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Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of the module discussed?
Which philosopher is associated with the motto 'Know thyself'?
What method is attributed to Socrates for understanding subjects?
What is suggested as a way to attain knowledge of oneself according to the content?
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What underlying question does the module aim to explore regarding the self?
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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an influencing factor in shaping the self?
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What is a critical aspect of understanding the self according to the module's learning objectives?
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How is knowledge of the self proposed to be attained according to Socrates?
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What is the essence of Socrates' philosophy regarding knowledge?
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In Plato's view, what are the components of the tripartite soul?
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How did St. Augustine adapt the concepts of Socrates and Plato?
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What primarily connects the self according to different philosophers mentioned?
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Which philosophical period emphasized understanding the self through empirical evidence?
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What does Socrates mean by 'An unexamined life is not worth living'?
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What aspect of reality did Socrates believe was unchanging?
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In what way did contemporary philosophers contribute to the understanding of the self?
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Which of the following philosophers is known for the concept of 'Know Thyself'?
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Which component of Plato's tripartite soul is considered the most superior?
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What did Descartes primarily focus on in his philosophical inquiries?
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What aspect of the self did ancient and medieval philosophers generally agree on?
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According to St. Augustine, what initiates the development of the self?
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What is Descartes' famous principle regarding existence?
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What does John Locke compare the self to?
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According to David Hume, what is the basis for knowledge?
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What did Immanuel Kant contribute to the discussion of the self?
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What does Freud consider the 'I' to be composed of?
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Which philosopher argued against the idea that reason is the sole method of understanding the self?
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What concept is recognized by Kant, relating to Hume's ideas about perception?
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In the context of the self, what does Descartes emphasize as important for gaining true knowledge?
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What represents the instinctive dimension of the self according to Freud's Structural Model?
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According to the Topographical Model, which aspect refers to what we are consciously aware of?
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What does the ego mediate between in Freud's model of the self?
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What concept did Gilbert Ryle associate with the mind in relation to the body?
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What do Paul and Patricia Churchland emphasize in understanding the self?
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Which principle does the ego operate according to?
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Which phrase aligns with Ryle's assertion about the expression of the self?
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What happens to an individual's sense of self if their brain is no longer functioning, according to Churchland?
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Study Notes
Module Overview
- Exploration of self through philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and psychology.
- Emphasis on the distinctions between Eastern and Western perspectives.
- Central questions include "What is the self?" and the legitimacy of the concept of self.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss various representations of the self from different academic disciplines.
- Examine influences that shape the self.
- Compare and contrast self-concept across perspectives.
- Demonstrate reflective thought in personal identity development.
Philosophical Perspectives
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Socrates
- Emphasized self-awareness through the Socratic Method (question and answer dialogue).
- Advocated the principle "Know thyself", highlighting the importance of understanding one's nature.
- Proposed dualism: the imperfect body versus the perfect, unchanging soul.
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Plato
- Expanded on Socratic thought with the idea of the tripartite soul: appetitive, spirited, and rational (nouos).
- Asserted that harmony among these components is crucial for a just and virtuous life.
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St. Augustine
- Integrated Socratic and Platonic ideas with Christian metaphysics.
- Suggested that self-awareness and realization are essential for achieving eternal destinies through faith and reason.
Modern Philosophical Views
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Rene Descartes
- Known as the father of modern philosophy; emphasized rational inquiry.
- Famous for "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"), asserting the significance of doubt as a path to true knowledge.
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John Locke
- Compared the self to an empty space filled with sensory experiences, emphasizing the role of reflection.
- Viewed self as not fixed but shaped by individual experiences.
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David Hume
- Argued that the self is a series of perceptions; no persistent self exists beyond experiences.
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Immanuel Kant
- Suggested a dual identity of self: experiences are bound by space and time, yet transcendental unity exists beyond mere sensation.
Psychological Perspectives
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Sigmund Freud
- Defined the self as the "I", shaped by interactions and experiences.
- Introduced the Id (instinctive), Ego (reality-based), and Superego (moral conscience) as components of the self.
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Gilbert Ryle
- Challenged the notion of a separable mind; asserted that behavior defines the self ("I act therefore I am").
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Paul and Patricia Churchland
- Advocated for "Eliminative Materialism" focusing on neurological aspects of the self.
- Claimed that the brain's condition directly influences the sense of self, negating the existence of an immaterial mind.
Summary of Philosophical Evolution
- Philosophers have progressively connected self-understanding with consciousness and rational choice.
- Ancient and medieval perspectives highlighted dual realities, while contemporary views emphasize empirical evidence and scientific inquiry into the self.
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Description
Explore the concept of the self through various academic lenses including philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and psychology. This quiz emphasizes Eastern and Western perspectives and encourages reflective thought on personal identity development through the teachings of philosophers like Socrates and Plato.