Philosophy of the Self

Understanding the Self

• The self is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been explored by philosophers and scientists for centuries.
• There is no single universally accepted definition of the self.

Philosophical Perspectives on the Self

• Socrates: Emphasized the importance of self-knowledge, believing that understanding oneself was crucial for living a fulfilling life. His famous maxim is "Know thyself." Socrates believed that true self-knowledge could lead to overcoming life's challenges and living in accordance with one's true nature.

• Plato: Introduced the concept of the soul as the most divine aspect of human beings. He believed that the soul was divided into three parts: the appetitive, the rational, and the spirited.

  • The Appetitive drives pleasure.
  • The Rational promotes reason and logic.
  • The Spirited seeks honor and victory.
  • Plato argued that the rational aspect of the self should govern the others to achieve harmony.

• St. Augustine: Focused on the relationship between time and memory, suggesting that our understanding of time is shaped by our memories and our perception of the past, present, and future. He believed that time is not a property of the world, but rather of the mind.

  • He emphasized the significance of remembering the past in anticipating the future and experiencing the present.

• René Descartes: Famous for his statement "I think, therefore I am." He argued that the existence of the thinking self (mind) cannot be doubted even while doubting the existence of the physical world (body). He believed that the self is a thinking substance, distinct from the body.

  • Descartes believed that humans are self-aware and this sets them apart from other beings. He also recognized the human capacity for free will in shaping one's own reality.

• John Locke: Advanced the idea that personal identity is based on consciousness and memory. He argued that even if the physical body changes, the continuity of consciousness, particularly memory, defines who we are.

  • Locke believed that personal identity is not in the brain, but rather in one's consciousness.

• Gilbert Ryle: Rejected Cartesian dualism, arguing against the separation of mind and body, and proposing that the mind is not a separate entity but is embodied in our actions, behaviors, and behaviors.

  • His maxim "I act therefore I am" highlights the importance of action and behavior in understanding the self.

• Paul Churchland: Argued for a materialistic view of the mind and self, suggesting that the physical brain, rather than an immaterial mind, underlies our sense of self. He pointed to neurological evidence to support his position.

  • Churchland emphasized the physical basis of mental states, arguing that mental conditions like depression are ultimately rooted in brain activity and structure.

• Maurice Merleau-Ponty: Focused on the embodied nature of the self, emphasizing the importance of the physical body in shaping our experience of the world. He distinguished between the subjective body, which is lived and experienced, and the objective body, which is observed and scientifically investigated.

  • He believed that mind and body are interconnected and inseparable.

The Self in Different Cultures

• Filipino Culture: The term "diskarte" (derived from Descartes) illustrates how Filipinos actively shape their reality and find solutions through their actions and resourcefulness.

Explore the complex concept of the self, delving into philosophical perspectives from thinkers like Socrates and Plato. This quiz covers key ideas including self-knowledge and the tripartite soul, examining how these notions contribute to our understanding of identity and fulfillment.