Defining-the-Self-for-students (1).docx

Defining the Self: Personal and Developmental Perspective on Self and Identity UNDERSTANDING THE SELF WEEK 1 LESSON 1\ The Self from the various Philosophical Perspective Lesson Objectives At the end of this lesson, you should be able to: 1\. Philosophy and Concept of the self 2\. The Importa...

Defining the Self: Personal and Developmental Perspective on Self and Identity UNDERSTANDING THE SELF WEEK 1 LESSON 1\ The Self from the various Philosophical Perspective Lesson Objectives At the end of this lesson, you should be able to: 1\. Philosophy and Concept of the self 2\. The Importance and Benefits of philosophy 3\. Explain why is it essential to understand the self; 4\. Describe and discuss the different notions of the self from the points -- of -- view of the various philosophers across time and place. Ask yourself: 1\. How would you characterize your self? 2\. What makes you stand out from the rest? What makes your self special? 3\. How has your self transform itself? 4\. How is your self connected to your body? 5\. How is your self related to other selves? 6\. What will happen to your self after you die? These questions are designed to prompt deep reflection on various aspects of personal identity and the concept of the self. 1. How would you characterize your self? Purpose: This question encourages you to describe your self-identity, including your traits, values, beliefs, and experiences. It\'s about self-awareness and understanding who you are as a person. What it conveys: It seeks to explore how you see yourself, including your personality, characteristics, and self-perception. 2. What makes you stand out from the rest? What makes your self special? Purpose: This question is designed to help you identify and articulate your unique qualities and what distinguishes you from others. What it conveys: It emphasizes individuality and personal uniqueness, encouraging a sense of self-worth and recognition of your distinct attributes. 3. How has your self transformed itself? Purpose: This question aims to reflect on personal growth and change over time. It invites you to think about how you have evolved and what experiences have shaped you. What it conveys: It highlights the dynamic nature of the self, acknowledging that personal identity is not static but can change through experiences, learning, and development. 4. How is your self connected to your body? Purpose: This question explores the relationship between physical existence and self-identity. It encourages consideration of how your body influences your sense of self and vice versa. What it conveys: It delves into the mind-body connection, examining how physical appearance, health, and bodily experiences are intertwined with your identity. 5. How is your self related to other selves? Purpose: This question is meant to explore the social aspect of the self, including how relationships and interactions with others shape your identity. What it conveys: It emphasizes interconnectedness and the impact of social and relational contexts on your sense of self. 6. What will happen to your self after you die? Purpose: This existential question prompts reflection on beliefs about life, death, and what comes after. It encourages contemplation of the nature of the self beyond physical existence. What it conveys: It explores spiritual, religious, or philosophical beliefs about the continuity of the self, immortality, or the afterlife. \- The purpose of these questions is to encourage a comprehensive exploration of the concept of the self from multiple angles, including personal identity, uniqueness, transformation, physicality, social connections, and existential considerations. They are designed to promote introspection, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of what constitutes your self-identity. Or in other words \- These questions is to promote introspection and self-awareness by exploring different aspects of the self, including personal identity, uniqueness, transformation, physicality, social connections, and existential beliefs. ***Philosophy employs the inquisitive mind to discover the ultimate causes, reasons, and principles of everything.*** ***Finding answers to serious questions about ourselves and about the world we live in: we ask questions.*** In acquiring Knowledge basically we ask questions WHY? 1\. Like what is morally right and wrong and why? What are some controversial questions that we know of? like. -Same -- sex marriage, abortion or death penalty ***From these we ask is it right or wrong and why? And what are the basis that makes it right or wrong.*** Another question is? ***2. - Does GOD exist? And if does? WHO? HOW MANY?*** ***And the questions in Philosophy are not limited to these questions.*** ***What would you consider as good life?*** your rich but with no family, or poor but will loving and supportive family. \- The nature of the self is a topic of interest among philosophers \- The philosophical framework for understanding the self was first introduced by ancient Greek philosophers Socrates and Plato. PYTHAGORAS - FIRST to used the term Philosophy. Philosophy came from the Greek words, "Philos (Greek word for LOVE) and Sophia (GREEK WORD FOR WISDOM)" ***meaning "love for wisdom". Literally translated "LOVE OF WISDOM"*** Wisdom the ability to think and act utilizing knowledge, experience, understanding, discernment, insight and common sense -- coupled with just judgment as to action, or it is pursuit of knowledge and understanding. ***(the ability to separate truth from error, reality from illusion, and the subsequent discernment as to correct action.)*** ***Philosophy*** \- It is the study of acquiring knowledge through rational thinking and inquiries that involves in answering questions regarding the nature and existence of man and the world we live in. OR: philosophy is the study of big questions about life, the universe, and everything in it. It tries to understand things like what's real, what's right or wrong, and what our purpose is, using reason and critical thinking. or on simplest term: ***QUESTIONING EXISTING KNOWLEDGE AND INSTITUTIONS TO GET CLOSER TO THE TRUTH.*** ***WHY PHILOSOPHY ESSENTIAL TO UNDERSTANDING THE SELF*** ***-it gives emphasis on the rational thinking, critical inquiry, and exploring fundamental questions about existence, identity, and purpose. Philosophy gives us the tools to deeply understand who we are and why we exist.*** ***WHAT WILL YOU GET OUT OF PHILOSOPHY?*** There are certain skills that we can get out of Philosophy: \- Critical thinking \- Arguments skills \- Communication \- Reasoning \- Analysis \- Problem Solving Which will allow you to: Justify your opinions -- \*you should have reason in debates, arguments, valid explanation to justify your position. Spot a bad argument, no matter what the topic is \* We are fun of this, we used to med in some arguments especially when we see that they're wrong, Explain to people why they are wrong and you are right -- \*marites.....mahilig maki sawsaw, paano mo nasabi yun? Philosophy basically teaches you to think \* WE SHOULD KNOW HOW TO EVALUATE AND ASSESS INFORMATION ***THE SELF*** Before we even had to be in any formal institution of learning, among the many things that we were taught as kids is to articulate and write our names. Growing up, we were told to refer back to this name when talking about ourselves. Our parents painstakingly thought about our names. Should we be named after a famous celebrity, a respectable politician or historical personality, or even a saint? Our names represent who we are. It has not been a custom to just randomly pick a combination of letters and/ or numbers or punctuation marks. Like zhijk 756, to denote our being. Human beings attach names that are meaningful to birthed progenies because names are supposed to designate us in the world. Likewise, when our parents call our names we were taught to respond to them because our names represent WHO WE ARE. NOW, as a students you were told to always write your on your papers, projects, or any output for that matter. Our names signify us. Death cannot even stop this bond between the person and his/her name, and names are inscribed even into one's gravestones. A name is not the person itself no matter how intimately bound it is with the bearer. It is only a signifier. For example: a person named after a saint most probably will not become an actual saint. He may not even turn out to be saintly When someone says \"a name is just a signifier of the self,\" they are emphasizing that a name is a label or symbol that represents an individual, but it is not the entirety of who that person is. The term \"signifier\" comes from semiotics, a field of study that examines signs and symbols and their use or interpretation. Name as a Signifier: A name is a word or set of words by which a person is known. It is a signifier, meaning it signifies or stands for the person, or a symbol, a representation of somethings other than the true self \- is thought to be something else than the name. \- is something that a person perennially molds, shapes, and develop. \-\-\-- The "SELF" is not a static thing that one is simply born with like a mole in one's face or is just assigned by one's parents just like a name. Everyone is tasked to discover one's self. Have you truly discovered yours? ***FROM PSYCHOLOGIST POINT OF VIEW*** SELF -The self is the concept or perception of one's own identity. It includes: 1. Self-Concept: The ideas and beliefs we have about ourselves, such as our personality traits, abilities, and values. Example: introvert, empathetic, considerate, intelligent, honest 2. Self-Awareness: The recognition of oneself as a distinct individual, separate from others, with unique experiences and attributes. Example: weaknesses, strength and worth 3. Self-Esteem: The feelings and evaluations we have about ourselves, which can affect how we view our worth and capabilities. Examples: confidence, self -- respect, independence, resilience, optimism IN other words, the self is how we understand and experience who we are as individuals. The self is the individual\'s perception of their own identity, encompassing their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about who they are. (Ang sarili ay ang pananaw ng indibidwal tungkol sa kanilang sariling pagkakakilanlan, na sumasaklaw sa kanilang mga iniisip, nararamdaman, at paniniwala tungkol sa kung sino sila.) 1\. Perception of Identity: \- This means how you view and understand who you are. It\'s your personal interpretation of your identity. 2\. Encompassing Thoughts, Feelings, and Beliefs: \- Thoughts: These are the ideas and beliefs you have about yourself. For example, you might think of yourself as intelligent, creative, or hardworking. Feelings: These are your emotional responses related to yourself. For example, feeling proud of your achievements or feeling disappointed in your actions. Beliefs: These are the convictions or things you hold to be true about yourself. For example, believing you are kind-hearted or believing you can overcome challenges ***SELF -- DEFINITION*** ***- In essence, the self is a comprehensive view of your own identity that includes how you think about yourself, how you feel about yourself, and what you believe about yourself.*** ***OR*** ***- refers to how you see and understand yourself as an individual.*** ***IMPORTANCE*** \- Understanding the self is crucial for personal growth, mental health, and authenticity. It boosts self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and improves relationships. It also aids in better decision-making, resilience, and adaptability. In conclusion, understanding the self is key to a balanced and fulfilling life. ***Philosophical perspective of Various Philosophers across Time and Place*** The history of Philosophy is replete with men and women who inquired into the fundamental nature of Self. Along with the question of the primary Substratum that defines the multiplicity of things in the world, the inquiry on the Self has preoccupied the earliest thinkers in the history of Philosophy: The Greeks. The Greeks were the one who seriously questioned myths and move away from them in attempting to understand reality and respond to perennial questions of curiosity, including question of the Self. The different perspective and views on the Self can best be seen and understood by revisiting its prime movers and identify the most important conjectures made by Philosophers from the ancient times to the contemporary period. ***Philosophical Perspective*** PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE \- is a particular way of understanding and interpreting the world and our place in it, based on fundamental beliefs and concepts. OR \- In other words, a philosophical perspective is a specific viewpoint or approach to thinking about the nature of reality, existence, and knowledge. ***Different philosophical perspective*** 1. ***Realism*** - Belief in the existence of reality independent of perception. Example: \- A tree exists even if no one is there to see or feel it. The tree is real and present, even if no person can confirm its presence. (Ang isang puno ay umiiral kahit na walang tao na nakakakita o nakakaramdam nito. Ang puno ay totoo at naririyan, kahit na walang sino mang tao ang magpatunay na naroon ito.) Mountains, seas, and stars are there even if no one looks at or thinks about them (Ang mga bundok, dagat, at bituin ay naririyan kahit na walang tao ang tumingin o mag-isip tungkol dito.) Philosophers: Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas. ***2. Idealism*** - Belief that reality is mentally constructed or immaterial. \- (Idealismo: Isang pilosopikong pananaw na nagsasabi na ang katotohanan o realidad ay nabubuo sa ating isipan at hindi ito materyal. Sa madaling salita, naniniwala ang mga idealista na ang lahat ng bagay sa mundo ay produkto ng ating kamalayan at pag-iisip. \- Paniniwala na ang realidad ay mental na konstruksyon o hindi materyal.) Example: The notion that the physical world is a manifestation of the mind.\ (Ang ideya na ang pisikal na mundo ay isang manipestasyon ng isip.) \- Ang paniniwala na ang pisikal na mundo, tulad ng mga puno, bundok, at dagat, ay mga manipestasyon lamang ng ating pag-iisip at hindi tunay na umiiral sa labas ng ating mga isip. \- Ayon sa idealismo, ang mga karanasan natin at ang ating pag-unawa sa mundo ay bunga ng ating mental na aktibidad, at hindi natin maaaring malaman ang realidad nang hiwalay sa ating mga persepsyon at kaisipan. Philosophers: Plato, George Berkeley. ***3. Existentialism*** - Emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. (Eksistensyalismo: Binibigyang-diin ang indibidwal na pag-iral, kalayaan, at pagpili.) Example: The belief that individuals are responsible for giving their own lives meaning. (Ang paniniwala na ang mga indibidwal ay responsable sa pagbibigay ng kahulugan sa kanilang sariling buhay.) Ang paniniwala na ang bawat tao ay may kakayahan na magpasya kung ano ang tama at mali para sa kanilang sarili, nang walang pagsunod sa mga tradisyonal na paniniwala o moralidad na itinatag ng lipunan. Philosophers: Jean-Paul Sartre, Friedrich Nietzsche. ***4. Pragmatism*** - Focuses on the practical application of ideas by acting on them to actually test them in human experiences. (Nakatuon sa praktikal na aplikasyon ng mga ideya sa pamamagitan ng pag-aksiyon sa mga ito upang aktwal na masubukan sa mga karanasan ng tao.) Example: The idea that the truth of a theory or belief is determined by its success in practical application. \- Ang paniniwala na ang halaga ng isang edukasyon ay masusukat sa pamamagitan ng kung gaano kahusay na nagagamit ng mga mag-aaral ang kanilang natutunan sa totoong buhay. Sa halip na pag-aralan lamang ang teorya, binibigyang-halaga ang mga aktwal na aplikasyon tulad ng mga hands-on na proyekto, internships, at praktikal na pagsasanay. Sa pragmatismo, ang bisa at kahalagahan ng kaalaman ay sinusukat sa pamamagitan ng pagiging kapaki-pakinabang at epektibo nito sa pang-araw-araw na buhay at mga gawain.\ (Ang ideya na ang katotohanan ng isang teorya o paniniwala ay natutukoy sa pamamagitan ng tagumpay nito sa praktikal na aplikasyon.) Philosophers: William James, John Dewey. ***5. Phenomenology*** - Study of structures of consciousness as experienced from the first-person point of view. (Pag-aaral ng mga istruktura ng kamalayan ayon sa karanasan mula sa pananaw ng unang tao.) Example: Investigating how things appear to consciousness rather than questioning their objective reality. (Pagsisiyasat kung paano lumilitaw ang mga bagay sa kamalayan sa halip na kuwestiyunin ang kanilang obhetibong realidad.) \- Isipin natin ang isang tao na naglalakad sa isang parke at pumansin sa isang puno. Sa isang phenomenological na pag-aaral, hindi natin tinitingnan ang puno bilang isang bagay na may pisikal na mga katangian o bilang isang obhetibong realidad. Sa halip, ang pagtuon ay nasa kung paano ang puno ay lumilitaw sa kamalayan ng tao. Philosophers: Edmund Husserl, Martin Heidegger. ***6. Constructivism*** - Knowledge and reality are constructed through human activity and interaction. (Konstructibismo - Ang kaalaman at realidad ay binubuo sa pamamagitan ng aktibidad at pakikipag-ugnayan ng tao.) Example: The belief that scientific knowledge is constructed by scientists and not just a mere reflection of the world. (Ang paniniwala na ang siyentipikong kaalaman ay binubuo ng mga siyentipiko at hindi lamang isang tuwirang pagmuni-muni ng mundo.) (Ang isang pagdiriwang o ritwal sa isang komunidad ay hindi natural na umiiral, kundi binubuo sa pamamagitan ng pakikipag-ugnayan at kolaborasyon ng mga tao. Ang kahulugan nito ay nakasalalay sa kung paano ito nauunawaan at isinasagawa ng mga miyembro ng komunidad, kaya\'t patuloy itong umuunlad batay sa kanilang social na aktibidad.) Philosophers: Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky. IV\. 4. Describe and discuss the different notions of the self from the points -- of -- view of the ***various philosophers across time and place.*** I. ***SOCRATES***\ "AN UNEXAMINED LIFE IS NOT WORH LIVING" 1. ***Socrates\' Focus on Self-Knowledge*** ***SOCRATES' (dualistic nature of the self)*** ***- every man is DUALISTIC*** \- composed of two (2) parts \- the BODY and SOUL ***BODY*** ***SOUL*** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Socrates the body is the IMPERFERCT and IMPERMANENT ASPECT of human person To Socrates the soul is the PERFECT AND PERMANENT ASPECT of human person 4. ***Dichotomy between Body and Soul*** \- Dichotomous - divides the self into the body and the soul, \- The body can be seen as a temporary vessel. \- The soul is the true essence of a person, enduring beyond physical life. ***TWO (2) DICHOTOMOUS REALMS*** +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | ***PHYSICAL REALM*** | ***IDEAL REALM*** | +===================================+===================================+ | \- tangible, changeable, | \- intangible, unchanging, | | transient and imperfect | eternal and immortal | | | | | \- the body belongs to this realm | \- the soul belongs to this realm | | | | | (earth) | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ ***Implications of Socrates\' Dualism*** How this view influences ethical and moral considerations \- Importance of nurturing the soul through virtue and wisdom. \- Less emphasis on physical pleasures and material wealth. ***What made Socrates a REALIST/NATURALIST*** \- Socrates is a realist because he believed in the existence of objective truths and universal values that could be discovered through reason and philosophical inquiry. His commitment to the idea that concepts like justice and virtue have real, unchanging definitions, along with his use of the Socratic Method to uncover these truths, reflects his realist stance. Additionally, his distinction between the body and the soul and the influence of the Theory of Forms align with the realist view of a reality that transcends subjective perception. ***SOCRATES MAIN CONCERN*** \- The main concern of Socrates about the self was the cultivation of the soul through self-knowledge, virtue, and moral excellence. He believed that understanding and caring for the soul, striving for virtue, and living an examined life were essential for achieving true happiness and fulfillment. Socrates\' emphasis on self-examination and ethical inquiry highlights his belief that the health of the soul is paramount and that a life dedicated to wisdom and virtue is the highest good. \- In the simplest terms, Socrates\' main concern about the self was understanding and improving one\'s soul by seeking wisdom and living a virtuous life. II. ***PLATO -- " The Soul Is Immortal"*** ***A student of Socrates*** ***was born in Athens around 428/427 BCE.*** ***\*A student of Socrates and later a teacher of Aristotle, he founded the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world.*** \- Founder of the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning. \- Influential works include \"The Republic,\" \"The Allegory of the Cave,\" and \"The Symposium. \- \"Significance in philosophy: Contributions to metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and political theory. \- Founder of the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning. \- Influential works include \"The Republic,\" \"The Allegory of the Cave,\" and \"The Symposium. \- \"Significance in philosophy: Contributions to metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and political theory. ***Key Contributions*** ***1. Theory of Forms:*** \- Plato proposed that beyond the physical world lies a realm of perfect, immutable Forms or Ideas, which are the true reality. ***2. Epistemology:*** \- He distinguished between the world of senses (perceived through the senses and always changing) and the world of Forms (understood through reason and eternal). ***3. Ethics:*** \- Plato believed that knowledge of the good leads to virtuous behavior and that the philosopher, who understands the Forms, especially the Form of the Good, is best suited to lead society. ***4. Political Philosophy:*** \- In his work \"The Republic,\" Plato outlined his vision of an ideal state ruled by philosopher-kings, where justice is achieved through a well-ordered society reflecting the tripartite structure of the soul. ***5. Metaphysics:*** \- Plato\'s dualistic approach separates the material world from the eternal world of Forms, influencing subsequent metaphysical thought. ***Explanation of the Theory of Forms***: \- The material world is a shadow of the true reality, which is the world of Forms or Ideas. \- Forms are perfect, immutable, and eternal concepts or ideals that exist in the realm of being. \- Everything in the physical world is an imperfect representation of these Forms. \- As a student, he followed his master and supported the idea that every man is DUALISTIC , only that he believed in the existence of the ***MIND And SOUL*** ***NOT ONLY PLATO AGREED, BUT HE ALSO ADDED THAT THERE ARE THREE (3) COMPONENTS OF THE SOUL.*** ***The Rational Soul- (Logistikon)*** ***The Spirited Soul- (Thymoeides)*** ***The Appetitive Soul - (Epithymetikon)*** ***The Tripartite Soul*** Description of the Three Parts of the Soul: - Rational Part: Seeks truth and knowledge; governs the other parts. - Spirited Part: Associated with emotions and actions, like courage and honor. - Appetitive Part: Desires bodily pleasures and material needs +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | ***The Rational Soul- | ***The Spirited Soul- | ***The Appetitive | | (Logistikon)*** | (Thymoeides)*** | Soul - | | | | (Epithymetikon*** | +=======================+=======================+=======================+ | - Govern our | - Deals more on | - Deals with bodily | | intellect and | reflective | desires such as; | | reason | passion | | | | | - Hunger, thirst, | | - Seeks truth and | - In charge of | lust, | | logical thinking. | emotions | | | | | | | - Devine essence | - Deals with | | | that enables us | passion that are | | | to think deeply, | embodied such as: | | | make wise | anger, fear, | | | choices, and | sadness, | | | achieve a true | happiness and | | | understanding of | envy. | | | eternal truth. | | | | | - The drive that | | | - Thinking soul. | distinguishes the | | | | self | | | - | | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ FOR PLATO, WHEN THESE THREE COMPONENTS OF THE SOUL ARE BALANCED, IDEAL STATE IS ATTAINED, AND THEN THE HUMAN PERSON'S SOUL BECOMES JUST AND VIRTUOUS. ***Harmony of the soul*** \-- A just soul is one where the rational part rules, with the spirited part supporting it, and the appetitive part obeying. \- This internal harmony leads to a just and virtuous life. ***- Plato believes that the harmony of the soul, where the rational part leads, the spirited part supports, and the appetitive part follows, is essential for achieving justice, virtue, personal fulfillment, and ethical living. This balance ensures a well-ordered, peaceful, and happy life.*** \- these three (3) elements of ourselves are in a dynamic relationship with one another, and sometimes in conflict. \- when conflict occurs, he believes that it is the responsibility of our RATIONAL SOUL to sort things out and exert control, restoring a harmonious relationship among the three (3) elements of our selves. ***- Plato believes that genuine happiness can only be achieved by people who consistently make sure that their Reason is in control of THEIR SPIRITS AND APPETITES*** ***The Immortality of the Soul*** 1. ***Plato's Belief in the Soul's Immortality***: - The soul pre-exists before birth and lives on after the death of the body. - The process of learning is seen as recollection of the knowledge the soul had before birth (Theory of Recollection). - ***Quote Integration: \"The Soul Is Immortal\" -- Plato*** 2. ***Self-Knowledge*** 3. ***Purification of the Soul*** \- that the mind and the soul is given in perfection with GOD ***Main Concerned of Plato*** ***The Ideal Self, the Perfect Self*** - The main concern of Plato in relation to the self is the cultivation and harmony of the soul, where reason governs, leading to a just and virtuous life. He emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge, self-discipline, and the pursuit of the Forms (especially the Form of the Good) for achieving true fulfillment and ethical living. - \- The Ideal Self, the Perfect Self - \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--SOUL\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-- III. ***ARISTOTLE: " THE SOUL IS THE ESSENCE OF THE SELF"*** - Student of Plato - The BODY and SOUL are not two separate elements but are one thing - The SOUL is simply the FORM of the BODY and is not capable of existing without the body. Or the soul is inseparable with the body. - The soul makes a person a person. The soul is the ESSENCE of the self. - He believed that the rational nature of the self is to lead a good, flourishing and fulfilling life. - Without the body, the soul cannot exist. The soul dies along with the body. ***According to ARISTOTLE:*** ***"Soul and Body, I suggest react sympathetically upon each other. A change in the state of the soul produces a change in the shape of the body and conversely, a change in the shape of the body produces a change in the state of the soul."*** ***- Anything with life has soul*** ***- his discussion about the self centers on the kinds of soul possessed by a man.*** ***- these are;*** ***Aristotle: 3 Kind of Souls*** 1. ***VEGETATIVE SOUL*** -- ( reproduction. Growth) The vegetative soul has the capacity for ***growth*** and ***reproduction*** but does not have the capacity to receive and react to sense impressions or the capacity for rational thought. ***(the type of soul possessed by plants.)*** 2. ***SENSITIVE SOUL*** -- (Mobility, sensation) Has the capacity to receive and react to sense impressions but does not have a capacity for rational thought. ***(the type of soul possessed by nonhuman animals)*** 3. ***RATIONAL SOUL*** -- (Thought, Reflection) Has the capacity for rational/intellect thought. Makes man human. ***Thought, Reflection*** ***(the type of soul possessed by human beings)*** IV. ***Augustine: "\"The Soul and the Self in Relation to God"*** - St. Augustine was born on November 13, 354 AD, in Thagaste, which is present-day Souk Ahras, Algeria. - His birth date is significant in the Christian calendar and often marked in liturgical celebrations. ***BODY*** ***SOUL*** -------------------------------- ------------------------------------------- ***THE BODY IS BOUND TO DIE*** ***AND THE SOUL DESIRES TO BE WITH GOD*** ***The SELF HAS AN IMMORTAL SOUL*** ➔The physical body is different from and inferior to its immortal soul. Immortal Soul: Augustine believed that the soul is immortal and that it is the true essence of the self. He considered the physical body to be temporary and inferior in comparison to the soul, which is eternal and central to one\'s identity.Body vs. Soul: Augustine viewed the body as a temporary vessel for the soul. While the body is important for earthly life, it is not as fundamental to the self as the soul, which defines a person's true identity and relationship with God MORE ON RELIGIOUS ASPECTS ***" KNOWLEDGE CAN ONLY COME BY SEEING THE TRUTH THAT DWELLS WITH IN US"*** The truth that pertains in this statement is of KNOWING GOD Knowledge of God: Augustine asserted that true knowledge comes from understanding and seeing the truth that is revealed within the soul. For him, this truth pertains to knowing God and aligning one\'s life with divine wisdom.Internal Truth: Augustine believed that inner contemplation and the guidance of divine grace allow individuals to grasp higher truths and achieve a deeper understanding of God. This introspective approach to knowledge reflects his emphasis on the soul's relationship with God. MAIN CONCERN St. Augustine\'s main concern with the soul was about understanding its nature, its role in personal identity, its immortality, and its ultimate fulfillment through divine connection. The soul was central to his thoughts on morality, knowledge, and the relationship between humans and God. THE SOUL V. ***RENE DESCARTES -- "I AM DOUBTING, THEREFORE I AM"*** ***Birth:*** ***Where: René Descartes was born in La Haye en Touraine, France.*** ***Date: March 31, 1596.*** ***Famous For:*** ***\"Cogito, ergo sum\":*** Descartes is best known for his philosophical statement \"***Cogito, ergo sum\" (\"I think, therefore I am\").*** This assertion is a fundamental element of his philosophy, emphasizing the act of thinking as proof of one\'s existence. Rationalism: He is considered a key figure in the development of rationalism, a philosophical approach that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge. ***Significant Contributions:*** ***Philosophy:*** ***Method of Doubt***: Descartes developed a method of systematic doubt, where he questioned everything that could possibly be doubted to find a foundation for certain knowledge. This approach led him to conclude that the act of doubting itself confirmed the existence of the self as a thinking being. ***Dualism:*** He introduced the concept of mind-body dualism, which distinguishes between the mind (a non-material, thinking substance) and the body (a material, extended substance). This distinction has been influential in discussions about consciousness and the nature of reality. ***Mathematics:*** ***Cartesian Coordinate System***: Descartes made significant contributions to mathematics, particularly through the development of the Cartesian coordinate system. This system, which uses algebraic equations to describe geometric shapes, laid the groundwork for analytical geometry. ***Algebraic Geometry:*** His work in algebraic geometry helped bridge the gap between algebra and geometry, influencing future developments in mathematics. ***Scientific Method:*** Empirical Approach: Descartes advocated for a methodical approach to scientific inquiry based on deduction and rational analysis, influencing the development of the modern scientific method. In his famous piece, The Meditations of First Philosophy, he claims that there is so much that we should doubt. But in the end, Descartes thought that the only thing that one cannot doubt is the existence of the self. He also said that if one doubts the existence of the self, for even if one doubts oneself, that only proves that there is a doubting self. Thus, his famous line, Cogito Ergo Sum, "I think therefore, I am." ***MAIN CONCERNED*** - Descartes\' main concern about the self was to establish its existence and nature through the process of rational thought. He focused on the self as a thinking being, distinct from the body, and sought to find a secure foundation for knowledge based on this self-awareness. His work in mind-body dualism and rationalism was central to his exploration of the self. - OR - Descartes\' main concern about the self was to prove its existence as a thinking being, distinct from the body, through rational thought. He aimed to find a certain foundation for knowledge by exploring the self's nature and its relationship with the mind and body. -