Understanding the Self: Chapter 1

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'self' primarily signify?

A person's economic status

A person's essential being that distinguishes them from others (correct)

A societal role one plays

An individual's past experiences

How does psychology primarily assist individuals?

By teaching physical health tips

By providing historical context

By offering financial advice

By explaining human behavior and improving decision making (correct)

Which statement best describes the role of philosophy?

It develops marketing strategies.

It emphasizes empirical research.

It focuses solely on historical events.

It serves to analyze knowledge, reality, and existence. (correct)

What is a consequence of reflecting on 'self'?

It molds and develops a person’s identity. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the 'name' is highlighted in relation to self?

It designates a person in society. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary concept related to the self?

Social hierarchy Signup and view all the answers

Why is psychology considered a scientific study?

It utilizes empirical methods to understand behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What benefit does studying philosophy provide?

Facilitates the ability to extract essential information from complex data. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main belief of Socrates regarding the life of an individual?

Self-knowledge is essential for a thinker. Signup and view all the answers

According to Plato, which component is responsible for handling emotions?

Spirited soul Signup and view all the answers

What concept did David Hume introduce concerning self?

The self is a collection of bundles of experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is known as the father of modern philosophy?

René Descartes Signup and view all the answers

What does Immanuel Kant believe is necessary to obtain knowledge about oneself?

Interaction with others Signup and view all the answers

According to Thomas Aquinas, what are the two components that man is composed of?

Matter and form Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of self indicates that it can exist independently?

Self-contained and independent Signup and view all the answers

What is the essence of the phenomenological view of the self according to Merleau-Ponty?

The self is an amalgamation of body, thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'self-schema' refer to?

A collection of knowledge about who you are Signup and view all the answers

In Freud's perspective, which aspect affects the development of the self?

Cultural influences Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines 'private self' according to Carver and Scheier?

Internal standards, thoughts, and feelings Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the 'actual self' in self-awareness?

Your current state of being Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why self and identity are considered social products?

Culture and society play a role in shaping self-identity Signup and view all the answers

What does Marcel Mauss refer to as the 'MOI'?

The person's sense of who he is, including body and identity Signup and view all the answers

Which part of self does 'superego' relate to in Freud's theory?

Moral standards Signup and view all the answers

What effect can self-consciousness have on an individual?

It can lead to criticism from self and others Signup and view all the answers

In what manner does self adjust according to the external world?

By considering the territory and values of a particular place Signup and view all the answers

The term 'group identity' refers to which of the following?

An individual's self-identity influenced by groups Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by Mead and Vygotsky regarding self-development?

Language and interaction with others facilitate self-development Signup and view all the answers

How does gender influence self-perception?

It shapes self-perception based on societal roles and expectations Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates the influence of family on self-development?

A child learning table manners from their parents Signup and view all the answers

According to William James, what are the two aspects of self?

'I' and 'Me' Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is primarily influenced by trends and popular personalities?

Self-concept Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'PERSONNE' aspect of self refer to in Marcel Mauss' theory?

The way an individual behaves based on social expectations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Philosophical Perspectives on the Self

Name signifies individual identity and persists even after death.
Self represents a person's essence, the core of introspection and self-development.
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind, helping to explain behavior and improve decision-making.
Philosophy focuses on knowledge, reality, and existence, fostering problem-solving skills and conceptual analysis.

Key Philosophers and Their Views

Socrates: First philosopher to explore self; advocated self-examination and the belief that an unexamined life is not worth living.
Plato: Proposed three components of the soul: rational (intellect), spirited (emotion), and appetitive (desires).
Augustine: Emphasized virtues and the importance of living a moral life.
Thomas Aquinas: Adopted Aristotle's dualism of man as composed of matter ("hyle") and form ("morphe").
René Descartes: Father of modern philosophy; distinguished between body (mechanical) and mind (thinking).
David Hume: Introduced empiricism; defined self as a bundle of experiences derived from actions.
Immanuel Kant: Viewed self as a problem, highlighting the necessity of interaction for self-knowledge.
Gilbert Ryle: Suggested that self is understood through experiences and perceptions.
Maurice Merleau-Ponty: A phenomenologist who united body, thoughts, and emotions as one entity.

Self, Society, and Culture

Characteristics of Self:
- Separate: Unique identity, distinct from others.
- Self-Contained: Independent existence with personal thoughts and characteristics.
- Consistent: Enduring personality that persists over time.
- Unitary: Centralized thoughts and experiences focused within one individual.
- Private: Isolated inner world, potentially clashing with external reality.
Self and Culture: Adjustments made based on cultural values and circumstances; example includes Overseas Filipino Workers adapting to foreign employers.
Marcel Mauss’ Faces of Self:
- "Moi": Basic identity and biological givenness.
- "Personne": Social behavior and expectations influenced by institutions.
Self and Language: The mind is shaped through language and dialogues, influencing values and norms.
Self and Family: Family influences personal behaviors and dispositions; examples include inherited manners and values.
Self and Gender: Gender influences identity perception and societal roles; example includes traditional expectations of husband and wife.
Self and Society: Self-concept is shaped by societal trends, influences from social media, and peer behavior; example includes cosplay culture.

Cognitive Constructs of Self

William James' Concept of Self:
- "I": The acting and feeling self.
- "Me": The physical and psychological characteristics.
Carl Rogers' Self-Schema: Collection of knowledge about oneself.
- "I": The entity making decisions.
- "Me": The reflective self, thoughts and feelings.
Identity and Self-Concept: Identity comprises personal and social characteristics; self-concept is the immediate perception of oneself.

Freud's Perspective on Self

Conceived self as influenced by interaction, consisting of:
- ID: Instinctual desires and emotions.
- EGO: The decision-making mediator.
- SUPEREGO: The moral compass.

Self is a social product shaped by cultural, familial, and gender influences.
Interaction with others is crucial for reinforcing self-identity.
Social context defines personal values and importance.

Self-Awareness: Ability to understand one's needs and responses.
Self-Schema Types:
- Actual self: Current state of being.
- Ideal self: Aspirations and desired self-image.
- Ought self: Perceived obligations or expectations.
Self-Consciousness: Awareness of being observed by others, which can have both positive and negative effects on behavior.
Group Identity: Influenced by affiliations within groups or institutions, affecting self-perception and behavior.

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Description

Explore the concept of the self through various philosophical perspectives in this quiz. Discover how the notion of self serves as a fundamental signifier of identity and existence. This chapter provides a foundation for understanding personal identity and its enduring significance.