Philosophy of Self: Socrates and Plato

Study Notes

The concept of the self is a primary focus in philosophy and is considered integral to the human experience

Believes the self is synonymous with the soul.
Emphasizes the power of reason in understanding the self.
Introduces the concept of the immortal soul that survives the physical body.
Believes in two separate realms: the physical (changeable) and the ideal (eternal).
Argues that reason is the tool for the soul to achieve wisdom and perfection.
Emphasizes the importance of living an examined life, fulfilling one's purpose, and pursuing virtue.
Introduced the Socratic Method of self-reflection and introspection.

Elaborates on Socrates’ concept of the soul; emphasizes self-knowledge and purification.
Believes self is an immortal soul that exists in the ideal world.
Introduces a three-part soul: physical appetite (biological needs), spirit/passion (emotions), and reason (intellect).
Believes genuine happiness is achieved when reason controls the spirit and appetite.
Conceptualized two worlds: the world of forms (nonphysical, ideal, eternal) and world of senses (temporary reality).
Believes a just life is achieved when man lives according to his nature.

Believes the soul is the essence of the self, not separate from the body.
Defines soul as a set of defining features of a living thing.
Believes all living things have a soul, with humans possessing a rational soul that distinguishes them from other beings.
Identifies three types of soul: vegetative (growth), sentient (senses and emotions), and rational (intellect).
Rejects the concept of the soul as a separate entity from the body.
Emphasizes the importance of living a flourishing life (self-actualization) through virtuous actions.

Integrates Plato’s philosophy with Christian beliefs.
Believes the body is the ‘spouse’ of the soul, united by appetite.
Argues that the soul is the governing force that defines the human person.
Highlights the concept of humanity being created in the “image and likeness of God.”
Believes the self is only known through knowing God.
Suggests knowledge comes from internal truth.
Employs the phrase "I am doubting, therefore I am.”

Introduces a new perspective on the self.
Focuses on the act of thinking as proof of the self (“Cogito ergo sum” – “I think, therefore I am”).
Defines the essence of the human self as a thinking entity.
Distinguishes two dimensions of the self: the thinking self (non-material, immortal) and the physical body (material, mortal).
Believes the soul can exist independently, but the body cannot exist without the soul.

Defines the self as consciousness.
Argues that the self is primarily constructed from sensory experiences.
Emphasizes the concept of the mind as a "tabula rasa" (blank slate) at birth.
Believes conscious awareness and memory of past experiences shape and mold the self throughout life.