Conceptualizations of the Self

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Questions and Answers

What does Kant's Categorical Imperative primarily advocate for?

To act based on personal desires.

To prioritize the inner self over the outer self.

To act according to maxims that can be universalized. (correct)

To follow societal norms without question.

Which philosopher argued that the mind and body are an inextricable union?

Maurice Merleau-Ponty

Paul Churchland

B. Gilbert Ryle (correct)

Immanuel Kant

Which perspective involves understanding another culture based on its own values and practices?

Ethnocentrism

Cultural relativism (correct)

Egocentrism

Sociocentrism

What does egocentrism focus on in relation to identity?

Individual self and personal experience Signup and view all the answers

What belief system adheres to the principle that only matter exists?

Materialism Signup and view all the answers

What did Aristotle emphasize in his understanding of the self?

The development of physical, economic, and social powers Signup and view all the answers

Which concept describes the natural tendency to view the world concerning one's social group?

Sociocentrism Signup and view all the answers

According to Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, which aspect is seen as supreme in a human person?

Reason Signup and view all the answers

How does St. Augustine's view of the self differ from that of Socrates and Plato?

He combines Greek philosophy with scripture Signup and view all the answers

What holistic study seeks to understand human development, cultures, and biological evolution?

Anthropology Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle's theory of the 'Golden Mean' advocate?

Moderation in all aspects of life Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the belief that one's own culture is superior to others?

Ethnocentrism Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes the self according to Immanuel Kant?

The combination of inner and outer self Signup and view all the answers

What is true regarding the concept of virtue as described by both Aristotle and St. Augustine?

Virtue is the order of love Signup and view all the answers

Which belief regarding the development of the self is attributed to Aristotle?

Happiness comes from the development of wisdom and virtue Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental principle did St. Thomas Aquinas share with Aristotle?

The supremacy of reason and its alignment with divine truths Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Objectives

Discuss various representations and conceptualizations of the self from multiple disciplines.
Compare representations of the self across different perspectives.
Examine influences and factors that shape identity.
Analyze personal self-development through a reflective theory of the self.

Philosophical Perspectives on the Self

Socrates: Proposed that the self is an "immortal soul in a mortal perishable body" with a tripartite nature comprising:
- Soul (immortal part)
- Spirited part (courageous)
- Appetitive part
Plato: Believed life is a "continuous ascent towards the world of ideas" emphasizing the soul's role in giving life to the body.
Aristotle: Stressed the importance of reason and harmonious development of self, declaring that happiness arises from wisdom and virtue, along with the concept of the "Golden Mean" as a principle of moderation.

Key Philosophers

St. Augustine: Merged Greek philosophy with scriptural truths; viewed the self as a body-soul union and promoted the concept of virtue as "the order of love".
St. Thomas Aquinas: Supported the supremacy of reason, claiming that reason and Divine Revelation are compatible and asserting "God is Truth".
Immanuel Kant: Distinguished between inner (psychological and rational) and outer (senses and physical) selves, proposing the "Kantian Categorical Imperative" as a principle of moral action.
Maurice Merleau-Ponty: Argued for the inseparable connection between mind and body, contrasting with views of the body as merely a tool.
Gilbert Ryle: Suggested that mental workings and bodily actions are interconnected, distinguishing various forms of knowledge.
Paul Churchland: Advocated for materialism, asserting that only matter truly exists.

Anthropological Perspective

Anthropology studies humans holistically, covering culture, society, and biological evolution.
Culture is defined as an integrated system of learned behaviors, ideas, and societal traits, essential for understanding the self.

Identity Concepts

Egocentrism: Focuses on the individual self, a natural tendency to relate experiences and views to oneself.
Sociocentrism: Regards identity within a larger cultural framework, emphasizing social groups and interactions.

Cultural Relativism vs. Ethnocentrism

Cultural Relativism: Evaluating cultures based on their values rather than one's own standards (e.g., polygamy practices in different societies).
Ethnocentrism: The belief in the superiority of one’s own culture, evaluating others through this biased lens.

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Description

This quiz explores the various representations and conceptualizations of the self from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Students will compare these representations and analyze the influences that shape the self, developing critical and reflective insights.