Defining the Self: Perspectives and Identity

Understanding the Self

• Exploration of the self involves personal and developmental perspectives.
• Various disciplines contribute to the understanding of the self: philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and psychology.

Philosophical Perspectives

• Socratic principle: "Know Thyself" emphasizes self-awareness as crucial for a meaningful life.
• Socrates argues that living an unexamined life is undesirable; dying inside is the worst fate.
• Soul-body dualism: Socrates defines humans as a composite of body and soul, portraying the soul's dual nature (imperfect vs perfect).

Plato's Contributions

• Asserts that self-knowledge is essential; knowledge stems from understanding oneself.
• Illustrates the essence of objects through analogy, e.g., a knife’s soul is its cutting function.
• Introduces dualism: humans consist of a soul and a body, with the soul's tripartite structure:
  • Rational soul governs with reason.
  • Spirited soul manages emotions.
  • Appetitive soul deals with basic desires.
• States that balance among the soul's components cultivates justice and virtue.

Aristotle's View

• Proposes body and soul are inseparable; the soul exists as the body’s essence and dies with it.

St. Augustine's Thoughts

• Differentiates between the imperfect earthly existence and the yearning for divine immortality of the soul.

St. Thomas Aquinas' Philosophy

• Distinguishes matter (hyle) and form (morphe) as core components of existence.
• Argues that the body resembles other forms of life, but the soul’s essence defines humanity.

René Descartes' Insights

• Advocates skepticism; belief should rely on what withstands doubt.
• Famous proposition: "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), highlighting the indubitable existence of self.
• Defines self as a combination of thought (mind) and existence (body).

John Locke's Definition of Self

• Describes self as a thinking being capable of reflection across time and location, maintaining identity through consciousness.

David Hume's Approach

• Argues self is a collection of impressions and ideas, shaped by sensory experiences.
• Emphasizes the continuous flow and change of perceptions.

Immanuel Kant's Interpretation

• Proposes the self synthesizes experiences, establishing a framework for knowledge and personality.

Sigmund Freud's Model

• Compares the mind to an iceberg, indicating most mental processes are unconscious.
• Suggests behavior reveals hidden secrets, as nonverbal cues reflect true thoughts.

Gilbert Ryle's Perspective

• Asserts that observable behavior is central to understanding a person’s identity and existence.