Philosophy of Plato and Aristotle

Plato

• Plato’s philosophy suggests the soul consists of rational and desire-driven parts, where rationality often guides decisions.
• An example is Jack, who prioritizes studying over immediate desires, highlighting the balance between reason and inclination.

Aristotle

• Recognized as a student of Plato, Aristotle rejected the Theory of Forms, viewing the self as a union of body and soul.
• Introduced the concept of hylomorphism, emphasizing that neither can be understood without the other.
• For instance, Toby’s dance expresses both physical skill and emotional depth, showcasing the interplay between body and soul.

Saint Augustine

• Augustine of Hippo's philosophy intertwines the self with God, viewing the human soul as seeking fulfillment through divine union.
• Original sin leads to a sense of spiritual discontent, but grace provides a pathway to self-actualization.
• Emma’s internal conflict about honesty illustrates Augustine’s belief that moral choices shape character amidst competing desires.

René Descartes

• Introduced dualism, separating the self into mind and body, famously declaring “Cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am).
• Descartes posited that self-awareness and consciousness affirm one’s existence.
• An example includes recognizing thoughts as proof of existence, emphasizing the mind's primacy in defining self.

John Locke

• Proposed a theory of self based on consciousness, asserting that personal identity is tied to memory and experiences.
• Conceptually, individuals start as a Tabula rasa, acquiring identity through lived experiences.
• David reflecting on childhood highlights how memories contribute to a continuous sense of self.

David Hume

• Hume's Bundle Theory posits that the self is not a fixed entity but a collection of perceptions and experiences.
• He contends that the sense of self is an illusion created from shifting experiences over time.
• Barbara’s changing hobbies and opinions illustrate his view that identity evolves rather than being static.

Immanuel Kant

• Presented the inner self (transcendental self) and outer self (empirical self) in understanding personal identity.
• The inner self encompasses emotions and intellect, while the outer self pertains to physical presence and sensory interactions.
• Learning to play the piano exemplifies how both selves operate: awareness of thought (inner) and observable actions (outer).

Sigmund Freud

• Founded psychoanalysis, focusing on the ego as a mediator between the id (instinct) and superego (societal rules).
• The ego navigates desires in socially acceptable ways, highlighting the dynamic nature of self through these interactions.
• Chester's dietary choice illustrates the negotiation between personal desires and health consciousness.

Gilbert Ryle

• Critiqued Cartesian dualism, asserting that the self is expressed through actions rather than being a hidden essence.
• Emphasized that self-understanding is rooted in observable behaviors.
• Sarah's altruistic actions exemplify Ryle’s belief that behavior defines the self without needing an internal "ghost."

Paul Churchland

• Advocated for neurophilosophy, stating that the sense of self results from brain function rather than an independent entity.
• Recognized the physical transformations of the brain as crucial to self-perception and capabilities.
• Benedict’s guitar practice illustrates how brain changes alter self-experience and identity.

Maurice Merleau-Ponty

• Argued against dualism, contending that the self is shaped by physical embodiment and sensory interaction with the world.
• Emphasized that identity development is influenced by past experiences and personal interactions.
• Joseph's dance reflects how physical movement and sensations contribute to expressing one's identity, highlighting this interconnectedness.