Philosophy of Self: Socrates and Plato

Study Notes

Classical Perspectives on the Self

Socrates emphasized the immortal soul and the importance of self-knowledge leading to wisdom; viewed the true self as the soul, not the body.
Utilized the Socratic method of dialectical questioning to encourage introspection and the pursuit of virtue.
Plato, Socrates' student, introduced dualism, distinguishing between the physical body and the immortal soul, which he believed pre-existed birth and survived death.
Identified three parts of the soul:
- Rational (reasoning and wisdom)
- Spirited (emotions and courage)
- Appetitive (desires and bodily needs)
Plato's dualism significantly influenced later philosophical and theological thought, particularly in Christianity.

Integration of Platonic Philosophy in Christianity

St. Augustine blended Platonic ideas with Christian beliefs, focusing on the internal battle between spiritual and carnal instincts.
He defined the true self as the soul searching for unity with God, viewing the body as a temporary vessel susceptible to sin.
Augustine's Confessions illustrate his introspective journey and the importance of divine grace for salvation.

Modern Philosophical Views

Rene Descartes is known for the phrase "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), proposing that the self is a thinking, non-material substance.
Argued for a clear distinction between the mind (thinking self) and the body, positioning the mind as the cornerstone of knowledge and personal identity.
John Locke presented a contrasting view, positing that personal identity is maintained through memory and consciousness, rather than a fixed soul or body.
Locke's ideas shifted focus from metaphysics to the psychological aspects of identity, emphasizing continuity in consciousness.

Skepticism and Radical Empiricism

David Hume challenged the notion of a permanent self, asserting that the self is merely a collection of ever-changing perceptions, devoid of true unity.
Declared that identity arises from sensory experiences and mental states, questioning the stability of personal identity.

Kant's Dual Aspects of Self

Immanuel Kant differentiated between the empirical self, which is experienced in reality, and the transcendental self, essential for the experience.
Suggested that the transcendental self unifies experiences but cannot be directly known, acting as the organizing principle for perception and knowledge.
This duality adds depth to understanding identity, linking it to human cognition and experience.

Psychoanalytic Perspective

Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis, developed theories explaining the self through the lens of unconscious desires and mental processes, further complicating the understanding of personal identity.

Description

This quiz delves into the philosophical inquiry surrounding the nature of the self, tracing views from ancient thinkers like Socrates and Plato. It examines their distinct perspectives and foundational ideas that have influenced Western philosophy. Test your knowledge and understanding of these classical concepts.