Self-Concept and Philosophy Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does the 'I and Me' concept in George Herbert Mead's theory describe?

The division of self into spontaneous and socially reflective components (correct)

The distinction between material and non-material culture

The split between unconscious and conscious behavior

The contrast between instinctual drives and moral standards

Which aspect is NOT a characteristic of Eastern culture as described in the context provided?

Reserved nature in expressing emotions

Focus on individuality and self-expression (correct)

Traditional values regarding elders

Emphasis on respect for family

In Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory, which component is responsible for balancing the demands of the id and superego?

Superego

Unconscious Mind

Ego (correct)

What does the enculturation process refer to?

The learning and internalization of cultural norms from a young age Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a life instinct according to Freud's theory?

Aggression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes non-material culture?

Beliefs, values, and norms guiding behavior Signup and view all the answers

In the context of personality structure, which part represents moral standards and ideals?

Superego Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding western and eastern psychological perspectives is accurate?

Eastern perspectives prioritize familial ties over individual achievements Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher's view emphasizes that the self is formed through synthesized experiences?

Immanuel Kant Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emphasizes the roles of observational learning and reciprocal determinism in the formation of self?

Social Learning Theory Signup and view all the answers

What concept describes the idea that self-identity is shaped by how individuals believe they are perceived by others?

Looking-Glass Self Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the enculturation process, which element plays a crucial role in shaping beliefs and self-identity?

Language Signup and view all the answers

According to the idea of a Behavior-Based Self, how is identity primarily defined?

By actions and behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Maurice Merleau-Ponty emphasizes the self in relation to which type of experiences?

Subjective, physical experiences Signup and view all the answers

How does culture influence self-concept according to the principles provided?

By providing symbols and meanings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following encompasses the belief in one's own abilities and impacts motivation?

Self-Efficacy Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the oral stage in psychosexual development?

Focus on oral pleasure through sucking and biting. Signup and view all the answers

Which defense mechanism is exemplified when someone denies their own anger by claiming that others are angry?

Projection Signup and view all the answers

In the context of personality structure, which components are involved in managing conflicts according to Freudian theory?

Ego, Id, Superego Signup and view all the answers

How is regression as a defense mechanism typically demonstrated?

By returning to earlier behavioral patterns under stress. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a conflict between the id and superego that might require a defense mechanism?

Desiring instant gratification for a request. Signup and view all the answers

What cultural aspects distinguish Western cultures from Eastern cultures in terms of individualism and communication?

Western cultures are typically more open-minded and individualistic. Signup and view all the answers

What does rationalization as a defense mechanism entail?

Justifying behaviors with false but logical explanations. Signup and view all the answers

What role does enculturation play in personality development according to psychological theories?

Enculturation shapes understanding of cultural norms and values. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Self-Concept Introduction

Self-reflection helps understand identity, values, strengths, and goals.
Example questions include: long-term and short-term goals, significant people in life, and their impact.

Philosophical Perspectives on Self

Socrates: Emphasized self-awareness and understanding one's values. Famous quote: "Know thyself." Believed a life unexamined is not worth living, highlighting introspection.
Plato: Believed the self is an immortal soul divided into: Appetitive (desires/physical needs), Spirited (courage/competition), and Rational (logic/decision-making). Famous quote: "The soul takes nothing with her to the next world but her education and culture."
Aristotle: The soul is the essence of self, unified with the body. Purpose of life is achieving happiness through a virtuous and rational life. Famous quote: "Happiness depends upon ourselves."
St. Augustine: Self is deeply tied to faith, self-understanding is a path towards God. Famous quote: "I am doubting, therefore I am."
René Descartes: Separated mind (thinking) and body (perceiving). Famous quote: "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am). The mind's ability to doubt proves existence.
John Locke: Mind starts as a blank slate (Tabula Rasa), shaped by experience. Self-awareness develops through sensory experiences and memory.
David Hume: No permanent self, a collection of impressions/sensations continually changing. Concept of self is fluid, shaped by ongoing experiences.

Sociological Perspectives on Self

Looking-Glass Self (Cooley): Self-concept shaped by how we think others perceive us. Process involving imagining appearances, interpreting judgments, and responding emotionally to perceived judgments.
Social Self (Mead): Self composed of "I" (spontaneous, active) and "Me" (socially reflective). Stages of development include language (symbols), play (role-playing), and games (structured roles).
Social Learning Theory (Bandura): Learning behaviors through observing others (observational learning), interaction between personal factors, behaviors, and environment (reciprocal determinism), and belief in one's abilities impacting motivation (self-efficacy).

Anthropological Perspectives on Self

Culture shapes beliefs, behaviors, and self-identity. Elements of culture include symbols, language, values, and norms. Rituals are repeated ceremonies or actions with symbolic meaning.
Enculturation: Learning culture from a young age shapes behavior and identity.

Western and Eastern Perspectives

Eastern Culture: Traditional and conservative, emphasizes respect for elders and family, and reserved emotional expression.
Western Culture: More open-minded and individualistic, direct in communication and emotional expression, common religions include Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Individualism (vs Collectivism): Values independence, individual achievement, self-expression, and individual thinking. Associated with egalitarian relationships, flexibility, private property, and individual ownership.
Collectivism (vs Individualism): Emphasizes interdependence, group success, adherence to norms, respect for authority/elders, and group consensus. Associated with stable, hierarchical roles, shared property, and group ownership.

Psychological Perspectives on Self

Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory: Unconscious mind (thoughts, memories, emotions outside awareness), personality made up of id (primitive desires), ego (balances id and superego), and superego (conscience/moral standards). Life and death instincts drive behavior.
Defense Mechanisms: Unconscious strategies the ego uses to manage conflicts between id and superego, protecting self from anxiety; e.g., repression, displacement, sublimation, and denial.
Rogers' Humanistic Theory: Self-actualization (fulfilling potential), unconditional positive regard (unconditional acceptance fosters self-worth), and congruency (consistency between self-image and ideal self).

The Physical Self

Physical self encompasses biological characteristics (genetics/phenotype/maturation) and environmental influences (cultural factors like beauty standards).
Self-care includes managing health (physical, mental, and emotional) through sleep, diet, exercise, reducing stress, engaging in activities like reading/walking, and addressing emotional well-being. Benefits of self-care include improved mental health, reduced stress, and increased energy.

Sexual Self

Sex: Biological characteristics (genitals, chromosomes, hormones) assigned at birth.
Gender: Social/cultural construct of roles, behaviors, and characteristics deemed appropriate.
Gender identity: Internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or another identity, independent of biological sex.
Gender expression: How a person expresses their gender identity through behavior and mannerisms.
Sexual orientation: Who someone is attracted to sexually/romantically. Preferred pronouns/gender pronouns should be appropriately respected.

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Description

Explore the philosophical perspectives on self-concept including insights from Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and St. Augustine. This quiz will engage you in self-reflection, understanding identity, values, strengths, and goals through a philosophical lens. Test your knowledge of how these thinkers shaped our understanding of self.