Notes Understanding The Self PDF

**Notes** **Understanding the Self** A. Philosophy B. Sociology 1. Sociological view of the self 1. the self as product of modern society among others 2. self as necessary fiction 3. post-modern view of the self 4. rewriting the self as an artistic creation 5. se...

**Notes** **Understanding the Self** A. Philosophy B. Sociology 1. Sociological view of the self 1. the self as product of modern society among others 2. self as necessary fiction 3. post-modern view of the self 4. rewriting the self as an artistic creation 5. self-creation and collective identity 6. self-creation and the struggle for cultural recognition 2. Mead and the social Self: Mead's Theory of Self 7. Mead's three stages of Development of Self 8. The looking Glass Self 9. Social Comparison theory C. Anthropology 1. Anthropology 2. The self and person in contemporary anthropology 3. The Self Embedded in culture D. Psychology 1. The self as cognitive construction 1. William James and the Me-Self, I-Self 2. Global vs. Differentiated Models 3. Real and Ideal Self-Concepts 4. Multiple vs. Unified Selves 5. True vs. False Selves 2. The Self as Proactive and Agentic E. The self in western and eastern/oriental thought 1. Individualistic vs collective self 2. The societal construction of the self in western thought 3. The self as Embedded in relationships and through Spiritual Development in Confucian thought- eastern construct 4. Comparison of the western vs. eastern perspective of the self A. **Philosophy** **1. Socrates** - **Perspective**: Emphasized the importance of self-knowledge and the examined life. He believed that understanding oneself is essential for living a virtuous life. - **Key Concept**: \"Know thyself\" (Delphi Oracle) signifies the importance of self-awareness and introspection. **2. Plato** - **Perspective**: Proposed a dualistic view of the self, consisting of the physical body and the immaterial soul. The soul seeks truth and knowledge beyond the physical realm. - **Key Concept**: Theory of Forms, where the true self (soul) aspires to understand the eternal Forms (e.g., the Form of Good). **3. Aristotle** - **Perspective**: Viewed the self as a composite of body and soul (hylomorphism). The soul is the essence of a person and the principle of life and function. - **Key Concept**: The self achieves fulfillment (eudaimonia) through rational activity and virtue in accordance with one's nature. **4. St. Augustine** - **Perspective**: Integrated Christian theology with Neoplatonism, focusing on the inner self and the role of divine grace in shaping the self. - **Key Concept**: The self is fundamentally oriented towards God, and true self-understanding comes through introspection and divine illumination. **5. St. Thomas Aquinas** - **Perspective**: Combined Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine, emphasizing the rational nature of the self and its relationship with God. - **Key Concept**: The self has both a material (body) and immaterial (soul) component, with the soul being immortal and capable of knowing God through reason. **6. Descartes** - **Perspective**: Famous for the statement \"Cogito, ergo sum\" (\"I think, therefore I am\"), highlighting the self as a thinking subject. - **Key Concept**: The self is primarily a rational mind; doubt and thought are foundational to self-identity. **7. Locke** - **Perspective**: Proposed that the self is defined by consciousness and memory rather than substance. Personal identity is based on continuity of consciousness over time. - **Key Concept**: The \"self\" is a bundle of experiences, with memory playing a crucial role in maintaining personal identity. **8. Hume** - **Perspective**: Argued against the notion of a permanent self. Instead, he described the self as a collection of perceptions and experiences, with no underlying unity. - **Key Concept**: The \"self\" is a fluid bundle of impressions; identity is a psychological construct rather than an inherent quality. **9. Kant** - **Perspective**: Viewed the self as a rational agent with autonomy and moral capacity. The self is shaped by both empirical experiences and a priori categories of understanding. - **Key Concept**: The transcendental self (or \"noumenal self\") is distinct from the empirical self and is central to moral agency and rationality. **10. Rousseau** - **Perspective**: Emphasized the importance of the individual and the natural self, advocating for authenticity and self-expression. - **Key Concept**: The \"noble savage\" concept highlights the idea that humans are inherently good but corrupted by society, and true self-identity is found in natural instincts. **11. Hobbes** - **Perspective**: Viewed the self in a materialistic and mechanistic way, emphasizing self-preservation and the pursuit of power as fundamental aspects of human nature. - **Key Concept**: The self is driven by desires and aversions, with social contract theory positing that individuals give up some freedoms for security. **12. Sartre** - **Perspective**: A key figure in existentialism, Sartre argued that existence precedes essence, meaning that individuals create their own identity through choices and actions. - **Key Concept**: The self is fundamentally free and responsible, with anguish arising from the burden of this freedom. **13. Freud** - **Perspective**: Proposed a psychological model of the self consisting of the id (instinctual desires), ego (rational self), and superego (moral conscience). - **Key Concept**: The self is shaped by unconscious drives and childhood experiences, influencing behavior and identity. **14. Merleau-Ponty** - **Perspective**: Emphasized the embodied nature of the self, arguing that perception and experience are fundamentally intertwined with the body. - **Key Concept**: The self is a living body that perceives and interacts with the world, emphasizing the pre-reflective self. **15. Ryle** - **Perspective**: Criticized Cartesian dualism and argued that the self is best understood in terms of behavior and dispositions rather than as a separate substance. - **Key Concept**: The \"ghost in the machine\" critique emphasizes that the self is not a hidden entity but a set of behaviors and practices. **16. Churchland** - **Perspective**: A contemporary philosopher of mind advocating for eliminative materialism, arguing that traditional concepts of self and consciousness are outdated and should be replaced by neuroscientific explanations. - **Key Concept**: The self is a brain process rather than a separate entity, emphasizing the need for a scientific understanding of human cognition. **17. Dawkins** - **Perspective**: Known for his work in evolutionary biology, Dawkins emphasizes the self from a genetic and evolutionary perspective, viewing humans as vehicles for their genes. - **Key Concept**: The \"selfish gene\" theory suggests that human behavior is influenced by genetic imperatives, with identity tied to survival and reproduction. **18. Dennett** - **Perspective**: A philosopher of mind who argues for a functionalist perspective of consciousness, suggesting that the self is a narrative constructed by the brain. - **Key Concept**: The self is a \"center of narrative gravity,\" a collection of experiences and stories that individuals use to make sense of their existence. B. **Sociology** **1. Sociological View of the Self** - **1.1 The Self as Product of Modern Society**: - The self is shaped by modern social structures, norms, and cultural influences. Factors like globalization, consumerism, and technology contribute to identity formation. - **Example**: In a consumer-driven society, individuals may define themselves by the brands they use or the lifestyle they adopt (Bauman, 2007). - **1.2 Self as Necessary Fiction**: - The self is viewed as a narrative or fiction we construct to navigate our experiences. This narrative helps individuals make sense of their lives, even if it doesn\'t reflect a singular truth. - **Example**: A person may craft a backstory that highlights resilience in overcoming adversity, framing their identity as that of a survivor rather than merely a victim (Ricoeur, 1991). - **1.3 Post-Modern View of the Self**: - The post-modern perspective challenges the notion of a fixed, coherent identity, instead advocating for fluidity and multiplicity. The self is seen as fragmented, influenced by diverse cultural narratives. - **Example**: In the digital age, social media allows individuals to present various facets of their identity, leading to multiple selves coexisting (Turkle, 2011). - **1.4 Rewriting the Self as an Artistic Creation**: - The self can be reimagined and transformed through creative expression. Individuals engage in self-creation as an artistic endeavor, redefining their identities. - **Example**: Artists often use their work to explore and express personal experiences, blurring the lines between the artist and the artwork (Foucault, 1988). - **1.5 Self-Creation and Collective Identity**: - Individual identity is influenced by group affiliations, social movements, and collective experiences. The self is not only personal but also shaped by community and culture. - **Example**: LGBTQ+ identities are often formed in dialogue with collective experiences of marginalization and community support (Crenshaw, 1989). - **1.6 Self-Creation and the Struggle for Cultural Recognition**: - The process of identity formation involves seeking recognition and validation from society. Cultural recognition can empower individuals and affirm their identities. - **Example**: The Black Lives Matter movement exemplifies a collective struggle for recognition and validation of Black identities and experiences (Taylor, 2016). **2. Mead and the Social Self: Mead's Theory of Self** - **2.1 Mead's Three Stages of Development of Self**: - **Preparatory Stage**: Infants imitate the actions of others without understanding; no distinct sense of self. - **Play Stage**: Children begin to take on roles of significant others (e.g., parents, friends) and understand the perspectives of these individuals. - **Example**: A child pretending to be a doctor while playing with friends. - **Game Stage**: Individuals understand societal roles and expectations, developing a sense of the generalized other, or the broader societal context. - **Example**: In team sports, a player must understand their role and how it fits within the team dynamics (Mead, 1934). - **2.2 The Looking Glass Self**: - Proposed by Charles Horton Cooley, this concept suggests that individuals form their self-concept based on how they believe others perceive them. - **Example**: A student might feel intelligent based on positive feedback from teachers and peers, while negative feedback might lead to feelings of inadequacy (Cooley, 1902). - **2.3 Social Comparison Theory**: - Proposed by Leon Festinger, this theory states that individuals evaluate their own abilities and opinions by comparing themselves to others. This process can impact self-esteem and self-perception. - **Example**: A person might feel motivated to improve their fitness level after comparing themselves to a more physically fit friend, illustrating how social comparison influences self-improvement (Festinger, 1954). **C. Anthropology** **1. Anthropology** - **Definition**: Anthropology is the study of humans, their behavior, societies, and cultures, both past and present. It examines the diversity of human experiences and the ways in which culture shapes identity. - **Subfields**: Major branches include cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology. Each subfield contributes unique insights into the concept of the self and personhood across different cultures. **2. The Self and Person in Contemporary Anthropology** - **Concept of Self**: Contemporary anthropology challenges Western notions of the self as an autonomous individual. It explores how identity is constructed in various cultural contexts. - **Example**: In many Indigenous cultures, the self is seen as interconnected with community and nature, emphasizing collective identity over individuality (Goffman, 1959). - **Personhood**: Anthropologists differentiate between the concepts of \"self\" and \"person.\" The term \"person\" often refers to culturally specific notions of what it means to be human. - **Example**: In some cultures, personhood may be ascribed to non-human entities (e.g., animals, ancestors) based on their roles within the community (Hallowell, 1976). - **Rituals and Identity**: Anthropologists examine how rituals shape self-identity, marking transitions and reinforcing social roles. - **Example**: Coming-of-age ceremonies in various cultures signify the transition from childhood to adulthood, impacting individual self-perception and community status (Van Gennep, 1960). **3. The Self Embedded in Culture** - **Cultural Context**: The self is understood within the framework of culture, which provides the meanings, values, and practices that shape identity. - **Example**: In collectivist societies, such as those in East Asia, individuals may prioritize group harmony and familial ties over personal aspirations, influencing their self-concept (Hofstede, 1980). - **Narratives and Identity**: Stories and cultural narratives play a crucial role in shaping how individuals perceive themselves and their place in the world. - **Example**: Oral traditions in many cultures pass down histories and values, allowing individuals to locate their identities within a broader cultural narrative (Geertz, 1973). - **Globalization and Identity**: Contemporary anthropology also examines how globalization affects cultural identities and the self, leading to hybrid identities and cultural negotiations. - **Example**: Migration and transnationalism can result in individuals adopting multiple cultural identities, creating a fluid sense of self that reflects diverse experiences (Levitt & Glick Schiller, 2004). **D. Psychology** **1. The Self as Cognitive Construction** - **Definition**: The self as a cognitive construction emphasizes that identity is formed through mental processes, perceptions, and social interactions rather than being a fixed essence. **1.1 William James and the Me-Self, I-Self** - **William James's Theory**: - **I-Self**: Refers to the subjective self, the thinker and knower, the self as the agent of experiences. - **Me-Self**: Refers to the objective self, the self that is known, comprising beliefs, memories, and identities (James, 1890). - **Example**: When reflecting on personal achievements, the **I-Self** is the one experiencing pride, while the **Me-Self** encompasses the qualities and attributes contributing to that pride. **1.2 Global vs. Differentiated Models** - **Global Model**: Views the self as a singular, unified entity; emphasizes overall coherence and continuity of identity across contexts. - **Differentiated Model**: Recognizes that individuals may present different aspects of themselves depending on the social context (e.g., professional vs. personal settings). - **Example**: A person might express a professional identity at work but adopt a more relaxed persona with friends (Markus & Kitayama, 1991). **1.3 Real and Ideal Self-Concepts** - **Real Self**: The actual self that one perceives, including traits, behaviors, and experiences. - **Ideal Self**: The self one aspires to be, encompassing hopes, goals, and dreams. - **Example**: A student may see themselves (real self) as diligent but hopes to be recognized as brilliant (ideal self) (Higgins, 1987). **1.4 Multiple vs. Unified Selves** - **Multiple Selves**: Individuals possess various selves that can be activated in different contexts, leading to a fluid identity. - **Unified Self**: Suggests a coherent and stable self that remains consistent across various situations. - **Example**: An individual might navigate different social roles (friend, student, employee) without feeling fragmented, while others may struggle with conflicting identities (Hermans, 2001). **1.5 True vs. False Selves** - **True Self**: Represents an authentic self, aligned with one\'s core values and beliefs. - **False Self**: Refers to a self that is constructed to fit external expectations or social norms, often leading to dissonance and dissatisfaction. - **Example**: An employee who hides their true opinions to conform to corporate culture may embody a false self, whereas expressing authentic views reflects the true self (Rogers, 1961). **2. The Self as Proactive and Agentic** - **Proactive Self**: Emphasizes that individuals actively shape their identities and life paths through choices and actions. - **Example**: A person pursuing further education to enhance career prospects demonstrates a proactive approach to self-development (Bandura, 1997). - **Agentic Self**: Refers to the ability of individuals to act as agents of change in their lives, exercising control over their circumstances and identities. - **Example**: Community organizers advocating for social change embody an agentic self by influencing societal structures and norms (Giddens, 1984). **E. The Self in Western and Eastern/Oriental Thought** **1. Individualistic vs. Collective Self** - **Individualistic Self**: - Found primarily in Western cultures, this concept focuses on the individual as an autonomous entity. Personal goals, achievements, and rights are prioritized, promoting self-expression and independence. - **Example**: In the United States, personal identity is often linked to individual accomplishments, such as educational attainment or career success. - **Collective Self**: - Predominantly present in Eastern cultures, this view emphasizes the importance of social relationships, community, and interconnectedness. Identity is shaped by one's role within a group, highlighting responsibilities to family and society over personal desires. - **Example**: In many Asian cultures, personal identity is deeply intertwined with family heritage and social obligations, often leading to collective decision-making (Markus & Kitayama, 1991). **2. The Societal Construction of the Self in Western Thought** - **Cultural Influences**: - The self is constructed through socialization processes, including family upbringing, educational systems, and societal expectations. These factors influence values, beliefs, and behaviors that define individual identity. - **Example**: The emphasis on the \"self-made\" individual in American culture illustrates how societal narratives shape personal identity (Putnam, 2000). - **Psychological Frameworks**: - Western psychological theories often center on individual mental processes, focusing on self-awareness, self-actualization, and personal growth. Theories like Maslow's hierarchy of needs prioritize individual fulfillment. - **Example**: Maslow's theory posits that individuals strive to achieve their full potential, emphasizing personal development and self-discovery (Maslow, 1943). **3. The Self as Embedded in Relationships and Through Spiritual Development in Confucian Thought** - **Relational Identity**: - Confucian thought posits that the self is inherently relational, shaped by interactions with family, society, and moral obligations. The self is defined in the context of social roles and duties. - **Example**: The concept of *li* (ritual propriety) emphasizes the importance of social harmony and respect for hierarchical relationships, which guide individual behavior (Confucius, 551-479 BCE). - **Spiritual Development**: - In Confucianism, self-cultivation is central to personal and moral development. The pursuit of virtues such as *ren* (benevolence) fosters ethical behavior and social responsibility, shaping identity within a broader community context. - **Example**: Filial piety reflects the spiritual and ethical dimensions of selfhood, where individuals honor and care for their parents, reinforcing family and community bonds (Huang, 2001). **4. Comparison of the Western vs. Eastern Perspective of the Self** - **Nature of Identity**: - **Western Perspective**: Identity is often seen as a static, individual construct. The emphasis is on personal autonomy, self-definition, and psychological processes. - **Eastern Perspective**: Identity is viewed as fluid and dynamic, rooted in relationships and cultural context. The self is shaped by communal ties and moral responsibilities. - **Values and Priorities**: - **Western Values**: Emphasis on individual rights, personal achievement, and self-expression. Success is often measured by personal milestones. - **Eastern Values**: Focus on social harmony, communal obligations, and moral integrity. Success is evaluated based on contributions to the family and society. - **Self-Actualization**: - **Western View**: Self-actualization is often pursued as a personal journey, centered on realizing individual potential and aspirations. - **Eastern View**: Self-actualization is seen as a journey toward fulfilling one's roles and responsibilities within the community, emphasizing collective well-being (Hofstede, 1980).