Understanding the Self: Course Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does the concept of 'Gestalt' imply in the context of phenomenology of perception?

That parts are more important than the whole.

The whole is different from the sum of its parts.

That perception is solely based on subjective experience.

The whole is the sum of its parts. (correct)

Which aspect is NOT a division of the 'Phenomenology of Perception'?

The People and the World

The Social Self (correct)

The Body

The Perceived World

Which of the following does NOT fall under the concept of the 'Self' as described in the content?

Political Self

Digital Self

Aesthetic Self (correct)

Spiritual Self

What is one of the learning outcomes related to managing and caring for the self?

To understand the theoretical underpinnings of self-management. Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is emphasized for students aiming for success?

Setting goals for success. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Philosophy' primarily refer to?

The love of wisdom and rational thinking Signup and view all the answers

What is the Socratic Method primarily characterized by?

Asking questions to reach understanding Signup and view all the answers

According to Plato, which of the following is NOT one of the three parts of the soul?

Emotional Signup and view all the answers

What is a central principle of Socrates' philosophy regarding self-knowledge?

Knowing oneself leads to true happiness Signup and view all the answers

How did St. Augustine perceive the relationship between man and God?

Understanding oneself is essential to understanding God Signup and view all the answers

What does philosophy primarily rely on for acquiring knowledge?

Rational thinking and reflection Signup and view all the answers

What is echoed in both Socratic and Augustine's perspectives on self-knowledge?

Self-reflection is essential for true knowledge Signup and view all the answers

Plato is considered the 'Father of the Academy' primarily for his contributions in which area?

Political philosophy and governance Signup and view all the answers

Who is known for the phrase 'Cogito Ergo Sum'?

Rene Descartes Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is associated with the concept of 'Tabula Rasa'?

John Locke Signup and view all the answers

What does David Hume argue about the concept of self?

The self is the sum of one's impressions. Signup and view all the answers

Immanuel Kant introduced the term 'Transcendental Apperception' to address which philosophical issue?

The multi-faceted nature of consciousness. Signup and view all the answers

What concept does Sigmund Freud use to categorize aspects of personality?

Id, Ego, Super Ego Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher argued against the dualism of mind and body with the idea of 'ghost in the machine'?

Gilbert Ryle Signup and view all the answers

Paul Churchland is known for advocating which philosophical perspective?

Eliminative Materialism Signup and view all the answers

What primary theme does Maurice Merleau-Ponty explore?

Existentialism and phenomenology. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding the Self: Course Content

This course focuses on various conceptualizations of the Self from various disciplinary perspectives.
The course is divided into three units:
- Unit 1: Self in Various Perspectives
  - Philosophical
  - Sociological
  - Anthropological
  - Psychological
  - Self in Western and Eastern Perspective
- Unit 2: Unpacking the Self
  - Physical Self
  - Sexual Self
  - Material and Economical Self
  - Spiritual Self
  - Political Self
  - Digital Self: Self and others in Cyberspace
- Unit 3: Managing and Caring for the Self
  - Learning to be a Better Student
  - Setting Goals for Success
  - Taking Charge of One’s Health

Philosophy

It originates from the Greek words "Philo" (love) and "Sophia" (wisdom), signifying the "love of wisdom."
It delves into the study of knowledge and involves "thinking about thinking".
It uses rational thinking and inquiries to answer questions about the nature and existence of humanity and the world.
Philosophy primarily relies on reflection, rather than experimentation.

Self in Philosophy

Socrates:
- Emphasized the importance of "Knowing oneself."
- Believed that true happiness could be achieved through self-knowledge.
- Advocated for the Socratic Method, a process of questioning and self-reflection.
Plato:
- Divided the self into the "Body" and the "Soul."
- He proposed three parts to the soul:
  - Appetitive (desires and cravings)
  - Spirited (emotions and courage)
  - Rational (reason and intellect)
St. Augustine:
- Believed in a God who encompasses everything.
- His view of the self relies on our understanding of God and how we are patterned to God's likeness.
- He rejected the doubtfulness of the academy, advocating for personal inquiry beyond external knowledge.
Rene Descartes:
- Known as the father of modern philosophy.
- Developed the concept of modern dualism and methodical doubt.
- Famous for his statement "Cogito Ergo Sum" ("I think therefore, I am").
John Locke:
- Known as the father of liberalism.
- He proposed the "Tabula Rasa," a blank slate theory, suggesting we are born without inherent knowledge, and our experiences shape our identity.
David Hume:
- Believed that the "self" is a collection of different impressions.
- Argued that there is no permanent "self" because it constantly changes based on our current perceptions and experiences.
Immanuel Kant:
- Responded to Hume's work by suggesting that there is a unifying force within our experiences that binds our idea of self.
- He introduced "Transcendental Apperception" to explain how our brains organize and synthesize experiences, giving us a sense of continuity and stability.
Sigmund Freud:
- Developed Psychoanalysis.
- Divided consciousness into:
  - Conscious (aware of)
  - Pre-conscious (accessible)
  - Unconscious (hidden)
- He proposed three aspects of personality:
  - Id (primitive, instincts)
  - Ego (mediator between Id and Super-ego)
  - Super-ego (moral compass, values)
Gilbert Ryle:
- Believed that the "self" is the behavior a person presents.
- Rejected the separation of mind and body.
- Rejected the idea of a "ghost in the machine" (the notion that there is a separate and hidden "self").
Paul Churchland:
- Proposed that the "self" can be defined by the movements of the brain.
- Supported a "philosophy of eliminative materialism" which argues that all mental states can be reduced to physical states.
- His work led to the field of Neurophilosophy, which focuses on the relationship between the brain and consciousness.
Maurice Jean Jacques Merleau-Ponty:
- Argued that the body and mind are one and the same.
- Developed "phenomenology of perception" which emphasizes the interconnectedness between our body, our perception of the world, and our interactions with others.

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Description

Explore the comprehensive course on the Self, examining various perspectives including philosophical, sociological, and psychological approaches. This course is divided into units that focus on unpacking the different aspects of self and managing personal growth and health.