Philosophy of the Self

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@InsightfulJuniper

Study Notes

Philosophy explores the underlying causes and principles of everything, encompassing religion, psychology, politics, physics, and medicine.
The term "philosophy" originates from the Greek words "philos" (love) and "sophia" (wisdom), reflecting a pursuit of truth.
Ancient Greek philosophers Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle significantly contributed to the philosophical understanding of the self.

Socrates emphasized the importance of self-knowledge, famously stating, "Know thyself."
He believed the self is synonymous with the soul, a permanent and immortal entity that surpasses the physical body.
He distinguished between the physical realm (changeable, transient, imperfect) and the ideal realm (unchanging, eternal, immortal).
The soul, belonging to the ideal realm, seeks wisdom and perfection, with reason as its tool.
The quest for wisdom is hindered by the physical realm's imperfections, leading Socrates to advocate for an examined life.
A life without self-reflection and understanding is deemed meaningless.
The Socratic method, involving introspection, aims to carefully examine one's thoughts and emotions to gain self-knowledge.

Like Socrates, Plato saw the self as the soul, emphasizing its inherent immortality.
He proposed a three-part soul: Reason (divine essence), Physical Appetite (basic needs), and Spirit (emotions).
These components interact dynamically, sometimes conflicting, with Reason tasked with harmonizing them.
Plato believed true happiness stems from Reason controlling Spirit and Appetite, achieving a just and harmonious self.
He distinguished between the world of Forms (ideal, permanent) and the world of Sense (temporary, a reflection of the ideal).
The soul belongs to the world of Forms, stressing its permanence over the physical body's impermanence.

Aristotle deviated from Plato's dualistic view, believing the soul is not separate from the body but its essence.
He defined the soul based on its function, emphasizing its crucial role in life, growth, and development.
He saw the soul as the principle of life, distinguishing between nutritive (plants), sensitive (animals), and rational (human) souls.
The human soul, with its rational capacity, enabled human beings to think abstractly, contemplate, and pursue knowledge.
Aristotle believed the soul is not immortal but closely connected to the body, ceasing to exist after death.
His approach emphasizes the self's interconnectedness with the body and its unique functions within the natural world.