Philosophical Perspective of the Self

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Questions and Answers

What does the philosophical approach by William James emphasize?

A stubborn attempt to think clearly (correct)

The importance of emotional intelligence

The need for social conformity

Logical reasoning and empirical evidence

According to Protagoras, what is the basis of virtue?

Inherent qualities of the soul

Actions performed by the self (correct)

Philosophical knowledge and wisdom

Social norms and moral codes

What is the purpose of Socrates' method of inquiry?

To exchange ideas and knowledge (correct)

To establish societal norms

To promote emotional expression

To categorize human experiences

What does Plato's tripartite soul consist of?

Reason, courage, and desires Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for a good moral life according to the outline provided?

Quest for wisdom and truth Signup and view all the answers

How does St. Augustine characterize the self?

Composed of body, soul, and spirit Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the statement 'The unexamined life is not worth living' attributed to Socrates?

Self-reflection and moral examination are key to a fulfilling life Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the human being does Socrates suggest is temporary and imperfect?

The body Signup and view all the answers

What principle does the ID operate on?

Pleasure principle Signup and view all the answers

Which theorist emphasized the inseparable unity of self and body?

Maurice Merleau-Ponty Signup and view all the answers

How does Manheim view modernization?

As a destruction of the self Signup and view all the answers

What concept explains the belief necessary to sustain life amidst constant change?

Necessary fiction Signup and view all the answers

According to Friedrich Nietzsche, what is a characteristic of the true or real self?

It is a myth without consistent identity Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the many cultural voices that influence self-perception?

Multiphrenia Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the post-modern view of the self?

Identity is influenced by technology and media Signup and view all the answers

How do Patricia and Paul Churchland view the relationship of self and body?

The self is defined by the brain Signup and view all the answers

What does Descartes imply about the nature of the self?

The immaterial soul is the source of our identity. Signup and view all the answers

What main idea did John Locke propose regarding personal identity?

The mind is a blank slate at birth. Signup and view all the answers

Hume's perspective on knowledge centers around which concept?

Sensory experience is the basis of all knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the empirical self from the transcendental self according to Kant?

The empirical self reflects sensory experiences, while the transcendental self interprets them. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Descartes' view of the mind-body distinction?

The mind is an immaterial substance and the body is a material one. Signup and view all the answers

Freud's concept of unconscious desires primarily relates to which process?

Wish fulfillment revealing hidden truths. Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a characteristic of the soul according to Descartes?

It is made up of physical and divisible parts. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher introduced the idea that the mind is like a blank slate?

John Locke Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Philosophical Perspective of the Self

William James viewed philosophy as a determination to think clearly about one's purpose and meaning in life.
Philosophy investigates the essence of human existence and the quest for truth regarding ourselves.

Self in Greek Philosophy

Protagoras: Emphasized a man-centered approach, controversially claiming "Man is the measure of all things." The self, a combination of body and soul, shapes virtue through actions.
Socrates: Advocated for the Socratic method of inquiry. He argued that happiness is unattainable without morality, stressing that self-examination is crucial to a worthwhile life.
Duality of Self (Socrates):
- Body: Temporary, imperfect, and physically changeable.
- Soul: Permanent and immortal, existing separately after death.
Plato: Expanded on dualism with the Tripartite of the Soul:
- Head: Represents reasoning, the leader of the soul.
- Heart: Embodies courage and passion for honor.
- Stomach: Driven by needs and sensual desires.

Self in Medieval Philosophy

St. Augustine: The self includes body, soul, and spirit, asserting that true knowledge leads to God, and that man achieves happiness through the correct use of the mind.
Three Aspects of Life (St. Augustine):
- Self-awareness.
- Recognition of holistic unity.
- Awareness of existential unity.

Self in Modern Philosophy

René Descartes: Coined "Cogito ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), emphasizing doubt as a tool for inquiry. He proposed a dualism between the infinite mind and finite body.
Descartes' Claims about Self:
- Constant and unaffected by time.
- The immaterial soul is integral to identity.
Ideas of Body and Soul:
- Body: Material and divisible, subject to doubt.
- Soul: Non-material, conscious, singular, and unaffected by time.
John Locke: Concept of Tabula rasa (blank slate), positing that identity is shaped by experiences and memories, not by physical body conditions.
David Hume: An empiricist asserting that all knowledge arises from sensory experience (sight, touch, etc.).
Immanuel Kant: Proposed a reconciliation of rationalism and empiricism through the concepts of a priori reasoning and categories that structure experience. Identified two selves:
- Empirical Self: Consists of physical attributes and personal history.
- Transcendental Self: Organizes and interprets sensory experiences.
Sigmund Freud: Established psychoanalysis, revealing the unconscious self through three consciousness levels: conscious, subconscious, and unconscious.
Freud's Psych Structure:
- ID: Pursues pleasure.
- EGO: Balances desires with reality.
- SUPEREGO: Holds moral values from society.
Gilbert Ryle: Advocated for behaviorist views, asserting that self is derived from actions rather than an internal entity like the soul.
Patricia and Paul Churchland: Neuroscientists arguing that understanding the self requires insights from neuroscience, positioning the brain as the essence of self.
Maurice Merleau-Ponty: Emphasized the body as essential for understanding the self, proposing an inseparable unity between body and identity.

Sociological Perspective of the Self

Sociology: The scientific analysis of social relationships, interactions, and culture.

Various Sociological Views of the Self

Manheim: Suggested that modernization leads to the destruction of the self due to constant adaptation and change.
Necessary Fiction: Refers to beliefs essential for sustaining life amidst constant change, providing a sense of certainty.
Friedrich Nietzsche: Argued that the true self is a myth, lacking continuous identity or inherent social characteristics.
Postmodernists: Contend that stable institutions no longer shape identity; influences now stem from globalization, media, and technology.
Walter Truett Anderson: Outlined key postmodern concepts related to self:
- Multiphrenia: The existence of multiple influences and identities across various cultures.
- Protean: The notion that identity is fluid, emphasizing that self can change constantly.

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Description

Explore the profound insights of Chapter 1 on the philosophical perspective of the self. This chapter discusses key philosophical concepts from thinkers like William James and Protagoras, examining the search for meaning and the dualism of body and soul in Greek philosophy. Delve into the idea of self and its significance in understanding human existence.