Philosophy of Self in Socrates, Plato, Aristotle

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Questions and Answers

Which philosopher is associated with the concept of hylomorphism?

Plato

Descartes

Aristotle (correct)

Socrates

According to the philosophical perspective of the self, what is considered the true self?

Emotions and feelings

The soul (correct)

Desires and needs

The physical body

What is the main purpose of the soul according to the philosophical perspective presented?

To achieve eudaimonia (correct)

To dominate the body

To pursue physical pleasure

To experience emotional states

What are the three types of soul identified in the philosophical framework discussed?

Vegetative, Sentient, Rational Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the rational part of the self in this philosophical perspective?

To organize and control the soul Signup and view all the answers

What did Socrates mean by 'the unexamined life is not worth living'?

Introspection and questioning lead to understanding Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the self is associated with sensations and emotions in the philosophical framework presented?

Sentient part of the soul Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'dichotomous self' in the content provided?

The self is composed of two distinct realms Signup and view all the answers

What are the three forms of inter-subjective activity that contribute to the development of self?

Language, play, and game Signup and view all the answers

What stage of self-formation involves role-playing and pretending to be other people?

Play Stage Signup and view all the answers

How does Cooley's concept of the 'Looking Glass Self' define the development of self?

Self is shaped by how we believe others perceive us Signup and view all the answers

What is the age range for the Preparatory Stage of self-formation?

0-3 years Signup and view all the answers

According to the sociological approach, what primarily influences individual behavior and self-perception?

Social environments Signup and view all the answers

What are the two instincts that drive behaviors according to the content?

Life and death Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the self is described as the rational mediator in psychoanalytic theory?

Ego Signup and view all the answers

According to the sociological perspective, how is self-knowledge achieved?

In relationships and interactions with others Signup and view all the answers

What concept does Paul Churchland's Eliminative Materialism challenge?

Outdated concepts like beliefs and desires Signup and view all the answers

Which theorist stated that 'the self is not an entity one can locate'?

Gilbert Ryle Signup and view all the answers

What does the superego represent in the psychoanalytic structure of the self?

Internalized moral standards and ideals Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best captures the idea that the self is defined by interactions with the world?

You are how you act Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the self is closely tied to memory and continuity of consciousness?

Personal identity Signup and view all the answers

What does the sociological approach emphasize about the self?

It is shaped by social norms, values, roles, and relationships. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the perception that one's self arises from social interactions?

Social Self Signup and view all the answers

In Cooley's 'Looking Glass Self,' which component refers to how we think we appear to others?

Imagination of Appearance Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does George Herbert Mead's concept of 'I' refer to?

The spontaneous, unpredictable aspect of the self. Signup and view all the answers

Maurice Merleau-Ponty's view of the self emphasizes which aspect?

The body as central to perception and engagement with the world. Signup and view all the answers

Postmodern views on identity suggest that it is characterized by what?

Greater instability and fluidity in defining oneself. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes hyperreality as discussed by Jean Baudrillard?

An influence of simulated realities on the self. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant aspect of the rejection of folk psychology in understanding the self?

Emphasis on neurobiological explanations for identity. Signup and view all the answers

According to Paul Churchland, how should the self be best understood?

As a product of brain activity Signup and view all the answers

What does Immanuel Kant suggest about the transcendental self?

It is independent of any experience Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of Maurice Merleau-Ponty's conception of the self?

Cognitive Dissonance Signup and view all the answers

What concept does eliminative materialism reject?

Dualistic explanations of the self Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'Unity of Consciousness' view the self?

As a construct that organizes sensory knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What is not a view held by the phenomenal self?

It exists independently from the physical body Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'self-feeling' component refer to?

Our emotional response to judgments from others Signup and view all the answers

Which term best captures the rejection of traditional concepts of self by eliminative materialism?

Folk Psychology Signup and view all the answers

What did Augustine mean by stating that 'real happiness can only be found in God'?

True happiness is connected to moral integrity and spiritual aspirations. Signup and view all the answers

How does Augustine define the 'Tripartite Soul'?

The division of self into reason, physical appetite, and spirit. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea of Bundle Theory as discussed in the context?

The self is a collection of temporal perceptions and experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What paradox does Augustine illustrate regarding the self?

The self experiences a constant battle between bodily desires and spiritual aspirations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'Cogito Ergo Sum' in Descartes' philosophy?

It suggests that existence is proven through doubt and thought. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Descartes' view of the self?

The self is a dualistic entity consisting of mind and body. Signup and view all the answers

What role does introspection play in Augustine's understanding of the self?

It facilitates the discovery of inner divine presence. Signup and view all the answers

What does Descartes mean by the distinction between impressions and ideas?

Impressions are basic sensations while ideas are complex thoughts derived from them. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Philosophy

"Philo" - love
"Sophia" - wisdom
Study of knowledge and wisdom
Pursuit of knowledge and understanding fundamental truths of life

Philosophical Perspective of the Self

Socrates:
- "The unexamined life is not worth living."
- Self is dichotomous (divided)
- Body is mortal and temporary
- Soul is immortal and the source of moral and intellectual virtues
- Socratic Method - questioning and introspection
Plato:
- Three parts of the soul/self: reason, physical appetite, spirit/passion
- Divided the self into body (perishable) and soul (eternal)
- Tripartite Soul (Three Part Soul)
  - Reason (seeks truth and wisdom)
  - Appetite (biological drives)
  - Spirit/Passion (emotions)
Aristotle:
- Hylomorphism - self is a unity of body and soul
- Soul is the essence that gives life to the body
- Soul's Functions: different aspects responsible for various functions (nutrition, sensations, rational thought)
- 3 Kinds of Soul
  - Vegetative (growth, reproduction)
  - Sentient (feelings, sensations)
  - Rational (reasoning, thinking)
St. Augustine:
- All knowledge leads to God
- Real happiness is found in God
- Blended Platonic thought with Christian doctrine
- Self is the soul that seeks God through introspection

Rene Descartes

"Cogito ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am)
In order to gain true knowledge, doubt everything, even your own existence

John Locke

Tabula Rasa (blank slate) - self begins as a blank slate written upon by experiences
Empiricism - self is shaped by experiences, no innate self
Personal Identity - tied to memory and continuity of consciousness, not the substance of the soul or body

David Hume

Bundle Theory - self is a collection of changing perceptions and experiences
No constant self; only fleeting thoughts and emotions

Immanuel Kant

Transcendental Self - self is not an object of experience, but a condition of experience
Unity of consciousness - self unifies sensory experiences

Sigmund Freud

Self is conscious and unconscious
Psychoanalytic theory - self has 3 parts (Id, Ego, Superego)

Gilbert Ryle

Self is not an entity that can be located but how you act

Paul Churchland

Eliminative Materialism - traditional concepts are outdated
Self is better understood as brain states and neurological processes

Maurice Merleau-Ponty

Self is not separated from the body
Body is central to how we perceive and engage with the world

George Herbert Mead

Social Self - self emerges from social interactions and communication
I (spontaneous, unpredictable) vs. Me (socialized reflective aspect)
Role taking - seeing ourselves from others' perspectives
Stages of Self-formation: Preparatory, Play, Game

Charles Horton Cooley

Looking Glass Self - self is shaped by how others perceive us (3 components: imagination of appearance, imagination of judgement, self-feeling)

Social/Cultural Anthropology Notes

Social Anthropology: Self is shaped by social environments, norms, values, and relationships
Ethnic Identity: Emphasizes sameness of self with others in the same cultural/ethnic groups

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Description

Explore the philosophical perspectives of self as expressed by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. This quiz examines the dichotomy of body and soul, the tripartite nature of the soul, and Aristotle’s concept of hylomorphism. Delve into the wisdom and knowledge these philosophers imparted regarding the essence of the self.