Philosophy of Self: Hume, Kant, Freud

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Questions and Answers

What does David Hume identify as the primary nature of the self?

A static entity that remains unchanged

An entity that exists beyond physical experience

A bundle of ideas

A collection of impressions (correct)

How does Kant differ from Hume regarding the nature of impressions?

Kant argues that impressions are purely instinctual drives.

Kant believes impressions are randomly experienced.

Kant recognizes a need for a mind to organize impressions. (correct)

Kant asserts that impressions do not affect knowledge acquisition.

What does Freud's conception of the self involve?

An entity that transcends human experience

A collection of societal influences

A multilayer structure of conscious and unconscious (correct)

A single, unified consciousness

Which of the following best describes Hume's concept of impressions?

Experiential sensations that form the basis of knowledge Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant, what role does the self play in relation to perceptions?

It synthesizes and organizes knowledge from impressions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the unconscious level in Freud's model primarily contain?

Basic instinctual drives Signup and view all the answers

What critique does Kant have regarding Hume's perception of the self?

It lacks an organizing principle for impressions. Signup and view all the answers

How does the conscious self operate according to Freud?

Governed by the reality principle Signup and view all the answers

What are the two aspects of the self according to William James?

I-Self and Me-Self Signup and view all the answers

What does global self-worth refer to?

The awareness of good possessed by the self Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of self-differentiation primarily concerned with?

Establishing personal identity separate from family Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is NOT synonymous with global self-worth?

Self-concept Signup and view all the answers

What does Carl Rogers' concept of self-schema refer to?

A collection of knowledge about who we are Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between identity and self-concept?

Identity relates to personal characteristics and affiliations, whereas self-concept is a self-description. Signup and view all the answers

What does self-esteem typically indicate in terms of global self-worth?

The overall appraisal of one's value as a person Signup and view all the answers

In the context of self-differentiation, what is essential for effectively navigating conflicts?

Reflecting on one's role in interactions Signup and view all the answers

What do Jen, Yi, Li, and Chih represent in the pre-self concept?

Moral virtues Signup and view all the answers

According to the Confucian perception, personality is viewed as:

An achieved state of moral excellence Signup and view all the answers

How is the concept of self perceived in Confucianism compared to Western thinking?

As a social construct embedded in family and society Signup and view all the answers

The term 'pre-self' refers to:

The potential aspects within a person at birth Signup and view all the answers

Which heart virtue corresponds to wisdom in the pre-self concept?

Chih Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal in Confucianism related to the concept of self?

To develop potential into actuality through moral practices Signup and view all the answers

Which virtue is associated with the heart of compassion?

Jen Signup and view all the answers

Why is understanding the self seen as a process in Confucian teachings?

Because it requires ongoing moral development. Signup and view all the answers

What best defines technologies of the self according to the provided content?

Ways individuals act upon themselves to create identity and sexuality. Signup and view all the answers

How does Foucault's notion of power differ from traditional views?

Power is fluid and can be wielded by individuals at all levels. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms refers to the activities that shape an individual's identity in relation to culture?

Technologies of the self. Signup and view all the answers

What role do autobiographies and diaries play in understanding technologies of the self?

They are methods of self-contemplation and self-disclosure. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the concept of the self in modern society?

The self is a dynamic construction influenced by cultural interactions. Signup and view all the answers

How do different institutions influence the self, according to the content?

Institutions shape individuals through social expectations and interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What topic shifted the discussion away from the body-soul debate in philosophy?

The rise of social sciences and identity theory. Signup and view all the answers

What do self-discipline and self-disclosure contribute to an individual's identity development?

They enable individuals to reflect and actively shape their identities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary influence of self-efficacy on individuals?

It dictates one's ability to regulate themselves. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes self-reflectiveness?

The realization stage for analyzing thoughts and actions. Signup and view all the answers

How do individualism and collectivism differ in their concepts of self?

Individualism focuses on personal identity and autonomy. Signup and view all the answers

What does self-affirmation theory describe about responding to self-discrepancy?

It helps individuals focus on their strengths to address discrepancies. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can self-consciousness affect behavior in public?

It can result in overestimating how much others notice you. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome of acting based on feelings of self-discrepancy?

Increased motivation to change. Signup and view all the answers

What does an increased sense of self eﬃcacy allow individuals to do?

Enhance their control over abilities and behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective typically emphasizes the relationship between the self and the group?

Collectivism focuses on interdependence. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

David Hume's Concept of Self

Rejects previous notions of self as a separate entity from the physical body.
Defines the self as a "bundle of impressions", which are the basic sensations experienced.
Differentiates between impressions (direct experiences) and ideas (copies of impressions).
Describes the self as a collection of perceptions in a constant state of flux.

Immanuel Kant's Critique of Hume

Agrees with Hume that perception and sensations are foundational to understanding the self.
Proposes that impressions are organized by a mind that regulates their relationships.
Emphasizes the importance of the self in synthesizing knowledge and experiences.
Argues that the self is both a source of personality and a framework for knowledge acquisition.

Sigmund Freud's Model of the Self

Presents a three-layered model of the self: conscious, preconscious, and unconscious.
The unconscious contains instinctual drives, while the preconscious holds non-threatening material.
The conscious self operates under the "reality principle", managing desires and social realities.
Explores notions of "technologies of the self" for identity and sexuality, involving self-contemplation and self-discipline.

Foucault on Identity and Power

Introduces "technologies of the self" that allow individuals to shape their own identities.
Challenges traditional views of identity as fixed, arguing for a fluid understanding shaped by cultural practices.
Discusses the concept of power as dispersed rather than concentrated in a few elite individuals.

The Self as Constructed in Society and Culture

Historical debates on the relationship between the body and mind have shifted focus to concepts of self.
Recognizes the self as a product of cognitive processes influenced by social roles and circumstances.

William James' Self Theory

Identifies two aspects of self: the "I" (thinking self) and the "Me" (characteristics defining the individual).
Recognizes that statements of identity like "I am who I am" prompt deeper inquiries about personal identity.

Global vs. Differentiated Models of Self

Global self-worth relates to an individual's overall appraisal of self, linked to positive outcomes.
Differentiation allows individuals to maintain connections while forming independent values and opinions.

Real and Ideal Self

Identity encompasses personal traits, social roles, and affiliations.
Self-concept involves person’s perceptions of themselves and can evolve over time.
Self-efficacy influences an individual’s belief in their ability to achieve goals and manage behavior.

Eastern vs. Western Ideas of Self

In Confucian thought, the self is developed through virtues such as compassion (Jen), righteousness (Yi), propriety (Li), and wisdom (Chih).
Emphasizes the self's connection to family and society, contrasting with the individual-centric view in Western thought.

Cultural Representation of Self

Encourages the creation of representations or concept maps of self within cultural contexts, such as Filipino culture, to explore identity dynamically.

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Description

Explore the contrasting views of self as presented by Hume, Kant, and Freud. This quiz delves into Hume's idea of the self as a bundle of impressions, Kant's synthesis of knowledge, and Freud's layered model. Test your understanding of these pivotal philosophical concepts.