Understanding the Self in Philosophy

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Questions and Answers

What is the original meaning of the word philosophy?

The original meaning of the word philosophy comes from the Greek roots philo- meaning "love" and -sophos, or "wisdom".

What are the three parts of the human soul according to Plato?

Conscious, Subconscious, and Unconscious

Rational, Spiritual, and Appetitive

Appetitive, Spirited, and Rational (correct)

Emotional, Intellectual, and Physical

According to Augustine, the soul jumps from one body to another after death.

False

What is the central idea of Thomas Aquinas' theory of self-knowledge?

Thomas Aquinas believed that all our experiences about the world around us determine our self-knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

In his theory, what did René Descartes claim about the mind and the body?

René Descartes, a key figure in modern philosophy, proposed dualism, asserting that reality is divided into two distinct parts: the mind and the physical body. He argued that the mind is somehow separate from the physical attributes of the body. Signup and view all the answers

According to Locke, what comprises our identity?

John Locke argued that our identity is tied to our consciousness, which he defined as the perception of our own thoughts and experiences. He believed that our memories are an essential part of our individual identity. Signup and view all the answers

David Hume believed that our sense of self is developed through our physical experiences.

True Signup and view all the answers

What was Immanuel Kant's view on the "self" as a mere combination of impressions?

Immanuel Kant criticized the idea of the self as merely a combination of impressions, suggesting it was problematic. He argued that these impressions are not simply random but organized and regulated by a mind that exists prior to experience. His view was a significant challenge to previous empiricist theories. Signup and view all the answers

How did Gilbert Ryle challenge the concept of the mind?

Gilbert Ryle disputed the concept of a separate mind. He argued that the idea of a mind existing independently of physical behaviors and actions was a "category mistake." Instead, he believed that our actions and behaviors are the primary indicators of our sense of self. He criticized dualism, which had been prominent in philosophical thought for many centuries. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of Paul Churchland's Eliminative Materialism?

Paul Churchland argued that the belief in a separate mind is a flawed concept. He proposed Eliminative Materialism, a philosophical theory that claims nothing but matter exists. His view suggests that our sense of self originates from our physical brain. Signup and view all the answers

What is Maurice Merleau-Ponty's perspective on the division between mind and body?

Maurice Merleau-Ponty opposed the traditional division between the mind and the body. He argued that they are so interconnected that they cannot be separated. Instead, he believed that consciousness is embodied and that our experiences and perceptions are grounded in our physical body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of self-conceptualizations as defined in the lesson?

Self-conceptualizations refer to how we understand and perceive ourselves, shaped by our perspectives, values, and experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Philosophy of the Self

This instructional material compiles reading materials for research and study of Understanding the Self.
The materials are credited to the authors and properly acknowledged.
The material is not for sale, and students are not allowed to reproduce or duplicate it.

Learning Objectives

Define the self based on a philosophical perspective.
Recognize similarities and differences in self-conceptualizations according to philosophical viewpoints.
Examine one's self against the different views of self discussed in class.

What is Philosophy?

Philosophy originates from Greek roots: philo- meaning "love" and -sophos meaning "wisdom."
Philosophy is the study of knowledge, or "thinking about thinking."
Philosophy investigates the ultimate nature of existence, reality, knowledge, and goodness.
Philosophy seeks to understand the nature of humanity and human behavior, beliefs.

The Philosophers

Socrates:
- Believed the highest form of human existence is questioning oneself and others.
- Emphasized "Know thyself."
- Argued that an unexamined life is not worth living.
- Believed the soul must be preserved for the afterlife, knowing virtues is critical.
- Pointed out that something seeming true doesn't necessarily make it true.
Plato:
- Believed in the immortality and separation of the soul from the body.
- The soul has three parts: appetitive, spirited, and rational.
- The soul lives in a body, and upon death, it moves onto another body.
- Proposed that justice is attained when the three parts of the soul work in harmony.
- The rational soul should govern, the spirited should control emotions, and the appetitive needs to be controlled.
Augustine:
- Believed the soul is immortal.
- Differed from Plato's view by emphasizing that the soul doesn't transfer to another body after death
- Emphasized the imperfect nature of the body and its longing for the spiritual realm.
- Believed the soul, through virtue and communion with God, reaches immortality.
Thomas Aquinas:
- Self-knowledge arises from experiences related to the world around us.
- Our experiences shape our awareness of the self.
- Understanding "who am I?" comes from self-reflection.
Rene Descartes:
- Considered the "Father of Modern Philosophy."
- A dualist, believing that reality is divided into mind and body.
- Discussed that the mind houses consciousness, drives, passions, and understanding.
- Introduced the famous "I think, therefore I am" (cogito ergo sum).
John Locke:
- Identity is consistent over time.
- Identity is linked to consciousness and personal memories, not physical attributes.
David Hume:
- Empiricist; only experiences of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell are how we know.
- Experiences make up impressions (originate from senses) and ideas.
- Proposed that awareness of our self arises from impressions combined.
- Provided examples of how we perceive the self, like experiencing cold or feeling love.
Immanuel Kant:
- Believed that a combination of impressions is problematic in defining the self.
- Argued that self-perception is regulated by principles that combine sensory impressions.
- Proposed the concept of inner and outer self.
Gilbert Ryle:
- Believed thinking of the self as separate from experiences was debatable.
- Pointed out that the mind is closely related to, if not identical to, the body.
- Argued that behavior and actions are critical to understand the self.
Paul Churchland:
- Believed that eliminative materialism is the proper view that self results from the physical brain.
- Physical brain experiences define the self.
- Rejected the notion of an imaginary mind separate from the physical brain.
Maurice Merleau-Ponty:
- Disagreed with the mind-body separation.
- The mind and body are inseparable in defining the self.
- Believed the physical body is integral to understanding the self.

Student Tasks (Page 28)

Choose a philosopher and defend why you agree with them most.
Choose a philosopher and defend why you disagree with them most.
Select two philosophers to create a Venn diagram to illustrate similarities and differences.

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Description

This quiz explores the philosophical perspectives on the self, emphasizing key concepts and differences in self-conceptualizations from various philosophers. Engage in defining your own understanding of the self while examining historical viewpoints to enrich your personal and academic insights.