Questions and Answers
Which philosopher is associated with the statement 'Cogito, ergo sum'?
John Locke believed that people are born with innate ideas.
False
What did David Hume argue concerning the nature of the self?
Hume argued that the self is a bundle of perceptions, thoughts, and sensations, and not a fixed entity.
René Descartes proposed a theory of ________, which separates the self into mind and body.
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Match each philosopher with their key concept:
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What does Plato’s idea suggest about the soul?
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Aristotle believed that the self can be understood without considering both body and soul.
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What is Augustine of Hippo's view on the relationship between the human soul and God?
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According to Aristotle, when a person engages in physical activities like dancing, they express their skills through their ______ and their emotions through their ______.
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Match the philosopher with their key concept regarding the self:
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Study Notes
Plato
- Plato's theory involves the notion of a dual soul, distinguishing between rationality and desires.
- Winning over desires, rational actions reflect how individuals balance impulses with moral choices.
Aristotle
- Ancient Greek philosopher, student of Plato for twenty years, rejected Plato's Theory of Forms.
- Concept of self is based on hylomorphism: body and soul are inseparable and unified.
- Example: Toby's dance connects physical expression and emotional experience, highlighting the integration of body and soul.
Saint Augustine
- Theologian and philosopher who linked the self deeply with God.
- Original sin creates a spiritual longing that can only be fulfilled through divine grace.
- Example: Emma's conflict between honesty and secrecy illustrates the internal struggle influenced by moral values.
René Descartes
- French philosopher who introduced dualism, separating mind and body.
- Famous for "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), asserting existence through self-awareness.
- Example: Having doubts about reality, realizing thoughts affirm existence demonstrates the mind's role in defining self.
John Locke
- English philosopher proposed the theory of the self based on consciousness and memory.
- Individuals are born as a Tabula rasa, shaped by experiences and memories over time.
- Example: David's reflection on childhood memories links his past experiences to present identity, exemplifying continuous personal development.
David Hume
- Scottish philosopher known for his Bundle Theory, rejecting a fixed self.
- Proposed that self is a collection of perceptions and experiences, lacking enduring identity.
- Example: Barbara's evolving interests show that identity shifts based on accrued experiences rather than permanence.
Immanuel Kant
- German philosopher emphasizing the distinction between inner (transcendental) and outer (empirical) selves.
- Inner self involves emotions and intellect; outer self pertains to physical presence and sensory interactions.
- Example: Learning piano illustrates the interplay between awareness of actions (inner self) and observable behavior (outer self).
Sigmund Freud
- Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis known for his theory of the psyche.
- Ego mediates between the superego and id, highlighting societal norms and instinctual desires.
- Example: Chester's choice to limit cake consumption showcases the balance between personal desires and healthy decisions.
Gilbert Ryle
- British philosopher critical of Cartesian dualism, coining "ghost in the machine."
- Argued that self is expressed through actions and behaviors, not as a hidden entity.
- Example: Sarah's selflessness demonstrates that self is reflected in her helpful actions rather than an inner essence.
Paul Churchland
- Canadian philosopher focused on neurophilosophy, viewing self as a product of brain activity.
- Believed science enables understanding of self through the study of neural processes.
- Example: Benedict's guitar practice suggests that changes in brain function shape personal identity and capabilities.
Maurice Merleau-Ponty
- French philosopher rejecting dualism, emphasizing the self shaped by physical body and sensory experiences.
- The self develops over time, influenced by both past experiences and future aspirations.
- Example: Joseph's dance illustrates that identity is expressed through bodily movement and environmental interaction.
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Description
Explore the philosophical evolution of the concept of self from Plato to Descartes. This quiz covers key theories, including dualism, hylomorphism, and the interplay of rationality and desires. Analyze the contributions of prominent thinkers to our understanding of identity and moral values.
