Philosophy Class Recitation #1

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does understanding oneself resemble, according to the content?

Understanding the environment of a workplace

Knowing the intricate workings of a hospital

Understanding the dynamics of a family

Knowing the intricate workings of a school (correct)

How does the content describe the self?

As a collection of personal achievements

As a flexible state of emotions

As a complex system of thoughts and experiences (correct)

As a simple and static entity

What is necessary for gaining insight into our inner self, according to the content?

Avoiding interaction with others

Investigating our personal achievements

Absorbing others' experiences

Exploring different 'classrooms' of thoughts and values (correct)

What role do classmates and teachers play in our academic journey as described in the content?

They can have both good and bad impacts Signup and view all the answers

What does the process of inquiry, learning, and growth help us achieve?

Navigating life with clarity and purpose Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about personal characteristics in the context of understanding oneself?

They are key to accepting our uniqueness Signup and view all the answers

In what way is the self compared to a school?

Both are environments with interacting parts Signup and view all the answers

What attitude is encouraged as students begin their journey in Understanding the Self?

Eagerness to learn and explore Signup and view all the answers

What does Locke argue about a person's identity over time?

Memory plays a crucial role in defining the self across time. Signup and view all the answers

According to Locke, what can a person be held accountable for?

Actions they can remember. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hume's view of the self differ from traditional views?

He posits that the self is shaped by external perceptions. Signup and view all the answers

What school of thought does Hume’s philosophy align with?

Empiricism Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of memory according to Locke?

It creates a linear timeline of personal history. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best represents Hume's concept of the self?

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

What does Locke imply about the accountability of a person?

It is contingent upon personal recollection of actions. Signup and view all the answers

How does Locke's understanding of the self connect to personal identity?

It establishes that continuity of consciousness is vital for identity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of Eastern philosophical traditions regarding the concept of self?

Interconnectedness and the illusion of self Signup and view all the answers

How do Western philosophical traditions primarily approach the truth?

By discovering and establishing truths through reason Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the general attitude of Eastern society towards the truth?

Truth is absolute and traditional wisdom is accepted Signup and view all the answers

What do Western societies generally prioritize more than Eastern societies?

Individual rights and personal freedom Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following philosophers is NOT typically associated with Western thought?

Hindu sages Signup and view all the answers

In terms of truth-seeking, what is a significant difference between Eastern and Western philosophies?

Eastern philosophies rely heavily on ancient scriptures Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect do Eastern philosophies stress more than Western philosophies?

Balancing personal desires with societal expectations Signup and view all the answers

What can be said about the exploration of self in both Eastern and Western traditions?

Both recognize the self as a key aspect of human identity Signup and view all the answers

What does the True Self represent according to Winnicott?

The self that is authentic and experiences the present moment. Signup and view all the answers

How does the False Self primarily develop according to Winnicott?

By feeling that one's needs and desires are unacceptable. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the mother or primary caretaker play in the development of the False Self?

They control the infant's spontaneous behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential outcome of having an active False Self according to Winnicott?

An underlying feeling of dissatisfaction despite outward success. Signup and view all the answers

What does Winnicott suggest about the feelings of a baby regarding their needs?

Babies initially express their needs spontaneously but learn to suppress them. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the False Self?

It acts as a protective layer for the vulnerable True Self. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the True Self?

Being shaped by environmental pressures. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to desires of the True Self when the False Self becomes dominant?

They may become repressed or hidden in the unconscious. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is associated with the concept of the 'Looking Glass Self'?

George Herbert Mead Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is known for his contributions to the understanding of the mind and consciousness?

Rene Descartes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following focuses primarily on cultural aspects of self-identity?

Anthropological Self Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Charley Horton Cooley's theory?

The Sociological Self Signup and view all the answers

Who highlighted the idea of the self being embedded in culture?

Cristina De Rossi Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical figure is associated with skepticism and inquiries into human nature?

David Hume Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is NOT typically associated with ideas concerning the self?

Charles Darwin Signup and view all the answers

The class activity '5.4.3.2.1.0 Mindfulness' primarily explores which aspect of self?

Psychological Self Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding the Self

The concept of the self includes various dimensions: philosophical, sociological, anthropological, and psychological.
Philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, René Descartes, John Locke, David Hume, Immanuel Kant, Gilbert Ryle, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty contribute foundational views on the self.
Class activities and discussions often explore the complexities of personal identity.

Philosophical Self

John Locke's theory posits that continuity of memory defines a person over time, suggesting one is accountable for remembered actions.
David Hume argues against a fixed self, emphasizing empiricism: knowledge arises from sensory experiences and interactions.
Hume contends that the self is shaped by external perceptions rather than being an independent entity.

Sociological Self

Charley Horton Cooley's Looking Glass Self concept illustrates how self-perception is influenced by social interactions and others’ perceptions.
George Herbert Mead proposes the Theory of Social Self, emphasizing that identity forms through social experiences and roles.

Anthropological Self

Cristina De Rossi and Catherine Raeff discuss how culture influences individual identity, highlighting the self as embedded within cultural frameworks.

Psychological Self

Carl Rogers emphasizes self-actualization, advocating alignment with one's true self.
Donald Winnicott's distinction between the True Self and False Self outlines that the True Self is genuine and alive, while the False Self adapts behaviors based on environmental expectations.
Winnicott claims the False Self develops when children modify their behaviors to meet the demands of caregivers, often leading to a disconnect from their true desires.

Eastern vs. Western Thought

Eastern philosophies (Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism) view the self as interconnected and often illusory, focusing on balance and social responsibility.
Western philosophical traditions, through thinkers like Descartes and Kant, emphasize individuality and reason, seeking to establish absolute truths.
Differences in truth-seeking approaches reflect cultural values: Eastern thought tends to accept traditional wisdom, while Western thought emphasizes individual exploration of truth.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Engage in an enlightening discussion with key philosophical figures such as Socrates, Plato, and St. Augustine of Hippo. This class recitation invites participants to ponder profound philosophical puzzles and concepts. Join us as we explore the fundamental questions of existence and thought.