Understanding The Self (UTS) HUPS 111 PDF

UNDERSTANDING THE SELF (UTS) HUPS 111 Lesson 2 The Philosophical Perspective of Self Agenda for Today: 1. Explain the role of philosophy in understanding the concept of self; 2. Discuss the different concepts of the self from the philosophical perspective...

UNDERSTANDING THE SELF (UTS) HUPS 111 Lesson 2 The Philosophical Perspective of Self Agenda for Today: 1. Explain the role of philosophy in understanding the concept of self; 2. Discuss the different concepts of the self from the philosophical perspective; 3. Differentiate the various concepts of the self and identify their similarities; Philosophical Perspectives The perspective of “MONISM” and “DUALISM” Monism View man as a unified organism of great complexity and varied function. It also reject the notion that man is composed of a mind and a body which interact (a weak form of dualism), but rather emphasizes man’s absolutely basic unit. Dualism A philosophical view which holds that mental phenomena are, at least in certain aspects, not physical phenomena, or that the min and body are distinct and separable from one another The views of prominent philosophers regarding the true nature of Perspective self Socrates An unexamined life is not worth living Dualism Plato The self is an immortal soul Dualism Aristotle The soul is the essence of the self St. Augustine The self has an immortal soul Dualism René Descartes I think therefore I am Dualism John Locke The self is consciousness David Hume There is no self Immanuel Kant We construct the self Dualism Sigmund Freud The self is multilayered Dualism Gilbert Ryle The self is the way people behave Monism Paul Churchland The self is the brain Monism Maurice Merleau-Ponty The self is embodied subjectivity Monism Things to Remember! Reason- Our divine essence that enables us to think deeply, make wise choices, and achieve a true understanding of eternal truths. Physical appetite- Our basic psychological needs such as, hunger, thirst, and sexual desire.  Spirit or Passion- Our basic emotions such as love, anger, ambition, aggressiveness, and empathy. Vegetative soul- Includes the physical body that can grow. Sentient soul- Includes sensual desires, feelings, and emotions. The Philosophers Group Activity! 1. Group yourselves by pair or threes. 2. You will be assigned to a certain “Philosopher” 3. Search something about that Philosopher. 4. Make it short. It can be one sentence only. 5. Write your answers on ¼ sheet of paper. Group Activity! 6. You should have different answers from each other. 7. One representative from each group will be called to share an answer. Group Activity! 1. St. Augustine 2. Plato 3. John Locke 4. Aristotle 5. René Descartes 6. Socrates 1. ELLEN G. WHITE To know oneself is great knowledge. Self- knowledge leads to humility and to trust in God, but it does not take the place of efforts for self- improvement. He who realizes his own deficiencies will spare no pains to reach the highest possible standard of physical, mental, and moral excellence. 2. SOCRATES An unexamined life is not worth living. For Socrates the self is synonymous with the soul. He believes that every human possesses an immortal soul that survives the physical body. Socrates was the first to focus on the full power of reason on the human self; who we are, who we should be, and who we will become. He suggests that reality consists of two dichotomous realms: Physical realm – changeable, transient, and imperfect. It includes the body and the physical world in which man lives. Ideal realm – unchanging, eternal, and immortal. It includes the soul and the intellectual essences of the universe, concepts such as truth, goodness, and beauty. Socrates explains that the essence of the self– the soul–is the immortal entity. The soul strives for wisdom and perfection, and reason is the soul’s tool to achieve this exalted state.  The individual person can have a meaningful and Socrates suggests happy life only if he that man must becomes virtuous and live an examined knows the value of life and a life of himself that can be purpose and achieved through value. For him, an incessant soul-searching. unexamined life is He must begin at the not worth living. source of all knowledge and significance–the self. Introspection – the Socratic method, a method of carefully examining one’s thoughts and emotions – to gain self-knowledge Integration QUESTION #1! Socrates suggested that our reality is composed of two realms; the Physical realm and the Ideal Realm. Ideal realm is composed of A. Unchanging Things B. Soul C. Both A and B D. None of the Above Integration QUESTION #2! This is a Socratic method of understanding oneself or gaining self-awareness. Ideal realm is composed of A. Self-searching B. Introspection C. Reflection D. Understanding the self 3. Plato The Self is an immortal soul He introduces the idea of a three-part soul/self: 1. Reason – the divine essence that enables us to think deeply, make wise choices, and achieve a true understanding if eternal truths. 2. Physical Appetite – includes our basic biological needs such as hunger, thirst, and sexual desire. 3. Spirit/Passion – includes basic emotions such as love, anger, ambition, aggressiveness, and empathy. These three elements of ourselves are in a dynamic relationship with one another, sometimes in conflict. When conflict occurs, Plato believes it is the responsibility of reason to sort things out and exert control, restoring a harmonious relationship among the three elements of ourselves. Further, 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.  This harmonious integration under the control of Reason is the essence of Plato’s concept of justice. As such, if man lives in accordance to his nature, then he is giving justice to his existence.  Plato goes on to elaborate his ideas about the soul. In his Theory of Forms, he introduces the concepts of the two worlds: 1. World of Forms (non-physical ideas) – real and permanent. 2.World of Sense (reality) – temporary and only a replica of the ideal world. Plato claims that the sensible world is dependent on the ideal world where the concept of the soul belongs. Since the soul is regarded as something permanent, man should give more importance to it than the physical body which resides in the world of sense. Integration QUESTION #3! Plato introduced the three parts of the soul or the self. The three parts include A. Reason, Physical Appetite, Character B. Reason, Character, Strength C. Spirit, Physical Appetite, Reason D. Passion, Reason, Character Integration QUESTION #4! According to Plato, when conflict occurs within the elements of self, he believes that this element should take control and sort things out. A. Character B. Strength C. Spirit D. None of the above Integration QUESTION #5! In his theory of forms, which world does the soul or other permanent things reside? A. World of Sense B. World of Gumball C. World of Namec D. World of Forms 4. ARISTOTLE Aristotle holds that the soul is the essence of all living things. Thus, the soul is the essence of the self. However, humans differ from the other living things because of their capacity for rational thinking. His discussion about the self centers on the kinds of soul possessed by man.  He introduces the three kinds of soul: Vegetative soul: includes the physical body that can grow. Sentient soul: includes the sensual desires, feelings, and emotions. Rational soul: includes the intellect that allows man to know and understand things. It is what makes man human. Aristotle suggests that the rational nature of the self is to lead a good, flourishing, and fulfilling life (self- actualization).  The pursuit of happiness is a search for a good life that includes doing` virtuous actions. In saying this, he posits that part of the rational soul is characterized by moral virtues such as justice and courage. Integration QUESTION #6! Just like Plato, Aristotle also proposed that there are three part of the soul/self. For Plato, REASON is the divine essence that enables us to think deeply, make wise choices. What is the equivalent of REASON of the idea of Aristotle A. Vegetative Soul B. Kindness Soul C. Sentient Soul D. None of the Above Think, Pair, and Share! Share with a seatmate or friend, in your own way, how do you take care of your… Vegetative soul: includes the physical body that can grow. Sentient soul: includes the sensual desires, feelings, and emotions. Rational soul: includes the intellect that allows man to know and understand things. It is what makes man human. 5. ST. AUGUSTINE: THE SELF HAS AN IMMORTAL SOUL Augustine believes that the physical body is radically different from and inferior to its inhabitant, the immortal soul. He ultimately came to view the body as “spouse” of the soul, both attached to one another by a “natural appetite.”  He believes that the body is united with the soul, so that man may be entire and complete. Nevertheless, as a religious philosopher, he contemplates on the nature of man with emphasis on the soul as an important element of man. He believes that the soul is what governs and defines a man. Confessions (Augustine’s work) In his work, he describes that humankind is created in the image and likeness of God. Everything created by God who is all good is good. Therefore, the human person, being a creation of God is always geared towards the good. Augustine is convinced that the self is known only through knowing God. Accordingly, self- knowledge is a consequence of knowledge of God. He spouses the importance of reflection, as well as the importance of prayers and confessions to arrive at a justification for the existence of God. For him, “knowledge can only come by seeing the truth that dwells within us.” The truth of which Augustine speaks refers to the truth of knowing God. God is transcendent and the self seeks to be united with God through faith and reason.  Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. In his mission to discover the truth on the existence of God, he develops the fundamental concept of the human person, and thus provides the philosophical principle, “I am doubting, therefore I am.” Integration QUESTION #7! Which among this statement is TRUE according to St. Augustine A. The immortal soul is of less value compared to the body B. The immortal soul is of higher value compared to the body. C. The body should not unite with the soul because they are incompatible D. Both A and C 5. RENÉ DESCARTES: I THINK THEREFORE I AM The Latin phrase COGITO ERGO SUM – “I THINK THEREFORE I AM” is the keystone of Descartes’ concept of self. For him, the act of thinking about the self– of being self-conscious–is in itself proof that there is a self.  He is confident that no rational person will doubt his or her own existence as a conscious, thinking entity–while we are aware of thinking about ourselves. For Descartes, this is the essence of the human self – a thinking entity that doubts, understands, analyzes, questions, and reasons.  He contends further that if man reflects thoughtfully, he will realize that there are two dimensions of the human self; 1. The self as a thinking entity (Thinking self(soul)/ Essential self.) - non-material, immortal, conscious being, and independent of the physical laws of the universe. 2.The self as a physical body – material, mortal, non- thinking entity, fully governed by the physical laws of nature.  In other words, the soul and the body are independent of one another, and each can exist and function without the other. The essential self is distinct from the self as a physical body. The thinking self can exist independently of the physical body. Integration QUESTION #8! The Latin Phrase for “I think therefore I am” which is the cornerstone of Rene Decartes’ concept of self is A. COGNITO ERGO SUM B. CONITO ERGO SUM C. COGITO ERGO SUM D. OMAE MO SHINDEIRU Integration QUESTION #9! Just like the other philosophers, Rene Decartes’ believes that A. Soul and body are dependent of each other. B. Soul and body are independent of each other. C. Soul and body are not in good terms. D. All of the above. 6. JOHN LOCKE: THE SELF IS CONSCIOUSNESS He feels that the self, or personal identity, is constructed primarily from sense experiences – or more specifically, what people see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. These experiences shape and mold the self throughout a person’s life.  Keys to understanding the self; (John Locke) Conscious awareness and Memory of previous experiences Locke believes that the essence of the self is its conscious awareness of itself as a thinking, reasoning, and reflecting identity. He contends that consciousness accompanies thinking and makes possible the concept people have of a self..  Self-consciousness is necessary to have a coherent personal (self) identity or knowledge of the self as a person. Consciousness is what makes identity of a person similar in different situation. At this point, Locke is proposing that people could use the power of reason to gain knowledge and consequently use this knowledge to understand experiences. Knowledge is based on careful observation of experiences. Reason plays an important role in helping to figure out the significance of sense experience and to reach intelligent conclusions. Thus, using the power of reason and introspection enables one to understand and achieve accurate conclusions about the self (or personal identity). Integration QUESTION #10! Locke is proposing that people could use the power of reason to gain knowledge and consequently use this knowledge to understand experiences. Which among the Philosophers also talked about REASON. A. PLATO B. SOCRATES C. PLATO and ARISTOTLE D. ST. AUGUSTINE Review of the Lesson: The views of prominent philosophers regarding the true nature of Perspective self Socrates An unexamined life is not worth living Dualism Plato The self is an immortal soul Dualism Aristotle The soul is the essence of the self St. Augustine The self has an immortal soul Dualism René Descartes I think therefore I am Dualism John Locke The self is consciousness Minute Paper: In one minuted, write something that you have learned this lesson. Something that was new to you and you find striking. Reminders!! Please make sure that you are enrolled in this class. We will have quiz on Thursday. Lesson 1 and Lesson 2 (1st part). UNDERSTANDING THE SELF (UTS) HUPS 111 Review of the Lesson: The views of prominent philosophers regarding the true nature of Perspective self Socrates An unexamined life is not worth living Dualism Plato The self is an immortal soul Dualism Aristotle The soul is the essence of the self St. Augustine The self has an immortal soul Dualism René Descartes I think therefore I am Dualism John Locke The self is consciousness The Philosophers part 2 Group Activity! 1. Group yourselves by pair or threes. 2. You will be assigned to a certain “Philosopher” 3. Search something about that Philosopher. 4. Make it short. It can be one sentence only. 5. Write your answers on ¼ sheet of paper. Group Activity! 6. You should have different answers from each other. 7. One representative from each group will be called to share an answer. Group Activity! 1. Sigmund Freud 2. Immanuel Kant 3. Paul Churchland 4. Gilbert Ryle 5. David Hume 6. Maurice Merleau-Ponty The views of prominent philosophers regarding the true nature of Perspective self Socrates An unexamined life is not worth living Dualism Plato The self is an immortal soul Dualism Aristotle The soul is the essence of the self St. Augustine The self has an immortal soul Dualism René Descartes I think therefore I am Dualism John Locke The self is consciousness David Hume There is no self Immanuel Kant We construct the self Dualism Sigmund Freud The self is multilayered Dualism Gilbert Ryle The self is the way people behave Monism Paul Churchland The self is the brain Monism Maurice Merleau-Ponty The self is embodied subjectivity Monism 7. DAVID HUME: THERE IS NO SELF According to Hume, what people experience is just a bundle or collection of different perceptions. Hume maintains that if people carefully examine the contents of their experience, they will find that there are only distinct entities; Impressions – the basic sensations of people’s experience such as hate, love, joy grief, pain, cold, and heat. They are vivid perceptions and are strong and lively. Ideas – thoughts and images from impressions so they are less vivid and lively. Hume further posits that different sensations are in a constant continuum that is invariable and not constant. Hume argues that it cannot be from any of these impressions that the idea of self is derived and consequently, there is no self. Hume’s skeptical claim on this issue is that people have no experience of a simple and individual impression that they call the self where the self is the totality of a person’s conscious life. Subsequently, the idea of personal identity is a result of imagination. Integration QUESTION #11! Which is FALSE in the following statement according to David Hume. A. The idea of personal identity is a result of imagination. B. what people experience is just a bundle or collection of different perceptions C. If we look at our experiences, there is indeed a true self. D. Ideas – thoughts and images from impressions so they are less vivid and lively. 8. IMMANUEL KANT: WE CONSTRUCT THE SELF The self, in the form of consciousness, utilizes conceptual categories which he calls transcendental deduction of categories, to construct an orderly and objective world that is stable and can be investigated scientifically. Kant believes that the self is an organizing principle that makes a unified and intelligible experience possible. It is metaphorically above or behind sense experience, and it uses the categories of our mind to; FOROS Filter Order Relate Organize Synthesize sensations, into a unified whole. The self constructs its own reality, actively creating a world that is familiar, predictable, and most significantly, mine. The self is the product of reason, a regulative principle, because the self regulates experience by making unified experiences possible.  The self transcends experience because the mind can grasp aspects of reality which are not limited to the senses. Through rationality, people are able to understand certain abstract ideas that have no corresponding physical object or sensory experience. Integration QUESTION #12! Kant believes that the self is an organizing principle that makes a unified and intelligible experience possible. It is metaphorically above or behind sense experience, and it uses the categories of our mind to;. A. Forge, Order, Relate, Organize, Synthesize B. Forge, Organize, Relay, Order, Simulate C. Filter, Organize, Relate, Obey, Synthesize D. Filter, Order, Relate, Organize, Synthesize 9. SIGMUND FREUD: THE SELF IS MULTI-LAYERED Conscious self – governed by the “reality principle.” Organized in ways that are rational, practical, and appropriate to the environment. Usually, takes into account the realistic demands of the situation, the consequences of various actions, and the overriding need to preserve the equilibrium (balance) of the entire psychodynamic system of the self. Preconscious self – contains material that is not threatening and is easily brought to mind. According to Freud, this part is located between the conscious and the unconscious parts of the self.  Unconscious self – governed by the “pleasure principle.” Contains the basic instinctual drives including sexuality, aggressiveness, and self- destruction; traumatic memories; unfulfilled wishes and childhood fantasies; and thoughts and feelings that would be considered socially taboo. Integration QUESTION #13! Sigmund Freud suggested that our self is composed of layers. Which later talks about traumatic memories; unfulfilled wishes and childhood fantasies; and thoughts and feelings that would be considered socially taboo. A. Unconscious Self B. Pre-conscious Self C. Subconscious Self D. Conscious Self 10. GILBERT RYLE: THE SELF IS THE WAY PEOPLE BEHAVE Ryle’s concept of the human self thus provides the philosophical principle, “I act therefore I am.” Ryle considers the mind and body to be intrinsically linked in complex and intimate ways. In short, the self is the same as bodily behavior. He concludes that the mind is the totality of human dispositions that is known through the way people behave. Nevertheless, Ryle is convinced that the mind expresses the entire system of thoughts, emotions and action that make up the human self. Integration QUESTION #14! Ryle’s concept of the human self thus provides the philosophical principle, “I act therefore I am.” Which is kind of similar to the notion of who A. PLATO B. Rene Decartes’ C. Sigmund Freud D. Aristotle 11. PAUL CHURCHLAND: THE SELF IS THE BRAIN Churchland advocates the idea of eliminative materialism, or the idea that the self is inseparable from the brain and the physiology of the body. All a person has is the brain, and so if the brain is gone, there is no self.  For him, the physical brain and not the imaginary mind, gives people the sense of self. The mind does not really exist because it cannot be experienced. Integration QUESTION #15! Which among these statements is true according to Paul Churchland A. Heart is the most important part of human body B. Brain is not really important in the concept of self C. There is self as long as there is mind D. if the brain is gone, there is no self 12. MAURICE MERLEAU-PONTY: THE SELF IS EMBODIED SUBJECTIVITY The “I” is a single integrated core identity, a combination of the mental, physical, and emotional structures round a core identity of the self. He further articulates that when people examine the self at the fundamental level of direct human experience, people will discover that the mind and body are unified, not separate.  He notes in his book, Phenomenology of perception, that everything that people are aware of is contained within the consciousness. Consciousness is a dynamic form responsible for actively structuring conscious ideas and physical behavior. He is convinced that consciousness, the world, and the human body are intricately intertwined in perceiving the world. For him, perception is not merely a consequence of sensory experience; rather, it is a conscious experience. Thus, the self is embodied subjectivity Integration QUESTION #16! One idea of Maurice Merleau-Ponty is people will discover that the mind and body are unified and not separate. This idea is similar to the A. PLATO B. SOCRATES C. PLATO and ARISTOTLE D. ST. AUGUSTINE Final Thoughts! “The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes.” MCP, p. 8 Friendly Reminder! Syllabus and PPT presentations will be available in our MS Teams. Please stay posted. Please make sure you are officially enrolled in this subject.