Understanding the Self - GE 1 Prelim Exam Review

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Questions and Answers

What does John Locke propose as the basis of personal identity?

Consciousness and memory (correct)

Spiritual awareness

Emotional stability

Social interaction

Which philosopher emphasized that self-knowledge primarily involves understanding one's values and actions?

Freud

Gilbert Ryle

Plato (correct)

David Hume

What concept does Maurice Merleau-Ponty emphasize in his philosophy regarding the self?

Rational thought and existence

The id and unconscious desires

Embodiment of the self (correct)

Dualism of mind and body

In Freud's theory, what is the id primarily associated with?

Unconscious impulses Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher criticized Cartesian Dualism for creating conceptual confusion?

Gilbert Ryle Signup and view all the answers

According to George Herbert Mead, what are the two sides of the self?

I and Me Signup and view all the answers

What does Foucault suggest about human power and discipline?

It results in increased self-discipline Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'generalized others' refer to in Mead's theory?

The societal norms and values external to oneself Signup and view all the answers

What does reflexivity in modernization primarily refer to?

Critical self-awareness and adaptation to societal changes Signup and view all the answers

Which anthropologist emphasized cultural diversity as fundamental to understanding differences in human behavior?

Franz Boas Signup and view all the answers

How does psychology differ from anthropology in terms of their focus on self?

Psychology considers the self in isolation, while anthropology sees it intertwined with society. Signup and view all the answers

What concept proposed by Marcel Mauss describes how the idea of self changes based on context?

The concept of self evolving with time and space Signup and view all the answers

What does individualism in cultural orientation emphasize?

Assertiveness and independence Signup and view all the answers

According to Dacher Keltner, how does wealth influence empathy?

Wealthier individuals tend to become less empathic. Signup and view all the answers

Which anthropologist is associated with symbolic anthropology, focusing on the meanings of cultural objects?

Clifford Geertz Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Western cultures in terms of self-perception compared to other cultures?

They emphasize personal achievement and individualism. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Freud's Theory of Personality

Personality is composed of three interacting systems: the id (unconscious impulses), ego, and superego.
The unconscious mind influences decision-making without conscious awareness.

Philosophical Perspectives on Self

John Locke identifies consciousness and memory as key to personal identity.
Socrates asserts that self-knowledge is the foundation of wisdom.
David Hume views the self as unreliable and ever-changing.
Plato emphasizes self-knowledge through awareness of actions and values.
Gilbert Ryle critiques Cartesian Dualism for misunderstanding the separation of mind and body.
Descartes posits that rational thought ("Cogito, Ergo Sum") affirms existence as separate from the physical world.
St. Augustine links self-development with spiritual growth.
Immanuel Kant discusses transcendental apperception as a means to connect sensations and perceptions.

Identity Theories

Paul M. Churchland's Identity Theory equates the mind with brain states.
Maurice Merleau-Ponty rejects dualism, highlighting the unity of mind and body.
Ryle characterizes self as a pattern of behavior.

George Herbert Mead outlines "I" (subjective self) and "Me" (social self) as dual aspects of the self.
Foucault argues that power dynamics shape self-discipline.
Modern lifestyles significantly influence individual behavior, values, and identities.
Mead's play stage includes role-playing essential for self-development.

Sociology and Anthropology

Sociology studies society and dynamics, derived from "socius" (Latin for companion) and "logos" (Greek for study).
Globalization introduces diverse identities, challenging traditional norms.
Reflexivity in modernization involves adapting to societal changes with critical self-awareness.

Anthropological Contributions

Franz Boas, the "Father of Modern Cultural Anthropology," focused on cultural diversity influencing behavior.
Claude Levi-Strauss introduced structuralism in anthropology.
Margaret Mead argued that gender roles are culturally constructed.
Clifford Geertz emphasized the significance of symbolic meanings in culture.
Marcel Mauss indicated that concepts of self vary across time and space.

Self in Cultural Context

The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis explores the interplay between culture and language.
Personhood in anthropology is defined by adherence to societal norms.
Psychology centers on the egocentric self, contrasting with anthropology's socio-centric view.
Wealth correlates with decreased empathy, revealing social class influences on cultural attitudes.

Cultural Orientation

Individualism denotes assertiveness and independence, standing in contrast to group conformity.
Western cultures promote personal achievement through the development of an independent self-system.
Psychological anthropology examines self within cultural and societal frameworks, rather than isolation.
Cultural differences illustrate varying independent and interdependent self-perceptions across global groups.

Symbolic Anthropology

Clifford Geertz explored the symbolic meanings associated with cultural objects.
The article "Beyond the East-West Dichotomy" highlights differing self-concepts in cultural anthropology.

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Description

This quiz reviews key theories of personality and self-identity, including insights from Freud, Locke, Socrates, Hume, and Plato. It focuses on their concepts regarding the ego, superego, identity, and the nature of self-knowledge. Prepare to test your understanding of these foundational philosophies.