Philosophy of Self: Protean View and Oriental Philosophy

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).