Philosophical Views of Self

Module 1: Philosophical Perspectives of the Self (Part 1: The Essentialist View)

• The module aims to help effectively express feelings and insights towards self-identity acceptance.
• It also seeks to integrate understanding of the various aspects of the self for responsible decision-making.
• The learning objectives include differentiating how philosophical models define the "self" and communicating beliefs regarding philosophical perspectives of the self.

What is Philosophy?

• Philosophy comes from "philo" (loving or fond of) and "sophia" (wisdom).
• Philosophy translates to "the love of wisdom" or "the pursuit of wisdom."
• Philosophy is the systematic and critical study of fundamental questions regarding existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, truth, and the meaning of life.

The Essentialist View

• The essentialist view proposes the self has an inherent, unchanging essence or core identity that defines its true nature.
• Tradition refers to beliefs, customs, and practices passed down through generations within a cultural, religious, or philosophical group.
• Traditions encompass accumulated wisdom, teachings, and shared understandings that guide beliefs and behaviors.

The Judaic and Christian Traditions

• The core or center of humans is the SOUL (DIVINE SPARK).
• The soul is an eternal, spiritual essence or principle that represents the core of an individual's identity.
• The soul is distinct from the physical body and is believed to persist beyond bodily death.
• The soul is the seat of consciousness, morality, and personal connection with the divine and is subject to divine judgment
• The soul is immortal.
• Humans are made in the image and likeness of God, as stated in Genesis 1:27.
• Genesis 1:27 emphasizes the inherent dignity and value of every human being as a reflection of the divine.
• Humanity is meant to mirror certain characteristics of God.
• Humans have rational self-consciousness.
• Humans have the capacity to love.

The Greek Rationalist Tradition

• The self is often defined as the thinking and rational mind.
• The Greek rationalist tradition emphasizes the importance of intellect and reason in understanding one's identity and the world.
• Philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle view the self as distinct from the physical body and capable of thought and reflection.

Socrates

• The self is closely tied to one's rational mind; the soul is associated with the rational mind
• The soul is the essence of the self and is synonymous with the rational and moral self.
• The soul is the part of a where one engages in self-reflection, seeks truth, and strives for a virtuous life.
• Socrates famously stated, "Know thyself," emphasizing the importance of self-awareness through introspection and the pursuit of wisdom.

Plato

• Plato's view about the self is closely linked to his theory of the tripartite soul.
• The self consists of three parts: reason (associated with the intellect and rationality), spirit (linked to courage and determination), and appetite (related to desires and impulses).

Aristotle

• Aristotle explored the concept of the self in the context of ethics and virtue.
• He emphasized the role of virtue and moral character in shaping a good life.
• The self is closely tied to one's character and moral virtues.
• The self is expressed through actions and habits that reflect one's moral character and virtues.
• The ultimate purpose of human life is to achieve eudaimonia, often translated as "flourishing" or "well-being."
• Eudaimonia is the highest good and the ultimate goal of human life that is attained by living a virtuous life.
• Virtues are developed through habitual actions aligned with reason.

The Theocentric Tradition

• The self gets understood through its relationship with God.
• The Theocentric Tradition places God at the center of human life and purpose.

St. Augustine of Hippo

• St. Augustine of Hippo, a prominent figure in Christian theology and philosophy, believed the self is inherently tied to God.
• He emphasized the idea of the soul's journey toward God, with the ultimate goal of finding spiritual fulfillment and salvation through a deep connection with the divine.
• St. Augustine said, "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You."
• Ethically, the most important part of the mind is not the intellect (or reason) but the will.
• The orientation of the will determines whether we love lower goods (bodily goods, wealth, and reputation) or higher goods (virtue, and above all, God).

The Self in the Modern Period

• The concept of the self underwent significant transformations during the Modern Period (late 18th to the mid-20th centuries).
• Emotionality was recognized as just as important as rationality.

Rene Descartes

• Rene Descartes was a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist and is named the Father of Modern Philosophy.
• Descartes conceived the idea that the human person has a body and a mind.
• He proposed a dualistic view of the mind and body, suggesting these are distinct substances.
• He reached a fundamental truth through his doubt that while we can doubt everything, we cannot doubt the existence of the thinking self.
• His "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am) means one can conclude that he/she exists because he/she thinks without a trace of doubt.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer.
• Humans are naturally good, guided by innate emotions like compassion and empathy, but can be corrupted by society.
• People are born innocent and moral, but societal pressures distort this goodness.
• True selfhood is found by staying true to one's inner self and values, with emotion central to this process, free from societal expectations.
• Being true to oneself, rather than conforming to others' expectations, is essential for happiness and integrity.
• Humans are happiest when free to make their own choices.
• Genuine freedom allows people to pursue what aligns with their natural desires and values.
• The self thrives best in harmony with nature, which evokes wonder, peace, and belonging.
• Nature is a source of purity and being close to it helps people remain true to their natural goodness.

Explore the diverse philosophical perspectives on the concept of self. Covering Greek Rationalists, Theocentric views, and Enlightenment thinkers. This includes Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, Descartes, and Rousseau.