Philosophy of Self: William James' Perspective

Study Notes

Our material self exists within a material world, with possessions serving as extensions of ourselves (William James).
The hierarchy of the material self includes:
- The body as the innermost aspect of self.
- Clothing as an important identifier of self, influencing how we perceive ourselves and others' perceptions.
- Immediate family, as their life events significantly impact our emotional states and sense of identity.
- Home, emphasized by Dorothy's quote in The Wizard of Oz, represents a safe and essential part of one’s identity.

Daily consumption is influenced by external factors, including social media and peer comparisons.
Wiest (2018) posits that dissatisfaction with current possessions leads to a perpetual search for more, as “nothing will ever be enough.”
The Diderot Effect, named after Denis Diderot, describes the cycle of purchasing complementary items to achieve a desired self-image.

Advertisements manipulate consumer perception through denotation (literal meaning) and connotation (associative meaning).
Consumer behavior is influenced by several psychological factors:
- Motivation
- Perception
- Learning
- Memory
- Personality
- Attitude

Problem Recognition: Identifying the need or desire to purchase an item.
Information Search: Researching available options, often influenced by recommendations.
Evaluation of Alternatives: Assessing different possibilities and their attributes.
Purchase Decision: Emotional considerations impacting the final choice, including indecision.
Post-Purchase Behavior: Reflecting on satisfaction or disappointment after a purchase.