Questions and Answers
What is the significance of understanding the self?
Understanding the self helps individuals explore their identity and personal beliefs.
Which philosopher believed that the true self is the rational part of ourselves?
Plato described the soul as having three parts: reason, desire, and spirit.
True
In what way did Augustine of Hippo define a man?
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René Descartes is known as the father of _____ philosophy.
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According to John Locke, what is necessary for the self to develop?
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David Hume asserted that the self does not exist.
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What did Immanuel Kant propose about the self?
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What was Gilbert Ryle's stance on the metaphysical self?
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Study Notes
Understanding the Self
- The question "Who are you?" prompts self-reflection and can be answered in multiple ways, emphasizing its significance in personal identity exploration.
Mind-Body Duality
- The mind consists of spiritual essence, existing in the metaphysical realm.
- The body is seen as physical material, existing in the empirical world.
- Duality highlights a "perfect soul" opposing an "imperfect body."
- Thoughts and truth are regarded as superior to sensory perceptions, which may be deceptive.
Philosophical View of Self
Socrates
- Proposed that the true self is the soul, linked to rationality.
- Emphasized self-knowledge through inquiry, using the Socratic method to challenge assumptions.
Plato
- Expanded on Socratic ideas, describing the soul as comprised of three parts: reason, desire, and spirit.
- Suggested that intellect and reason define the true self.
Augustine of Hippo
- Described humans as a union of soul and body, akin to the Holy Trinity.
- Asserted knowledge of oneself is equivalent to the knowledge of God.
René Descartes
- Considered the father of modern philosophy and introduced mind-body dualism.
- Argued that true self is found within the soul and accessible through scientific inquiry.
John Locke
- Believed consciousness constitutes the self, providing a sense of temporal continuity.
- Affirmed the self emerges from experiences, considering newborns as "blank slates" (tabula rasa).
David Hume
- Suggested the self is an idea formed by a collection of perceptions; it is a temporary designation.
- Contended that the self, as a constant entity, does not exist.
Immanuel Kant
- Introduced the concept of a transcendental self that organizes sensory experiences and knowledge.
Gilbert Ryle
- Dismissed the metaphysical self, arguing for a more practical approach focused on observable behavior.
Edmund Husserl & Maurice Merleau-Ponty
- Explored phenomenology, emphasizing the embodied experience of self and perception in relation to the world.
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Description
This quiz explores the concept of self from various perspectives, inviting you to reflect on the question, 'Who are you?' It aims to deepen your understanding of personal identity and self-concept as discussed in GEC 101. Prepare to engage with multiple viewpoints that shape our understanding of the self.
