GE2405: The Self From Various Perspectives

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Questions and Answers

What did Socrates emphasize as crucial for personal development?

Group consensus

Financial stability

Adapting to social situations

Self-knowledge (correct)

According to Plato, which of these parts is NOT one of the three components of the self?

Appetite

Desire (correct)

Spirit

Reason

What does the philosophical maxim 'Know thyself' imply according to Socratic teachings?

Introspection leads to wisdom (correct)

Relying on others is essential for growth

We should focus on material accomplishments

Personal beliefs should be unquestioned

Which example best illustrates Socrates' approach to personal choices?

Maria chooses a career aligned with her values Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of the harmony among the three parts of the self according to Plato?

A virtuous life Signup and view all the answers

What does Plato's theory suggest about the parts of the soul?

The soul has both a rational part and a desire-driven part. Signup and view all the answers

How did Aristotle's view differ from Plato’s regarding the relationship of body and soul?

He viewed them as inseparable and as a composite of the self. Signup and view all the answers

What implication does Toby's dancing have according to Aristotle's philosophy?

His dance expresses his emotions and passion as a unified expression of self. Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Augustine of Hippo emphasize about the self's relation to God?

The self longs for union with God as the source of fulfillment. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation best illustrates Augustine's concept of the struggle within the self?

Emma struggling to decide between honesty and secrecy. Signup and view all the answers

What did Descartes mean by the phrase 'Cogito, ergo sum'?

Self-awareness confirms our existence. Signup and view all the answers

How did John Locke characterize the nature of the self?

The self evolves from life experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What concept is associated with David Hume's Bundle Theory?

The self is a collection of perceptions. Signup and view all the answers

According to Locke, what is essential for maintaining a consistent personal identity?

Connecting past memories to present awareness. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher's view aligns with the belief that inner conflict influences moral choices?

Augustine Signup and view all the answers

What does Hume suggest about the nature of the self?

The self is a collection of evolving experiences and feelings. Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant, what does the inner self encompass?

Our emotional responses and rational intellect. Signup and view all the answers

How does Kant differentiate between the inner self and the outer self?

The inner self is invisible, and the outer self is observable. Signup and view all the answers

In the example of learning to play the piano, what role does the 'inner self' play according to Kant?

It is the part that allows self-awareness during the learning process. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Kant's philosophy relates to how others perceive us?

The outer self. Signup and view all the answers

What is Paul Churchland's view on the self?

The self is a product of brain activity. Signup and view all the answers

How does Maurice Merleau-Ponty differ from traditional views of the self?

He emphasizes the self as shaped by bodily experiences. Signup and view all the answers

According to Churchland's example of Benedict learning guitar, what does this reflect about the self?

Brain changes influence one's capabilities and perceptions of self. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the self does Merleau-Ponty focus on?

The influence of past experiences and future aspirations. Signup and view all the answers

Which idea did both philosophers reject in their views of the self?

The notion of the self as a separate entity from physical processes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Self from Philosophical Perspectives

Socrates emphasized self-knowledge with his maxim “Know thyself,” promoting introspection for true wisdom and personal growth.
Socratic dialogues, including "The Apology" and "The Phaedrus," exemplify self-examination focusing on character and choices.
Plato proposed that the self is immortal and consists of three parts: reason, spirit, and appetite, achieving harmony leads to virtue and a just society.
His ideas illustrate situations like cognitive struggle, where rationality guides decision-making, balancing desires with moral choices.
Aristotle rejected Plato’s Theory of Forms, arguing that the self comprises an inseparable body and soul, termed hylomorphism.
Through examples like dancing, Aristotle shows how physical expression conveys emotions and identity, unifying body and soul.
Augustine of Hippo viewed the self as interconnected with God, emphasizing spiritual longing and original sin as influencing personal fulfillment.
He highlighted moral conflicts impacting choices, such as honesty versus fear of consequences, reflecting inner character development.
René Descartes introduced dualism, distinguishing between the mind and body, asserting self-awareness confirms existence with his famous statement “Cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am).
The concept centers on the mind’s role in consciousness, as personal thinking validates existence and self-awareness.
John Locke described the self as a continuous chain of consciousness, shaped by memories and experiences, originating from a blank slate (Tabula rasa).
This perspective illustrates identity as evolving through life experiences, where retrospective reflection connects past with present self.
David Hume challenged the notion of a fixed self, proposing the Bundle Theory, asserting that identity is a collection of experiences and perceptions rather than a single entity.
His view suggests a dynamic sense of self that evolves throughout life, adapting with new experiences and insights.
Immanuel Kant distinguished between the inner self (transcendental) encompassing intellect and emotions, and the outer self (empirical) as physical presence and sensory interactions.
Kant’s framework helps understand learning experiences like playing the piano, balancing conscious thought and observable physical actions.
Paul Churchland introduced neurophilosophy, arguing the self is a construct of brain activity rather than an independent entity.
Changes in brain function influence self-perception and abilities, linking identity to cognitive processes.
Maurice Merleau-Ponty emphasized the connection between the self and physical body through sensory experiences, rejecting dualism.
Movement and interaction with the environment embody personal identity, suggesting that self is shaped through lived experiences.

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Description

Join us as we explore the multifaceted concept of the self through various philosophical lenses. This module takes you on a journey, examining how different thinkers have interpreted the nature of self-identity and existence. Get ready to engage with thought-provoking questions that challenge your understanding of who you are!