GEC 1: Understanding the Self

Questions and Answers

What term describes the ideas that are derivative copies of impressions and less vivid?

Worldview

Thoughts

Impressions

Ideas (correct)

According to Freud, which layer of the self is primarily governed by the pleasure principle?

Unconscious (correct)

Preconscious

Self-construct

Conscious

What does Kant suggest about the way we construct the self?

It is influenced solely by conscious thought.

It is a fixed and stable concept.

It is a fragmented collection of sense data.

It involves actively organizing experiences. (correct)

Which statement best captures Gilbert Ryle's perspective on understanding the self?

Self is a pattern of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the mind according to the content provided?

To construct a meaningful world from raw experience. Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of self contains material that is not threatening and can be easily recalled?

Preconscious Signup and view all the answers

What common characteristic do ideas have in comparison to impressions?

They are less lively and vivid. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do minds process sense data according to the discussed theories?

By synthesizing it into an orderly framework. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher stated that an unexamined life is not worth living?

Socrates Signup and view all the answers

According to Plato, what is the nature of the SELF?

It is an intellectual entity separate from the physical world. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three parts of the soul according to Plato?

Reason, Appetite, Spirit Signup and view all the answers

How does Aristotle define the soul in relation to the self?

The essence of a living organism. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the self does Socrates emphasize through the Socratic method?

Intellectual debate between individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Plato's theory posits that which realm is unchanging and eternal?

The Ideal realm. Signup and view all the answers

According to Plato, what drives the mind's desire to understand the Forms?

The sense of self. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher believed that everything with life has a soul?

Aristotle Signup and view all the answers

What does John Locke claim about the self?

The human mind at birth is a tabula rasa. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what primarily constructs the self?

Sense experiences and memories. Signup and view all the answers

What does David Hume argue regarding the concept of self?

There is no self if one examines sense experiences closely. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'impressions' referred to by Hume?

Basic, lively sensations such as pain and pleasure. Signup and view all the answers

What role does consciousness play in Locke's understanding of the self?

It is essential for maintaining the same identity over time. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hume differentiate between impressions and ideas?

Impressions are vivid sensations, while ideas are faint reflections. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a key difference between Locke and Hume's views on self?

Locke sees consciousness as fundamental, while Hume denies the self exists. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'tabula rasa' imply in Locke's philosophy?

That individuals are born as blank slates with no inherent traits. Signup and view all the answers

Which soul is responsible for physical growth and biological functions?

Vegetative soul Signup and view all the answers

In Augustine's philosophy, which realm represents the world we perceive through our senses?

Sensible world Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the human self does Descartes argue is independent of physical laws?

Thinking entity Signup and view all the answers

What does Augustine believe is essential for humans to achieve union with God?

Faith and reason Signup and view all the answers

What does Descartes claim is proof of the existence of the self?

Self-conscious thought Signup and view all the answers

How are the body and soul characterized in Augustine's philosophy?

Irreconcilably divided Signup and view all the answers

According to Augustine, what is the nature of the universe as influenced by Platonism?

A bifurcated universe Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT included in the definition of the rational soul?

Emotions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Philosophical Perspectives of the Self

Socrates: Advocated for self-examination; equated the self with the immortal soul, distinct from physical existence.
Plato: Viewed the self as an intellectual entity, separate from the physical world; emphasized the mind's role in understanding the Forms.
Three-Part Soul/ Self:
- Reason: Enables deep thinking and understanding of eternal truths.
- Physical Appetite: Represents basic biological needs (hunger, thirst, sexual desire).
- Spirit/Passion: Encompasses basic emotions (love, anger, ambition).
Aristotle: Defined the soul as the essence of living beings, without separating it from the body; introduced three types of souls.
Types of Souls:
- Vegetative Soul: Governs physical growth and functions.
- Sentient Soul: Involves sensual desires and emotions.
- Rational Soul: Distinctively human, includes intellect and understanding.
St. Augustine: Merged Platonism with Christianity; proposed the self has an immortal soul striving for unity with God.
Two Realms of Reality:
- Intelligible Realm: Where truth resides.
- Sensible World: Perceived through senses.
René Descartes: Claimed self-awareness proves existence with the famous declaration "I think therefore I am."
Dimensions of the Human Self:
- Thinking Entity (Soul): Non-material, immortal, operates independently of physical laws.
- Physical Body: Material, mortal, subject to physical laws.
John Locke: Described the self as consciousness; proposed the mind is a blank slate at birth influenced by experiences.
Key Concepts:
- Consciousness and memory are crucial for personal identity.
- Identity persists over time due to ongoing consciousness.
David Hume: Argued against the notion of a permanent self; identified two elements in experience.
Elements of Experience:
- Impressions: Lively sensations (pain, pleasure, emotions).
- Ideas: Derivative thoughts, less vivid than impressions.
Immanuel Kant: Proposed that the self is actively constructed through perception and understanding of experiences.
Meaning-Constructing Activity: Minds organize and synthesize sensory data to create a coherent reality.
Sigmund Freud: Defined the self in layers, emphasizing different governing principles.
Layers of the Self:
- Conscious: Rational and practical behavior.
- Unconscious: Driven by instincts and desires.
- Preconscious: Contains easily accessible, non-threatening material.
Gilbert Ryle: Proposed that the self is understood through behavioral patterns and dispositions, encapsulated in the phrase "I act therefore I am."

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Description

This quiz explores the philosophical perspective of the self as discussed in UTS by Ma.Joycelyn Go-Monilla. It delves into concepts like the soul, its immortality, and the importance of examining one's life. Test your understanding of these philosophical ideas and their implications on personal identity.