Understanding the Self and Its Contexts

Understanding the Self

• Self refers to an individual's awareness of their own identity, thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
• Understanding oneself is essential for personal growth, healthy relationships, and a sense of purpose.

The Self in Historical and Philosophical Contexts

• Ancient Views:
  • Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures viewed the self as interconnected with community, nature, and spiritual forces.
  • Ancient Egyptian 'Ka' (life-force) left the body; 'Ba' (personal spirit) remained.
  • Greek philosophers (Socrates, Plato) emphasized "knowing oneself," viewing the self as a rational soul. Socrates famously stated, "an unexamined life is not worth living."
• Medieval Perspectives:
  • Christian influence emphasized the self's relationship with God, focusing on the soul and moral duty.
  • Buddhist philosophy considered the self an illusion, emphasizing enlightenment beyond ego.

Renaissance and Enlightenment

• Humanism emphasized human potential, individuality, and critical thinking.
• Francesco Petrarch: Considered the "Father of Humanism," rediscovering classical texts and advocating for human development and experience.
• Giovanni Boccaccio: Celebrated for his work The Decameron, highlighting human emotions and secular themes.
• Desiderius Erasmus: Criticized church corruption, advocating for religious tolerance and education, and emphasizing moral and educated societal principles.
• Leonardo da Vinci: Embodied humanist ideals through his contributions in art, science, engineering, and anatomy.
• Niccolò Machiavelli: Explored political power and human nature in The Prince.

Philosophical Conceptions of the Self

• Socrates: Emphasized self-knowledge, arguing for an examined life.
• Plato: Believed the soul comprised three parts—rational, spiritual, and appetitive—with the rational soul as the true self.
• Aristotle: Viewed the self as a combination of body and soul, emphasizing the importance of a fulfilling life.

Sociological Perspectives

• George Herbert Mead: His work laid the groundwork for symbolic interactionism, where the self develops through interaction and internalizing societal perspectives. Mead proposed the "I" (active self) and "Me" (socialized self).
• Michel Foucault: Emphasized power dynamics in shaping the self, questioning what is considered "normal" and "acceptable". The concept of discipline impacts daily life.
• Erving Goffman: Introduced the concept of "dramaturgy", describing interactions as performances tailored to social contexts.
• Max Weber: Emphasized the significance of social context in forming identities.
• Karl Marx: Highlighted the influence of socioeconomic circumstances on shaping the self.
• Emile Durkheim: Focused on the influence of social structures on individual behavior and the self.
• George Herbert Mead: Emphasized the role of social interaction in shaping the self and its development through three stages.
• Lev Vygotsky: Focused on the role of social culture and interactions (MKO) in shaping cognitive development. Emphasized scaffolding.
• Albert Bandura: His work on social learning theory highlighted observational learning and modeling roles in development.
• Jean Piaget: Contrasted with Vygotsky, emphasizing the stages of cognitive development independent of social influences.

Psychological Perspectives

• William James: Divided the self into "Me" (material, social, and spiritual selves) and "I" (the thinking, experiencing self).
• Sigmund Freud: Described the unconscious mind's influence on behavior and the self, defining the Id, Ego, and Superego.
• Carl Jung: Extended Freudian theory to include the collective unconscious.
• Karen Horney: Critiqued Freudian theories, emphasizing interpersonal relationships and social contexts.
• Abraham Maslow: Proposed human motivation based on hierarchical needs, from basic physiological needs to self-actualization.
• Erik Erikson: Detailed psychosocial stages of development emphasizing specific tasks for each stage.
• Carol Gilligan: Questioned the male-dominated nature of Kohlberg's moral theory, proposing an alternative perspective.

Postmodernism

• Postmodernism critiques traditional narratives and universal truths, emphasizing the subjective and constructed nature of reality.

The Self in Culture

• Culture profoundly influences the development and expression of the self.
• The self is often presented as a product of the society or the culture it is born in
• Culture can establish norms and values about how to properly function within a culture
• Aspects such as names and customs often create who a person is within a culture.
• Individuals are enculturated through interactions and observation to develop cultural identity and expression of self within and without their culture.