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Questions and Answers
What does sociology see the self as?
What does sociology see the self as?
What is Socrates' famous quote about life?
What is Socrates' famous quote about life?
The unexamined life is not worth living
Plato believed that the physical world is the real world.
Plato believed that the physical world is the real world.
False
Socrates believed that the care of the ______ is the task of philosophy.
Socrates believed that the care of the ______ is the task of philosophy.
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What did St. Augustine adopt from Plato regarding the self?
What did St. Augustine adopt from Plato regarding the self?
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According to Rene Descartes, what is the nature of the soul?
According to Rene Descartes, what is the nature of the soul?
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Descartes' famous phrase is 'Cogito ergo sum'.
Descartes' famous phrase is 'Cogito ergo sum'.
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What did John Locke believe about the self?
What did John Locke believe about the self?
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What are the three parts of the soul according to Plato?
What are the three parts of the soul according to Plato?
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Study Notes
Perspectives on the Self
- Sociology: Defines self as a product of social interactions, developed over time through various experiences.
- Anthropology: Views self as a culturally shaped construct influenced by societal context.
- Psychology: Considers self to possess distinct characteristics or properties that can be analyzed and described.
Socratic Philosophy
- Socrates, a foundational Greek philosopher, emphasized inquiry and self-examination.
- Famous quote: "The unexamined life is not worth living," promoting the significance of self-knowledge.
- Believed the true self transcends physical existence, highlighting the goal of life is to attain happiness.
- Asserts the importance of the soul, stating philosophy's role is the care of the soul and that virtue is essential for happiness.
Plato's Contributions
- Authored dialogues featuring Socrates, especially focused on "collection and division."
- Developed the Theory of Forms, arguing that the physical world is distinct from the true reality.
- Proposed three components of the soul:
- Appetitive: Seeks sensual pleasures and experiences.
- Rational: Pursues truth and reason, ideally governing the other elements.
- Spirited: Balances passion with rational thought, valuing honor and victory.
St. Augustine's Influence
- Known as one of the Latin Fathers of the Church, contributed significantly to Christian thought.
- Adopted Platonic views, asserting the self as an immaterial and rational soul.
- Proposed that self-knowledge and self-awareness are crucial for understanding one's true nature.
- Emphasized the dual nature of humans, encompassing both soul and body, and the potential for higher intellectual and spiritual pursuits.
René Descartes and Modern Philosophy
- French philosopher known as the father of modern Western philosophy.
- Utilized doubt as a method of inquiry, leading to the concept of methodological skepticism.
- Famous phrase: "Cogito ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), establishing the thinker as the essence of self.
- Claimed the self is an immaterial, constant essence that is unchanged by time.
Distinction Between Soul and Body (Descartes)
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Soul:
- Considered a conscious, thinking substance, consistent through time.
- Lacks physical composition, viewing itself entirely without division.
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Body:
- A material entity that transforms over time, subject to doubt and public scrutiny.
- Composed of quantifiable parts, essential to human experience.
John Locke’s View on Self
- Philosopher and physician who expanded on Descartes’ definition of the self.
- Defined self as a thinking entity characterized by its memories, suggesting that continuity of experience forms identity.
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Description
Explore the concept of the self through various lenses including sociology, anthropology, and psychology. This quiz delves into how different disciplines interpret the self and its characteristics, and also touches on Socratic philosophy and its impact on western thought. Test your knowledge on these diverse perspectives!
