Philosophy of Self: Hume, Kant, and Ryle

Hume's Concepts of Impressions and Ideas

• Distinguishes between impressions (sensory experiences) and ideas (mental projections derived from impressions).
• Asserts that the sense of self is a collection of physical impressions.
• Proposes the bundle theory, suggesting that without observable characteristics, entities like an orange are non-existent.
• Claims that removing all physical attributes from a person erases their identity, reaffirming that self is a sum of impressions.

Kant's Dual Aspects of Self

• Introduces the inner self (psychological state and rational intellect) and outer self (sensation and physical world).
• Emphasizes apperception, the mental process of integrating new ideas with existing knowledge.
• Critiques empiricism for neglecting the role of apperception in understanding self-identity.

Ryle's Behaviorism

• Advocates the notion "I act, therefore I am," proposing that actions define the self rather than thoughts.
• Argues against the separation of mind and body, suggesting that behaviors form the basis of identity.
• Challenges the idea of an independent mind, suggesting it leads to a category mistake in philosophy.

Churchland's Eliminative Materialism

• Rejects dualism, asserting that the self arises from the physical brain rather than a separate mind.
• Claims only matter exists and that unperceived elements (like a mind) are not real.
• Questions the concept of mind by highlighting how physical changes (like brain injuries) can alter personality, affirming that identity is brain-based.

Merleau-Ponty's Emphasis on Bodily Subjectivity

• Considers the body as a fundamental aspect of the subjective self, influencing individual identity.
• Recognizes the complex interaction between personal identity and how it is perceived socially, leading to potential internal conflict.

Mead's Social Self Theory

• Proposes that the self is formed through social interactions, evolving over time rather than being innate.
• Differentiates between the "me" (socialized part, learned behaviors) and the "I" (individual's response, expressing creativity).
• Introduces the concept of the generalized other, reflecting how interactions shape identity.

Cooley's Looking-Glass Self

• Describes self-perception based on three aspects: how we think we appear to others, perceived judgments from others, and the resulting self-image.
• Highlights the impact of social feedback on self-identity development.

Cultural Perspectives on Self

• Differences in Eastern and Western cultures regarding self-perception; individualism in the West (self as independent) versus collectivism in the East (self within a network).
• Collective identity emphasizes interdependence and shared development across individuals.

Nature vs. Nurture Debate

• Nature refers to biological inheritance and characteristics presented at birth.
• Nurture encompasses external influences like environment and social interactions that shape identity over time.

Ethnicity and Cultural Identity

• Ethnic identity influences an individual's sense of belonging to cultural values and kinship, impacting self-perception and reactions to racial stressors.
• Cultural identity involves membership in various social groups, shaped by religion, ancestry, class, and experiences, playing a key role in personal identity formation.