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Questions and Answers
What is the Atman in Hinduism?
What is the Atman in Hinduism?
Which philosophical perspective emphasizes the fluid and evolving nature of the self?
Which philosophical perspective emphasizes the fluid and evolving nature of the self?
The concept of Anatman in Buddhism challenges the idea of an eternal self.
The concept of Anatman in Buddhism challenges the idea of an eternal self.
True
According to Taoism, what does 'Tao' represent?
According to Taoism, what does 'Tao' represent?
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Existentialism rejects the idea of a fixed essence, asserting that individuals define their own essence through __________ and actions.
Existentialism rejects the idea of a fixed essence, asserting that individuals define their own essence through __________ and actions.
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Match the philosophical perspective with its key concept:
Match the philosophical perspective with its key concept:
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Which philosophical perspective asserts that personal identity is shaped by experiences, perspectives, and influences over time?
Which philosophical perspective asserts that personal identity is shaped by experiences, perspectives, and influences over time?
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In Hinduism, what is the consequence of one's actions from previous lives that influences the Atman in the cycle of reincarnation?
In Hinduism, what is the consequence of one's actions from previous lives that influences the Atman in the cycle of reincarnation?
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Which Eastern philosophical tradition is characterized by the concept of Anatman, or no permanent, unchanging self or soul?
Which Eastern philosophical tradition is characterized by the concept of Anatman, or no permanent, unchanging self or soul?
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What is the term for the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism, where the Atman undergoes multiple lifetimes influenced by karma?
What is the term for the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism, where the Atman undergoes multiple lifetimes influenced by karma?
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Which philosophical perspective rejects the idea of a fixed essence, asserting that individuals define their own essence through choices and actions?
Which philosophical perspective rejects the idea of a fixed essence, asserting that individuals define their own essence through choices and actions?
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According to the Protean View, what is the nature of the self?
According to the Protean View, what is the nature of the self?
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In Buddhism, what is the term for the absence of a permanent, unchanging self or soul?
In Buddhism, what is the term for the absence of a permanent, unchanging self or soul?
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What is the central concept in Oriental Philosophy that explores fundamental questions about existence, consciousness, and the nature of self?
What is the central concept in Oriental Philosophy that explores fundamental questions about existence, consciousness, and the nature of self?
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Which philosophical perspective emphasizes the importance of adapting to diverse perspectives, experiences, and influences throughout one's life?
Which philosophical perspective emphasizes the importance of adapting to diverse perspectives, experiences, and influences throughout one's life?
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What is the ultimate goal of Eastern philosophical traditions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism?
What is the ultimate goal of Eastern philosophical traditions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism?
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Study Notes
The Self from Different Perspectives
The Protean View
- The Protean View sees the self as flexible and ever-changing, adapting to diverse perspectives, experiences, and influences throughout one's life.
- It suggests that humans have no fixed or unchanging core or center.
- The self is adaptable, influenced by various experiences, perspectives, and influences over time.
Oriental Philosophy (Eastern Philosophy)
- Refers to diverse philosophical traditions originating from Eastern Asia, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism.
- Explores fundamental questions about existence, consciousness, and the nature of self.
Hinduism
- The self has a core or center, the Atman, which is the individual soul or self.
- The Atman endures reincarnation (samsara), influenced by karma (consequences of one's actions from previous lives).
Buddhism
- There is no permanent, unchanging self or soul (Anatman).
- Everything, including the self, is in a constant state of change (impermanence).
- Suffering in life is caused by attachments and desires.
- The ultimate goal is to attain Nirvana or enlightenment, a state of liberation from suffering, by overcoming desires and attachments.
- The Four Noble Truths outline the nature of suffering and its cessation.
- The Noble Eightfold Path provides a guide for ethical and mental development toward the end of suffering and the achievement of enlightenment.
Taoism
- Encourages living in harmony with the natural flow of the universe (Tao).
- Tao represents the natural order and underlying principle of the universe.
- Nature is seen as a manifestation of the Tao, and by observing and emulating its spontaneity, simplicity, and effortless flow, individuals seek to live in accordance with the natural order.
- The meaning of life is often perceived as found in aligning oneself with the Tao.
Existentialism
- Humans have no fixed essence or predetermined nature or core.
- "Existence precedes essence" emphasizes the absence of a predetermined essence or nature imposed by a higher being.
- Individuals define their essence or what it means to be them through their choices, actions, and experiences.
- Humans have individual freedom and ability to make choices, with personal responsibility for the consequences of their actions.
The African Model
- A person is born into a culture or social group that is the source of his/her being.
- Identity is shaped by relationships, social roles, and shared experiences with the community rather than individual autonomy.
- Communal bonds, ancestral connections, and collective identity are crucial aspects of shaping one's sense of self and identity.
- Harmony, cooperation, and a sense of belonging within the broader community are essential aspects of self-understanding.
The Neuroscience Perspective
- The self arises from the brain's complex neural networks and processes.
- Brain functions such as perception, memory, and consciousness contribute to the sense of self.
- The self is dynamic and continuously shaped by neural activity, genetic factors, and environmental influences.
- Memory plays a central role in shaping the self, and disruptions in memory can profoundly impact personality, behavior, and goal attainment.
Taoism
- Living in harmony with the natural flow of the universe, represented by the Tao, embodies the natural order and underlying principle of existence.
- Nature serves as a model for living, emphasizing spontaneity, simplicity, and letting go of excessive desires and ego.
- Aligning oneself with the Tao leads to balance, inner peace, and a sense of purpose.
Existentialism
- Humans have no fixed essence, with no predetermined or unchanging nature or core.
- "Existence precedes essence" means individuals come into existence first and then define their essence through choices and actions.
- Humans have individual freedom and ability to make choices, with personal responsibility for the consequences of their actions.
- There is no higher power determining the course of life.
The African Model
- A person is born into a culture or social group that is the source of their being.
- The no-self concept (Anatman) challenges the idea of an eternal Atman found in Hinduism.
- Everything, including the self, is in a constant state of change (impermanence).
- Suffering in life is caused by attachments and desires, with the ultimate goal of attaining Nirvana or enlightenment.
Buddhism
- The concept of Anatman (no-self) challenges the idea of a permanent, unchanging self or soul.
- Suffering is understood to arise from attachments and desires, with the ultimate goal of attaining Nirvana or enlightenment.
- The Four Noble Truths outline the nature of suffering and its cessation, serving as the foundation of Buddhist teachings.
- The Noble Eightfold Path provides a guide for ethical and mental development toward the end of suffering and the achievement of enlightenment.
The Protean View
- The self is flexible and ever-changing, adapting to diverse perspectives, experiences, and influences throughout one's life.
- Personal identity is adaptable, influenced by various experiences, perspectives, and influences over time.
- The Protean View emphasizes the fluid and evolving nature of the self, without a rigid, unchanging core.
Oriental Philosophy (Eastern Philosophy)
- Refers to the diverse philosophical traditions originating from Eastern Asia, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism.
- Explores fundamental questions about existence, consciousness, and the nature of self.
Hinduism
- Humans have a core or center, the Atman, which is the individual soul or self.
- The Atman endures reincarnation, influenced by karma (consequences of one's actions from previous lives).
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Description
Explore the concept of self from different perspectives, including the Protean View and Oriental Philosophy. Understand how the self is viewed as flexible and adaptable in these philosophical traditions.
