Identity and the Self: Nature vs Nurture

Questions and Answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between nature and nurture in the context of the self?

Nature and nurture work independently to shape the self.

The self is solely a product of either nature or nurture.

The self is exclusively determined by social influences.

The self is a product of both nature and nurture. (correct)

What aspect of identity distinguishes one individual from another?

The perception of others regarding the person

Social and environmental influences

Beliefs and characteristics that define the individual (correct)

Genetic traits inherited from parents

Which of the following is NOT a component of identity?

Genetic makeup (correct)

Personal beliefs and values

Social relations and roles

Group membership

How can the concept of the 'self' be described?

It includes both known and unknown attributes of a person. Signup and view all the answers

What role does family play in the development of the self?

Family is a significant social factor affecting attitudes and behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following most accurately reflects the concept of self as described in the content?

The self embodies both individual essence and social roles. Signup and view all the answers

Which time frame does the concept of identity NOT consider?

What others think an individual will achieve. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of the self, which of the following statements is accurate?

The self is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Signup and view all the answers

What does egocentrism primarily focus on?

Personal beliefs and values Signup and view all the answers

How is cultural relativism best defined?

Understanding beliefs based on the individual's own culture. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a belief in the superiority of one's own culture?

Ethnocentrism Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of xenocentrism?

Seeing other cultures as superior to one's own. Signup and view all the answers

What role does anthropology play in understanding the self?

It emphasizes the extensive journey connected to culture and environment. Signup and view all the answers

What does the "FREEDOM OF INDIVIDUALS TO AUTHOR THEIR OWN SOUL" emphasize?

Individuals have the right to shape their character despite earlier experiences. Signup and view all the answers

According to Hume, what is the nature of the self?

A collection of different perceptions based on experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What are impressions according to David Hume?

The actual experiences or sensations that are vivid and direct. Signup and view all the answers

What is Immanuel Kant's stance on the role of reason in knowledge acquisition?

Reason is the foundation that organizes sensory experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gilbert Ryle argue regarding the concept of the self?

The self emerges from observable behaviors rather than an inner mind. Signup and view all the answers

What does Kant believe is necessary to formulate knowledge from experiences?

Reason to synthesize the sensory experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher emphasized the importance of early impressions on self-development?

John Locke Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between impressions and ideas in Hume's philosophy?

Impressions are vivid experiences while ideas are faint recollections of those experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What does the duality approach to self suggest?

A person can exhibit both private and public traits. Signup and view all the answers

According to Maurice Merleau-Ponty, how is the self experienced?

As a lived experience connected to the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is Paul Churchland's view on the nature of the self?

The self originates from the physical brain. Signup and view all the answers

Which field primarily examines interpersonal relations within society?

Social Sciences Signup and view all the answers

What does the scientific perspective on the self concentrate on?

The physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. Signup and view all the answers

In the study of self, physical sciences primarily focus on which aspect?

Biological factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key implication of the duality approach regarding self-perception?

One's self-perception can differ from their actual behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Paul Churchland's eliminative materialism argues what about the mind?

It is an illusion that cannot be sensed. Signup and view all the answers

What must work harmoniously in a person to attain justice and virtue according to Plato?

All parts of the soul Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of human nature did Plato emphasize?

Social interactions Signup and view all the answers

How did Aristotle describe reason in a person's life?

As the supreme guide of life Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept associated with Aristotle that emphasizes moderation?

The golden mean Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher emphasized that happiness can be found only in God?

St. Augustine of Hippo Signup and view all the answers

According to St. Augustine, what does the soul in possession of a body represent?

One unified being Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of human happiness according to Aristotle?

Wisdom and virtue Signup and view all the answers

How did Plato view the soul in relation to birth and death?

It precedes birth and succeeds death. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Self / Identity

The self comprises the "I" (personal self) and the "me" (social self).
Identity encompasses traits, beliefs, social relations, roles, and social group membership.

Nature vs Nurture

The self is a product of both nature (biological predispositions) and nurture (life experiences).
Traits and behaviors are transmitted across generations through biology.
Group life influences individual behavior and attitudes, impacting self-construal.

Identity vs Self

Identity is how individuals distinguish themselves based on qualities, beliefs, and social connections.
The self refers to the true essence of a person known only to themselves, encompassing total characteristics both known and unknown.

Dimensionalities of the Self

Social factors, especially family, significantly shape attitudes and behaviors.
Plato emphasized the harmony of the soul's parts for achieving justice and virtue.

Contributions of Philosophers

Plato (427-348 B.C.): Focused on the soul's eternity and social nature of humans. Believed in knowledge through the soul and moral good as striving for ideals.
Aristotle (384-322 B.C.): Advocated for reason as supreme and personal excellence achieved through moderation (Golden Mean). Happiness results from virtuous living.
St. Augustine (354-430 A.D.): Associated self with the relationship to God, emphasizing that understanding of self is intertwined with divine love and the quest for inner peace.
John Locke: Suggested early impressions shape identity but can be reassessed, promoting freedom in character development except for basic human identity.
David Hume (1711-1776): Described self as a bundle of perceptions, categorized into impressions (direct experiences) and ideas (reflections on experiences).
Immanuel Kant (1724-1804): Proposed the self synthesizes experiences into knowledge, transcending consciousness.
Gilbert Ryle (1900-1976): Argued self comes from observable behavior rather than inner thoughts or beliefs.

Contemporary Philosophers

Maurice Merleau-Ponty: Highlighted the interconnectedness of mind and body as vital to identity and self-experience.
Paul Churchland: Advocated for eliminative materialism, asserting the self arises from brain functions, rejecting non-physical mind concepts.

Scientific Perspectives on Self

Scientific approaches explore how life forms evolve, with a fundamental focus on biological and environmental influences on the self.
Physical sciences investigate biological factors related to the human body, growth, and maturation.
Social sciences examine institutions, cultures, and interpersonal relations impacting individual identity.

Models of the Self

Egocentric: Views the world in relation to oneself and emphasizes authenticity.
Sociocentric: Centers perspective on group membership and societal acceptance.

Cultural Relativism

Cultural relativism asserts beliefs and practices should be understood within individual cultural contexts, rejecting absolute judgments.
Ethnocentrism and Xenocentrism describe opposing views regarding cultural superiority.

Summary

Anthropology studies human cultures and the self as an evolving construct shaped by psychological and social elements, emphasizing the significance of cultural and environmental connections in the journey of self-discovery.

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Description

Explore the complex concepts of the self and identity through various perspectives, focusing on the dichotomy of nature versus nurture. This quiz delves into how biological factors influence human traits and behaviors. Understand the structural and functional aspects of the self in a comprehensive manner.