Defining the Self: Identity and Naming

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Questions and Answers

What does the self represent according to the content?

A static aspect assigned at birth

A combination of body and soul only

A process of continuous development (correct)

An unchangeable identity linked to one's name

Which Greek philosopher first engaged in systematic questioning about the self?

Thomas Aquinas

Plato

Socrates (correct)

Rene Descartes

According to Plato, what are the three components of the soul?

Logos, pathos, and ethos

Rational, spirited, and embodiment

Rational, spirited, and appetitive (correct)

Desire, motion, and reflection

What does Thomas Aquinas assert about man?

Man consists of matter and form Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best summarizes Rene Descartes' view on self?

The existence of self is the only undeniable truth Signup and view all the answers

What did Augustine believe about the body and soul?

The body remains physical but the soul transcends death Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Plato emphasize regarding justice in the human person?

It is rooted in the balance of the human soul's components Signup and view all the answers

How did the Greeks' approach differ from myths in understanding the self?

They questioned myths and sought rational explanations Signup and view all the answers

What does David Hume argue about the concept of Self?

The Self is merely a bundle of impressions. Signup and view all the answers

How does Immanuel Kant view the importance of the Self in organizing impressions?

The Self is necessary for organizing impressions related to existence. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gilbert Ryle suggest about the Self?

The Self is a term used to describe a collection of behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What does Merleau Ponty assert about the relationship between mind and body?

The mind and body are interconnected and cannot be separated. Signup and view all the answers

According to Marcel Mauss, what does 'Moi' refer to?

A person’s basic identity and biological givenness. Signup and view all the answers

How do Mead and Vygotsky view the development of the human mind?

As constituted through interaction and language acquisition. Signup and view all the answers

What role does family play in the development of selfhood, according to the provided content?

Family initiates an individual into societal norms and values. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main aspects of the self that is subject to change and development?

Gender Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics defining the Self as mentioned in the content?

Separate, self-contained, independent, consistent. Signup and view all the answers

According to Nancy Chodorow, what is a tendency observed in girls regarding their identity?

They tend to imitate care provider roles. Signup and view all the answers

What was William James' contribution to the understanding of self?

Conceptualized the self with two aspects: 'I' and 'me'. Signup and view all the answers

Which self-schema represents who an individual believes they should be?

Ought self Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon describes feeling threatened by someone else's success?

Social comparison Signup and view all the answers

What trait is characterized by excessively high self-esteem and self-centeredness?

Narcissism Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate purpose of life according to Confucianism?

Self-cultivation Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the social roles and responsibilities that shape one's identity?

Identity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding the Self and Identity

Names play a crucial role in defining identity; they signify who we are and the thought processes behind their selection.
The self is a dynamic construct, shaped over time through personal experiences and interactions rather than being a static attribute or merely a label.

Historical Perspectives on Self

Greek philosophers initiated systematic inquiry into the nature of self, moving away from mythical explanations.
Socrates posited a dualistic nature of humans, consisting of body and soul, emphasizing the importance of self-examination.
Plato identified three soul components: rational (reason), spirited (emotions), and appetitive (desires), advocating for harmony among them for justice.
St. Augustine highlighted the soul's immortality, maintaining its existence beyond physical life.
Thomas Aquinas distinguished between matter and form, with the soul as the animating essence of human beings.

Modern Philosophical Views

René Descartes, the father of modern philosophy, asserted self-existence through the phrase "cogito ergo sum" (I think therefore I am).
David Hume rejected the notion of a permanent self, viewing it as a compilation of perceptions.
Immanuel Kant claimed the self is essential for organizing one’s perceptions and experiences.
Gilbert Ryle argued that the self is expressed through observable behavior rather than a separate entity.
Merleau-Ponty presented the idea of inseparability of mind and body, denying a distinct self.

Gender and Identity Formation

Individual selves are significantly shaped by societal, familial, and community contexts.
Marcel Mauss categorized self into two aspects: "Moi" (personal identity) and "Personne" (social identity).
Mead and Vygotsky emphasized language and social interaction as critical to self-development.
Gender plays a crucial role in identity, with societal norms influencing behavior and self-perception.

Aspects of Identity

Identity encompasses personal characteristics, social roles, and responsibilities, as explored by William James through the concepts of "I" (active self) and "me" (characteristics).
Carl Rogers described self-schema as the organized knowledge system about oneself.
Sigmund Freud's model includes three elements: id (instincts), ego (reality), and superego (morality).

Self-Awareness and Self-Concept

Self-awareness contains three schemas: actual self (current state), ideal self (desired state), and ought self (expected state).
Social comparison theory indicates that individuals may feel threatened by those who outperform them.
Narcissism is characterized by excessive self-admiration and inflated self-esteem.

Ethical Considerations in Self

Confucianism emphasizes ethical conduct and self-cultivation as integral to virtuous living within social relationships.

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Description

This quiz explores the significance of names in shaping our identities. It examines how cultural and familial influences can impact the names we are given and what those names signify about who we are. Delve into the personal and developmental perspectives on self and identity.