Philosophical Perspective on the Self PDF

Philosophy Jinkee Q. Viado GE 1 Instructor  Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss the different representations and conceptualizations of the self from the various disciplinal perspectives; 2. Examine the different influences, factors and forces that shape the self; 3. Compare and...

Philosophy Jinkee Q. Viado GE 1 Instructor  Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss the different representations and conceptualizations of the self from the various disciplinal perspectives; 2. Examine the different influences, factors and forces that shape the self; 3. Compare and contrast how the self has been represented across the different disciplines and perspectives; 4. Demonstrate critical and reflective thought in analyzing the development of one’s self and identity by developing a theory of the self.  Socrates He believed that the real self is not the physical body, but rather the psyche (or soul). “The unexamined life is not worth living”  Plato The Psyche is composed of three elements. 1. Appetitive element- includes one’s desires, pleasures, physical satisfactions, comfort, etc. 2. Spirited element- is part of the psyche that is excited when given challenges, or fights back when agitated, or fights for justice when unjust practices are evident. 3. Mind – most superior of all elements. - Plato refers as nous which means the conscious awareness of the self. The nous is the superpower that controls the affairs of the self. It decides, analyses, thinks ahead, proposes what is best, and rationally controls both the appetitive and spirited elements of the psyche.  Aristotle The soul is that which makes a person a person. The soul is the essence of the self. Without the body, the soul cannot exist. The soul dies along with the body.  St. Augustine -The development of the self is achieved through self-realization and self- presentation -That the understanding of the self was centered to religious convictions beliefs. -Man’s end goal is happiness. Rene Descartes “ I THINK THEREFORE I AM” or “ I DOUBT THEREFORE I EXIST” “ human rationality”  John Locke “self is comparable to an empty space”. -Experience, therefore is an important requirement in order to have sense data which, through the process of reflection and analysis, eventually have a sense of perception.  David Hume - There is no self - All we know about ourselves are just bundles of temporary impressions. Immanuel Kant -The self is always transcendental. - Reason is the final authority of morality.  Sigmund Freud -The self as a product of Topographical model multiple interacting processes, systems and schemes. Structural model Structural Model Gilbert Ryle “ I act therefore I am” “ You are what you do” Paul and Patricia Churchland -The physical brain gives us a sense of self.  Maurice Merleau - Ponty The self is taken as a phenomenon of the whole- a Gestalt understanding of perceptual synthesis. Thank You!