists of three parts: appetitive (bodily desires), rational (logical reasoning), and spirited (emotions). Believed life’s purpose is freeing the soul from the body.
Aristotle: Viewed the self as a composite of body and soul, promoting balance between reason, passions, and intellect. Emphasized happiness achieved through moderation, termed the "Golden Mean."

St. Augustine: Asserted that true happiness is found in a relationship with God.
St. Thomas Aquinas: Advocated for the harmony of faith and reason, stating that truth from divine revelation aligns with rational thought.

René Descartes: Introduced dualism separating the immaterial mind (consciousness) and material body (unreliable senses). Famous for "I think, therefore I am."
John Locke: Proposed the mind as a 'Tabula Rasa' or blank slate shaped by experiences, emphasizing the influences during infancy.
Immanuel Kant: Discussed the moral self as a combination of psychological and rational aspects. Introduced the Categorical Imperative emphasizing universal moral laws.

Maurice Merleau-Ponty: Promoted the inseparable union of mind and body, suggesting that experiences are embodied.
Gilbert Ryle: Clarified understanding through practical and factual knowledge, linking the connection of mind and body.
Paul Churchland: Advocated for a materialist view of self, asserting that sense experiences are fundamental to the conception of self.

George Herbert Mead: Proposed the self develops through social interactions, distinguishing between the "I" (individual) and "ME" (social self).
Charles Cooley: Introduced the "Looking Glass Self" theory explaining self-image is shaped by perceived judgments from others.

Recognized a holistic approach to self, emphasizing that culture influences individual identity.
Naomi Quinn described the self as a totality; warned against strategic and reductionist views of self.

William James: Distinguished between the "I" (subjective self) and "ME" (objective self), which includes material, social, spiritual, and empirical aspects.

Western thought emphasizes individualism; Eastern thought focuses on collectivism and interconnectedness within society.

Physical Self: Refers to the tangible body, subject to external judgments.
Sexual Self: Development of sexual characteristics influenced by hormonal changes during prenatal stages and puberty.
Spiritual Self: Represents the quest for meaning and truth beyond external influences.
Political Self: Involves functions within society and encompasses national, tribal, linguistic, and religious identities.
Digital Self: Constructed online identity that reflects one’s chosen self-representation, demanding careful management.

Covers prenatal development affected by genetic factors and hormone influences during puberty, including the SRY gene's role in sex differentiation.

Encourages self-awareness in learning processes through strategies like PQ4R. Highlights the importance of self-regulation in managing stress and adopting a growth mindset.

Identifies types of stress (acute, episodic acute, chronic) and addresses coping strategies involving self-care, compassion, and positive interpersonal interactions.