The Self in Socratic Philosophy

Questions and Answers

What does Augustine assert about the relationship between the body and soul?

They are one entity that together form a man. (correct)

The soul controls the body completely.

They constitute two separate persons.

The body is a prison for the soul.

What is the primary source of happiness according to Augustine?

Numerous worldly possessions.

Finding peace in God. (correct)

Good relationships with others.

Personal achievements.

How does St. Thomas Aquinas view the role of reason in understanding truth?

Some truths are beyond the reach of human reason. (correct)

Reason leads to moral relativism.

Reason has supremacy in knowing all truths.

Reason is irrelevant to understanding truths.

What concept does John Locke establish concerning the human mind at birth?

It is a blank slate or tabula rasa. Signup and view all the answers

What does Kant identify as the components of the self?

Inner self and outer self. Signup and view all the answers

What is the core of Descartes' philosophical assertion?

Cogito, ergo sum reflects the dualism of self. Signup and view all the answers

What does Merleau-Ponty emphasize regarding experience?

Experience is inseparable from bodily existence. Signup and view all the answers

What moral principle is Kant known for proposing?

The categorical imperative. Signup and view all the answers

According to Socrates, what constitutes our true self?

Our soul Signup and view all the answers

What does Plato suggest about the relationship between the soul and the body?

The soul is the permanent element while the body is perishable. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of reason according to Aristotle?

To govern all of life's activities. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best represents Socrates' view on self-knowledge?

True self-knowledge involves examining one's thoughts and actions. Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle's theory of the Golden Mean emphasize?

Balance between emotion and reason leads to virtue. Signup and view all the answers

What does Socrates mean by the phrase 'Ignorance is the beginning of wisdom'?

Recognizing our ignorance is the first step toward learning. Signup and view all the answers

How does Plato describe life in relation to the soul?

A continual ascent towards the world of ideas. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element in Aristotle's definition of a happy life?

Achieving virtue and true knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ancient Philosophers on the Self

Socrates posited the self as two parts: the physical self and the soul; emphasized that our true self is our soul, not our possessions or social status.
Famous for his dictum “Know thyself” and the belief that an examined life is essential for true existence.
Plato described the self as an immortal soul within a perishable body; the soul gives life to the body and is viewed as divine and unchanging.
Life is conceptualized as a journey striving to free the soul from bodily imprisonment, with continuous ascent towards the world of ideas.
Aristotle held that the self comprises body and soul, emphasizing the importance of reason which should govern one’s life for true happiness.
Introduced the concept of the Golden Mean, advocating for balance and moderation in all aspects of life.
St. Augustine's self is defined as a unity of body and soul in relation to God; happiness is found uniquely in God, advocating for love and moral virtue.
Augustine warned against hedonism, promoting the idea that to love God is to also love humanity and to do no harm to others.
St. Thomas Aquinas asserted the supremacy of reason, but recognized truths beyond its reach, emphasizing the immortality of the soul and higher human perfection found within God.

Modern and Contemporary Philosophers on the Self

René Descartes introduced dualism, proposing an immaterial mind and a material body; the mind houses consciousness and rationality, famous for the phrase “Cogito, ergo sum.”
John Locke described the mind at birth as tabula rasa, emphasizing the significance of early impressions in forming the self and character.
Locke asserted that individuals have the freedom to define their own character, maintaining a core identity as members of the human species.
Immanuel Kant articulated the inner self, consisting of psychological state and rational intellect, contrasted with the outer self tied to sensory experiences.
Kant warned of the self's susceptibility to corruption and formulated the Categorical Imperative as a moral guideline for actions.

Other Considerations

Maurice Merleau-Ponty's view hinted toward an inseparable connection between the self and bodily experience, though details were incomplete.

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Description

Explore the concept of the self as defined by Socrates, a pivotal figure in ancient philosophy. This quiz delves into his belief that the true self transcends physical existence and is rooted in the soul. Engage with key concepts such as 'Know thyself' and the idea that wisdom begins with acknowledging our ignorance.