Philosophy Self Concept - Ancient Greece

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Questions and Answers

According to Aristotle, what governs a human person's activities for a harmonious life?

Passion

Intellect

Reason (correct)

Senses

What is the primary composition of the self, according to Aristotle?

Body and passion

Body and soul (correct)

Soul and intellect

Mind and matter

What does Aristotle believe is essential for achieving human happiness?

Development of physical, economic, and social powers (correct)

Acquiring wealth

Neglecting the body

Focusing solely on the mind

Which concept introduced by Aristotle emphasizes living a life of moderation?

Theory of the Golden Mean Signup and view all the answers

What two aspects does Aristotle believe should not be neglected in a person's development?

Body and soul Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle define as true knowledge?

Wisdom Signup and view all the answers

What outcome occurs when the senses dominate a person's life, according to Aristotle?

Experiencing chaos Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between wisdom and virtue in Aristotle's philosophy?

Wisdom leads to virtue Signup and view all the answers

What was St. Augustine's view on the relationship between the body and the soul?

The body and soul together form one unified self. Signup and view all the answers

According to St. Augustine, what is the ultimate source of happiness?

A relationship with God. Signup and view all the answers

How did St. Augustine define virtue?

As the order of love towards God and others. Signup and view all the answers

What concept did St. Augustine reject in his philosophy?

The idea of virtue as a means to attain pleasure. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical influence did St. Augustine integrate into his understanding of the self?

Plato’s theory of forms. Signup and view all the answers

What role did divine revelation play in St. Augustine's philosophy?

It aided in recognizing God's living presence. Signup and view all the answers

How did St. Augustine view human beings in relation to God?

As beings created in the image and likeness of God. Signup and view all the answers

What invitation did Augustine believe humans must respond to for inner peace?

An invitation to love God. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the self does Plato emphasize as the immortal part?

The rational soul that existed before the body Signup and view all the answers

According to Plato, what happens to the spirited part of the soul after death?

It perishes with the physical body Signup and view all the answers

In Plato's philosophy, how does the body relate to the soul?

The body serves merely as a vessel for the soul Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of life, according to Plato's conception of the self?

To liberate the soul from the body Signup and view all the answers

How does Plato describe the relationship between the soul and the world of ideas?

The soul continuously strives to ascend towards it Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the appetitive part of the soul, according to Plato?

It governs desires such as eating and sleeping Signup and view all the answers

Plato contrasts the soul's immortality with which other aspect of the self?

The perishability of the body Signup and view all the answers

What is Plato's view on the rational part of the soul?

It must govern the other parts of the soul Signup and view all the answers

What is Augustine's view on the human soul?

The soul is restless and imperfect until it rests in God. Signup and view all the answers

According to St. Thomas Aquinas, what are the two parts that compose a human person?

Matter and form. Signup and view all the answers

Rene Descartes is known for which of the following statements?

Cogito ergo sum, or I think therefore I am. Signup and view all the answers

What does David Hume believe the self to be?

A bundle of impressions. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect distinguishes Descartes' concept of the self from that of Hume?

Descartes differentiates between mind and body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of matter and form in St. Thomas Aquinas’ philosophy?

They illustrate how substance defines existence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following philosophically characterizes the self according to St. Augustine?

A restless being searching for perfection. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the nature of the self according to certain philosophical perspectives?

The self is synonymous with the behaviors a person exhibits. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference in how Medieval and Modern philosophers understand the self?

Medieval philosophers consider the self relational to God, while Modern philosophers emphasize individual thought. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher argued against the separation of mind and body?

A. Maurice Merleau-Ponty Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the body does Merleau-Ponty emphasize in relation to existence?

The body is the gateway to experiencing the world. Signup and view all the answers

How do modern philosophers generally view the concept of an internal, non-physical self?

They reject it as an invalid and futile dilemma. Signup and view all the answers

In what manner does Merleau-Ponty integrate thoughts, emotions, and experiences?

He proposes they form a unified whole with the body. Signup and view all the answers

What does the notion of 'self' imply in the context of behavior according to the discussed perspectives?

Self is a dynamic collection of exhibited behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements aligns with the views of philosophers discussed regarding the self?

The self is inherently tied to one's conduct and actions. Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical stance is taken regarding behavior in relation to understanding the self?

Only observable behaviors matter in defining the self. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Self According to Ancient Greek Philosophers

Plato (428-348 BC)
- Self is an immortal soul existing in a perishable body.
- Soul has three parts: rational (governs reason), spirited (controls emotions), and appetitive (manages desires like hunger and sexual urges).
- Only the rational soul survives after death; it is immutable and divine, while the body is transient.
- Concept of self as "a soul using the body"; life viewed as a journey towards the world of ideas.
Aristotle (384-322 BC)
- Self is a combination of body and soul, intertwining mind and matter, sense and intellect.
- Reason is supreme and should direct all activities; when senses dominate, life is chaotic.
- Happiness stems from a balanced development of physical, economic, and social dimensions.
- Advocated the "Golden Mean" – virtue lies in moderation rather than extremes.

The Self According to Medieval Philosophers

St. Augustine (354-430 AD)
- Self consists of a body and a soul, forming one unified individual.
- The concept of self revolves around the individual's relationship with God, created in His image.
- Happiness and inner peace found through recognizing God's love and accepting His invitation to love.
- Critique of hedonism; happiness sought in God rather than transient pleasures.
St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
- Human knowledge of truth is attainable through reason.
- Self composed of two components: matter (physical substance) and form (essence).

The Self According to Modern Philosophers

René Descartes (1596-1650)
- Considered the father of modern philosophy; emphasized self-awareness.
- Famous for "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am) underscoring self-existence.
- Self is a blend of two elements: the thinking mind (cogito) and the physical body (extenza).
David Hume (1711-1776)
- Proposed the self as a "bundle of impressions" derived from sensory experiences.
- Rejects the notion of a permanent, internal self; focuses on observable behaviors.
Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908-1961)
- Emphasized the inseparability of mind and body; argues their integration is vital for existence.
- Considers the living body, thoughts, emotions, and experiences as a unified whole.

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Description

Explore the concept of the self as explained by three ancient Greek philosophers, focusing on the distinctions between the immortal soul, the spirited part, and the appetitive component. This quiz delves into philosophical ideas outlined by Plato and other thinkers regarding the nature of existence and the essence of self.