The Self From Various Perspectives PDF

THE SELF From VARIOUS PERSPECTIVES AN OVERVIEW OF SELF / IDENTITY The "I" and the "ME" Concepts NATURE VS NURTURE SELF = NATURE The SELF is predominantly a product of natural processes to which people are inherently predisposed. The natural basis of the SELF is anchored in...

THE SELF From VARIOUS PERSPECTIVES AN OVERVIEW OF SELF / IDENTITY The "I" and the "ME" Concepts NATURE VS NURTURE SELF = NATURE The SELF is predominantly a product of natural processes to which people are inherently predisposed. The natural basis of the SELF is anchored in BIOLOGY and explains that human traits are passed on from one generation to another. TRANSMITTED TRAITS Attitude Behavior Tendencies BLUEPRINT OF THE SELF The SELF is studied structurally and functionally from the molecular level to the entirety of human physiological systems. SELF = NURTURE The SELF should be principally viewed as an outcome of various nurturing factors in the context of one's life. GROUP LIFE = affects an individual's behavior and attitude = emphasizes the impact of various social institutions to the self- construal of a person. While the issue about the predominance of either NATURE or NURTURE are still unresolved, one can safely assume that the SELF is a product of NATURE and NURTURE. IDENTITY These are qualities, beliefs, etc. that make a particular person or group different from others. The distinguishing character or personality of an individual known to others distinguishes or compares one from another. SELF refers to the person that someone normally or truly is. The entire person of an individual. Only known to oneself refers to the total characteristics or qualities of a person both known and unknown to others (but known to oneself). IDENTITY vs SELF IDENTITY Identities are the: TRAITS and CHARACTERISTICS SOCIAL RELATIONS ROLES SOCIAL GROUP MEMBERSHIP = defines who one is Identities can be focused on the: PAST = what used to be true of one. PRESENT = what is true of one now. FUTURE = the person one expects or wishes to become. = the person one feels obligated to try to become. = the person one fears one may become. IDENTITIES make up one's self-concept variously described as what comes to mind when one thinks of oneself. DIMENSIONALITIES OF THE SELF SOCIAL FACTOR FAMILY This refers to the SOCIAL FACTOR influences of significant people in one's life. most of the basic attitudinal and behavioral attributes of individuals are shaped. referred to by many social scientists as the NURSERY OF HUMAN NATURE In this social group (family), an individual does not only acquire biological characteristics (through heredity) but also learn, both directly and indirectly, certain behaviors and characters. Similarities in manners and attitudes are found in the members of the family. PERSONALITY FACTOR The characteristics that were acquired from the influences of the social groups during the formative years are integrated to form one's identity or uniqueness and similarities with others. This factor has been referred to by Psychologists as the process of character and traits integration. FORMING OF IDENTITY / THE FORMATION OF PERSONALITY This is the individual patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTOR It broadly includes the physical and communal elements present in everyday surroundings, and is invariably dealt with by individuals in a specific geographical region or area. This factor covers not only the physical properties of the surroundings (climate and temperature, forms of the land, etc.) but also the larger society or community, as well as the expectations and norms operating in that particular locality or place. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTOR The Natural Force HEREDITARY FACTOR Factors that significantly contribute to one's identity or being and already operating at the time of conception (in the mother's womb). A biological process by which certain traits and characteristics are passed on from one generation to another. This factor is also referred to as the NON- NEGOTIABLE FACTOR: RELATIVELY FIXED and PERMANENT. ·It readily dictates one's: physical attributes: HEIGHT, COMPLEXION, HAIR, etc. Cognitive traits: IQ Personal characteristics: EMOTIONALITY, TENDENCIES, etc. upon birth. PERSON- VOLITION FACTOR This refers to the inclination of the person to form or construct a SPECIFIC IDENTITY that will SET HIM APART FROM OTHERS. Social scientists like sociologists may refer to a person exhibiting person-volition factor as DEVIANT or NONCONFORMISTS. This emanates from within the mentality of an individual, brought about by the aggregated social life experiences. Being one is not necessarily negative, in fact, some of the people of this type become TREND SETTERS, REVOLUTIONARIES, DISCOVERERS and INVENTORS. IDENTITY is a product of a complex process of combinations and integrations of traits and characteristics from various possible sources. Some of the traits are acquired consciously and voluntarily while others are obtained unconsciously and involuntarily. THE SELF FROM VARIOUS PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES PHILOSOPHY OF THE SELF 3 GREAT "GOLDEN AGE" GREEK PHILOSOPHERS SOCRATES PLATO ARISTOTLE ANCIENT PHILOSOPHERS As a "GURU”, Socrates preferred to engage his students in endless discussions. It is said that he had never written down any of his ideas but instead untiringly articulated concepts and principles with his students. He believed that the REAL SELF is not the physical body, but rather the PSYCHE (SOUL). He further posited that the appearance of the body is inferior to its functions He believed that the philosopher has to "KNOW ONESELF" (famous ADVICE). He saw a person as DUALISTIC: every person is composed of BODY and SOUL. SOCRATES 469-399 B.C. BODY - imperfect and impermanent aspect SOUL - perfect and permanent Socrates was also known for his DICTUM: (short statement that expresses a general truth or principle). "IGNORANCE IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM" - It is accepting our ignorance that prods us to know ourselves, our power and limitations. - to know ourselves means to acquire TRUE KNOWLEDGE of ourselves - PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE - to improve ourselves by capitalizing on our powers to fight our limitations - knowing what kind of men and women we are. SOCRATES 469-399 B.C.  Socrates is also known for this famous quote: "THE UNEXAMINED LIFE IS NOT WORTH LIVING." - To live without knowing who you are and what virtues you can attain is the worst that can happen to a person. -An EXAMINING, a THINKING, and an INVESTIGATING self is what essentially the SELF is. SOCRATES 469-399 B.C. PLATO 427 - 348 B.C. For Plato, the SELF is an "IMMORTAL SOUL IN A MORTAL PERISHABLE BODY”. He is Socrates' prized student, who thoroughly expounded on Socrates' ideas of the self. He further expounded on the idea of the soul by stating it has 3 parts or components (TRIPARTITE NATURE): THE RATIONAL SOUL The THINKING, REASONING, and JUDGING aspect. It must be well developed and in- charge. THE APPETITIVE SOUL This is responsible for the desires and cravings of a person. Desires must be controlled and focused to those that give life like eating, drinking and sleeping. THE SPIRITED SOUL This is accountable for emotions and also makes sure that the rules of reason are followed in order to attain victory and / or honor. Emotions are checked. In his work, THE REPUBLIC, Plato emphasized that all 3 parts of the soul must work harmoniously to attain JUSTICE and VIRTUE in a person. The SOUL is the "GIVER OF LIFE TO THE BODY" BODY - CHANGING, TRANSITORY and PERISHABLE SOUL-PERMANENT, CHANGELESS and DIVINE ELEMENTS The BODY is the SHELL for the SOUL. The co-existence of the immaterial mind and the material body. "Our life is a continuous ascent towards the world of ideas." (Our life's journey is a continuous striving to free our soul from its imprisonment in the body.) Plato believed that the soul precedes birth and succeeds death. It is the soul or mind that attains knowledge, not the senses. He emphasized the social aspect of human nature. Humans are not self-sufficient; they need other people and benefit from social interactions. PLATO 427 - 348 B.C. Aristotle was one of the most renowned pupils of Plato. Plato called him "THE INTELLIGENCE OF THE SCHOOL". The SELF is composed of BODY and SOUL, MIND and MATTER, SENSE and INTELLECT, PASSION and REASON. REASON is the emphasis of Aristotle. It is the SUPREME in a human person and so should govern all of life's activities. Reason is the development of a human person's, physical, economic, and social powers. Human happiness comes from the harmonious development of the whole self. Perfection and happiness come from WISDOM and virtue (True knowledge and doing what is best for you). GOLDEN MEAN - is a theory taught by Aristotle which means MODERATION (avoiding EXTREMES: too much or too little). "Living a life of MODERATION is doing things in consonance with REASON. ARISTOTLE 427 - 348 B.C. MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHERS ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO ST. THOMAS AQUINAS He was a North African Christian Theologian and Philosopher who influenced the development of Western Christianity and Philosophy. He combined Greek philosophy and truths contained in the Scriptures. The SELF is made up of BODY and SOUL, His concept of self is in the context of his RELATION TO GOD. "A SOUL IN POSSESSION OF A BODY" which "does not constitute two persons but one man. - Every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. - Every human person is made for God. It is only upon his / her recognition of God's love and his / her response to the invitation to love that he/she finds inner peace. Happiness is the END-ALL and the BE-ALL of human living and this happiness can be found in God alone. ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO 354 - 430 A.D. ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO Possession of the goods of this world such as HEALTH, BEAUTY, POWER, HONOR, FAME can never give to a human person what he / she is truly looking for, as these goods are finite, unstable and ephemeral. At his conversion, St. Augustine remarked: "You have made our hearts for Thee, O God and so they will find rest only in Thee. Like Aristotle, St. Augustine also taught virtue which is "the ORDER OF LOVE". To love God means it is necessarily to love one's fellowmen. (Never to do any harm to another as you would not want others do unto you - This is Aristotle's GOLDEN MEAN). St. Augustine taught AGAINST HEDONISM: Man craves for something perfect, immutable and enduring. ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 1225 – 1274 Like Aristotle, Aquinas, proclaimed the supremacy of REASON in a human person. A human person can know the truth with certainty by the use of his reason. He stressed that there are some truths which could be known by human reason alone and which can be perceived only with the aid of the light of DIVINE REVELATION. TRUTHS known through REASON, TRUTHS known from Divine Revelation: can never contradict each other because they emanate from the same source, GOD, WHO IS TRUTH ITSELF. Like Aristotle, Aquinas taught man's longing for happiness on earth comes with the full development of man's powers. A higher form of human perfection beyond this life because of the immortality of the human soul can be found in GOD alone. St. Thomas was like St. Augustine who taught about the human soul that is restless and imperfect until it rests in God. MODERN DAY PHILOSOPHERS RENE DESCARTES JOHN LOCKE DAVID HUME IMMANUEL KANT GILBERT RYLE 1596-1650 1631-1704 1711-1776 1724-1804 1900-1976 RENE DESCARTES 1596-1650 THE FATHER OF MODERN PHILOSOPHY. He believed that the origin of the self came from the mind. The SELF is an IMMATERIAL MIND and a MATERIAL BODY = DUALISM. He believed that the mind is the SEAT OF CONSCIOUSNESS. (BODY - human senses, unreliable and should not be trusted.) One can have ideas prior to experience. He is known for his: "I THINK, THEREFORE I AM" -The rationality and activity of the mind are at the center of man's being. JOHN LOCKE 1631-1704 In his ESSAY: CONCERNING HUMAN UNDERSTANDING, he explained that at birth the (human) mind is a TABULA RASA which means "BLANK SLATE" (the mind is empty at birth.) MEMORY is necessary condition for personal identity. Impressions during infancy have very important and lasting consequences. He argued that "ASSOCIATION OF IDEAS" that individuals make when young are more important than those made later because they are the foundation of the self. While impressions during infancy serve as the foundation of the development of the self, this does not mean that individuals can no longer unmake the negative effect of not-so-good earlier experience. He emphasized the "FREEDOM OF INDIVIDUALS TO AUTHOR THEIR OWN SOUL". Individuals are free to define the content of their character except for their basic identity as a member of the human species. Like St. Augustine and St. Thomas, Locke believes that "God created man and we are in effect, God's property". SURVIVAL - CHIEF END and set by our CREATOR. Every human person has the right to LIFE, LIBERTY, HEALTH and PROSPERITY. DAVID HUME 1711-1776 Scottish philosopher and an empiricist who believes that all concepts as well as knowledge come from the SENSES and EXPERIENCES. He argued that there is no self beyond what can be experienced. The SELF is a "BUNDLE OF COLLECTION of different perceptions. The SELF is a combination of experiences of a person. EXPERIENCES 1. IMPRESSIONS - real or actual experiences or sensations. It is a direct, vivid, and forceful products of immediate experience. Example: The sensation of touching a hot stove and feeling pain. DAVID HUME 1711-1776 2. IDEAS The faint images of these impressions in thinking and reasoning. Example: remembering the pain from touching the hot stove later on. IMMANUEL KANT 1724-1804 One of the most influential philosophers of Western Philosophy. He contributed to the fields of metaphysics, ethics and aesthetics among others. We all have an inner and outer self which together form our consciousness. He believes that there must necessarily be something in us that organizes these sensations to create knowledge and ideas. REASON, not mere experience, is the foundation of knowledge. For him, it is the self that organizes and synthesizes our experiences into something meaningful to us. It is something that transcends or is above our consciousness. GILBERT RYLE 1900-1976 Arguing that the mind does not exist, and therefore can’t be the seat of self, Ryle believed that the SELF COMES FROM BEHAVIOR. We are all just a bundle of behaviors caused by the physical workings of the body. He proposed that we should instead focus on the observable behavior of a person in defining the "SELF". DUALITY APPROACH: 1. There can be a private, unobservable aspect of a person. 2. A different public and observable trait. Meaning: One can describe one's self as good but do otherwise in real life. He sees SELF as an entirety of thoughts, emotions, and actions of people that relates to observable behavior. We get to know others by observing their behavior and inferring about their "selves". We can apply the same observation and reflection on ourselves. CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHERS MAURICE MERLEAU-PONTY PAUL CHURCHLAND 1908-1961 1942- MAURICE MERLEAU-PONTY 1908 – 1961 The SELF is a manifestation of subjectivity, wherein a subject can act and cause effects, thus implying its existence. He believed that the physical body is a part of self-identity. The perceptions of the mind and the actions of the body are interconnected. Everything that we experience in this world - joy, sadness, love, remorse - happens with our bodies. The mind thinks in an embodied way. The self is not an idea but rather a LIVED EXPERIENCE. PAUL CHURCHLAND 1942- Paul Churchland adheres to MATERIALISM (ELIMINATIVE) - the belief that nothing except matter exists. - THE SELF IS THE BRAIN. He asserts that the concept of the self originates in the physical brain, not an invented mind He argued that the mind does not exist because it cannot be experienced by one's senses. He believed that it is the physical brain that gives our sense of self not the imaginary mind. THE SELF FROM DIFFERENT SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINES SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVES OF THE SELF has invested much of its efforts in understanding world phenomena explains how basic life forms have evolved into more complex organisms such as HUMAN BEINGS is defined as the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic structure and behavior of the PHYSICAL and NATURAL world through OBSERVATION and EXPERIMENT. SCIENTIFIC APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF SELF PHYSICAL SCIENCES focus on BIOLOGICAL FACTORS: HUMAN BODY UNDERLYING GROWTH MATURATIONAL MECHANISMS ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES SELF IS THE CENTRAL FOCUS. SOCIAL SCIENCES are concerned with: INSTITUTIONS CULTURES INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS of people living within society. BIOLOGICAL / PHYSIOLOGICAL SCIENCE Science has made great advances in explaining human beings. ARISTOTLE TENETS SCIENTIFIC APPROACH CHARLES DARWIN STUDY OF HUMAN EXPERIENCES EVOLUTION BY NATURAL SELECTION INDIVIDUALITY SELF BIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES Scientists and doctors explain how GENES from both parents contribute to the characteristics of their offspring through genetics. DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA) a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms. DNA is a unique identifying part of every individual. It is the main constituent of chromosomes and the carrier of genetic information. NO TWO INDIVIDUALS SHARE THE EXACT SAME DNA. regarded as a crucial evidence in the resolution of a crime. In MEDICINES, it has been used to determine the paternity and maternity of an individual as well as make way for the intervention and treatment of diseases. PHYSICAL PERSPECTIVES This study of the human body paved the way for a fuller understanding of the self, as CONSCIOUSNESS, a fundamental core of the self, is influenced by inner dynamics and environment. NEUROPHILOSOPHY This is attributed to PAUL and PATRICIA CHURCHLAND. It is concerned with the association of the BRAIN and the MIND. In order to understand the human mind, people must first understand the BRAIN. Philosophical notions of FREE WILL, COMMON SENSE, and CONSCIENTIOUSNESS must be explained in the context of NEUROSCIENCE as advances in this field seemingly converge with how people THINK, FEEL and BEHAVE. HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS WORLD VIEWS BELIEFS and other attributes are distinctively connected to brain physiology and functioning. How member of the millennial generation process information, imbibe beliefs and values, manifests behaviors in their specific contexts have a neurological basis. RELATED STANDPOINTS: MAURICE MERLEAU-PONTY aimed to unite IDEALISM with EMPIRICISM. also used empirical studies and research to supplement what philosophy failed to cover. SPECIFIC THEOREM: "WE ARE OUR BODIES". Maurice attempted to incorporate the physical and the psychological aspects of the self. Understanding of the world should not be UNIDIMENSIONAL: THE SELF is product of both IDEALIST and the REALIST standpoints. PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY Describes the shaping of the self as similar to how the human immune system functions. The human body is made up of nucleotides, the composition of which makes up the DNA. In the context of the immune system, the human bodies "REJECT" harmful, foreign matter and builds up on the existing molecules, leading to a healthy bodily system. In discovering oneself, a person is likely to imbibe external experience that are seen to be helpful and reject those that he or she does not like or derive pleasure from. NATURAL SCIENCE is a fountain of information in understanding oneself, especially in the fields of BIOLOGY, MEDICINE, COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE and even CHEMISTRY. The journey to self understanding will not be complete without examining the effect of social factors in development. SOCIAL SCIENCES While physical science tries to understand the physical nature of people, SOCIAL SCIENCES are concerned with human functioning in the context of society and social institutions. PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY, ANTHROPOLOGY, POLITICS and ECONOMICS are some of the social sciences that have contributed to the study of the SELF. PSYCHOLOGY defined as the STUDY OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR It sees the SELF as the theoretical construct. The development of the socalled "SCIENCE OF SELF" roots from various theories and principles. OBJECTS OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSTRUCTS SELF-AWARENESS describes the consciousness of individuals about their strengths, weaknesses, potentials as well as the underlying factors that contribute to such aspects of the self. SELF-CONSTRUAL refers to the grounds of self- definition and the extent to which the self is defined independently of other or interdependently with others. refers to how individuals perceive themselves, particularly the level of connectedness with and separateness from others, based upon culturally shared assumptions. SELF-EFFICACY an individual's belief in their capacity to act in the ways necessary to reach goals. SELF-CONCEPT It is a description of how one LOOKS LIKE, SOUNDS LIKE, and BEHAVES LIKE. It is an implicit personality theory that one holds towards oneself. It is the study of the collective behavior of people within society and focuses on social problems encountered by individuals. It does not see a person on his or her own, but rather the impact of social institutions and relationships within society on one's thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It provides tools for understanding the human experience and society. FAMILY, CRIME, RELIGION, POVERTY, EDUCATION and the like are specific domain of study within SOCIOLOGY. SOCIOLOGY ANTHROPOLOGY The study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space and in relation to physical character, environmental and social relations and culture. It is focused on present societal concerns and factors that shape human behavior collectively. ANTHROPOLOGY focuses on the following: EVOLUTION OF INDIVIDUALS & THEIR SOCIETIES Individuals do not evolve in genetic evolutionary terms. Individuals may mutate, but natural selection acts by shifting the characteristics of the population as a whole. Individuals in a population vary. Societies change over time progressing to simple to more complex organizations. SPECIFIC CULTURAL TOOLS EMBEDDED WITHIN GENERATIONS These are various symbol systems and resources – LANGUAGE, the INTERNET, APPS, and SOCIAL MEDIA that individuals used to think, communicate, and make meaning within a socio-cultural context. These tools play a crucial role in facilitating learning, creativity, and social interaction, allowing individuals to navigate and engage with different cultural and linguistic practices. PROGRESSION OF HUMAN GROUPS Formation of close family groups Tribes Development of some of the modern human behaviors CULTURAL EVOLUTIONS Human cultural change – changes in socially transmitted beliefs, knowledge, customs, skills, attitudes, languages, and so on. EVOLUTIONARY BEHAVIOR An analysis of particular recurrent problems faced by the members of a given species and a search across species. Humans have evolved as social, empathetic, collaborating and altruistic beings in small groups sharing common identities. ADVANCEMENT OF CULTURAL TOOLS External resources and symbols such as language, technology, and social customs, that are used by individuals in a particular culture to facilitate thinking and problem-solving. ADVANCEMENT OF CULTURAL TOOLS External resources and symbols such as language, technology, and social customs, that are used by individuals in a particular culture to facilitate thinking and problem- solving. Cultural development – changes and advancements in art, literature, religion, technology, social customs, language, and other aspects of a society’s culture. In studying the SELF: Anthropology examines the DEVELOPMENT ADVANCEMENTS society has made and how they have impacted people who existed within that society. POLITICAL SCIENCE This is concerned with the participation of individuals in establishing a government and making a political choice. Factors involved in how one arrives at his or her political choices and behavior. In studying the self, one's participation in government, ideologies and advocacies are seen as significant contributors to his or her childhood. ECONOMICS This describes and analyzes the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. Economic activities affect people's value system and sense of self. = MANUFACTURE CONSUMPTION OF GOODS STATE OF FINANCES PURCHASING POWER EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY SELF SUMMARY This topic outlined the contribution of the sciences in self -understanding and self-discovery. PHYSICAL SCIENCES focus on the influence of one's biological make-up while SOCIAL SCIENCES highlight the role of community and society to oneself. The SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES OF THE SELF The Social Self GEORGE MEAD "The self is born of society. The self is inseparable from society and bound up with communication. It builds on social experience. This is largely a matter of taking the role of other with increasing sophistications , broadening out from significant others to greater complexity." THE SOCIAL SELF It is created through social interaction. This process started in childhood with children beginning to develop a sense of self at about the same time that they began to learn language. The SELF is the HUMAN CAPACITY to be REFLECTIVE and take the role of others. The self emerges from SOCIAL EXPERIENCE. It is not part of the body and it does not exists at birth. Social experience involves COMMUNICATION and the exchange of symbols. People create meaning. To understand intention, you must imagine the situation from another person's point of view. By taking the role of the other: THE SELF IS REFLECTIVE AND REFLEXIVE. STAGES IN MEAD'S THEORY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SELF PREPARATORY STAGE PLAY STAGE GAME STAGE GENERALIZED OTHER DUAL NATURE OF THE SELF PREPARATORY STAGE Children mimic or immitate others. PLAY STAGE Children pretend to play the role of a particular or a significant other. Particular or significant other are the perspectives and particular role that a child learns and internalizes. GAME STAGE Children play organized games and take on the perspectives of the generalized other. GENERALIZED OTHER The perspectives and expectations of a network of others (or a society in general) that a child learns and then takes into account when shaping his / her own behavior. DUAL NATURE OF THE SELF The belief that we experience the self as both subject and object, the "I" and "ME". The Looking-Glass Self CHARLES COOLEY One's sense of self depends on seeing one's self reflected in interactions with others. THE LOOKING- GLASS SELF Charles Cooley was George Mead's colleague. The LOOKING-GLASS SELF refers to the notion that the self develops through our perception of other's EVALUATION and APPRAISAL of us. The image people have of themselves is based on how they believe others perceive them THE LOOKING-GLASS SELF We imagine how we appear to other people. We imagine how other people judge the appearance that we think we present. If we think the evaluation is favorable, our self- concept is enhanced. Constructing Situations and Drama ERVING GOFFMAN People routinely behave like ACTORS on a stage. Everyday social life becomes THEATRICAL. There are roles, scripts and actions. Daily life as a series of stagecraft rules. PRESENTATION OF THE SELF IN EVERYDAY LIFE believed that meaning is constructed through interaction INTERACTION ORDER is what we do in the immediate presence of others. DRAMATURGY focuses on individuals take on roles and act them out to present a favorable impression to their audience. PRESENTATION OF THE SELF IN EVERYDAY LIFE Goffman argues that people are concerned with controlling how others view them, a process he called IMPRESSION MANAGEMENT. "All the world is a STAGE, and all the men and women merely players: They have their EXITS and their ENTRANCES; and one man in his time plays many parts." -William Shakespeare FRONT STAGE People play different roles throughout their daily lives and display different kinds of behavior depending on where they are and the time of day. BACK STAGE When people engage in back stage behavior, they are free of the expectations and norms that dictate front stage behavior. Each definition of a situation lends itself to a different approach, and the consequences are real. The self is a SOCIAL construction dependent of the situation. THE SELF FROM AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE 4 SUBDISCIPLINES of ANTHROPOLOGY ANTHROPOLOGY of the SELF The anthropological perspective of the self states that the self is a "physical organism possessing psychological functioning and social attributes" (Ewing, 1990). It is not static. It is added and substracted from genetic maturation, learning, forgetting, stress, aging, and disease (Ledonx, 2002). This implies that the self undergoes multiple transformations resulting from varied experience and engagements in their environment.  The culture of oneself is believed to be shared, adaptive and maladaptive, symbolic, encompassing, integrated, natural and learned. Thus people are shaped by their environment, and at the same time, they can represent that same environment they were exposed to. CULTURE refers to the "customary behavior and beliefs that are passed on through enculturation (Kottak, 2008). Cultural psychologists state that humans have the capacity to interpret the meaning of things. Each culture can have independent and interdependent constructs. INDEPENDENT CONSTRUCT - refers to certain characteristics of an individualistic culture. INTERDEPENDENT CONSTRUCT - refers to the collectivist culture specifically exemplified in East Asia. HALLMARKS OF ANTHROPOLOGY THE UNIVERSALS AND VARIETY In their attempt to arrive at a holistic concept of the self, anthropologists look at the full range of human persons by studying people in all parts of the world, at different times and at different levels of society. STRATIGRAPHIC APPROACH AND REDUCTIONISM Anthropologists advise us to avoid two common pitfalls that must be avoided in our study of the self. STRATIGRAPHIC APPROACH It is simply stacking independent models one after the other without interrelating them. The self is divided and fragmented in the physical self, the biological self, the psychological self and the social self. There is no integration of the different selves. The self is a mere collection of bits and pieces which should not be. STRATIGRAPHIC APPROACH EQUATION UNDERSTANDING OF THE SELF + PHYSICAL MODELS + BIOLOGICAL MODELS +PSYCHOLOGICAL MODELS +SOCIAL REDUCTIONISM We commit the second error REDUCTIONISM when we attempt to interpret all observations by reducing them to a single level of analysis. STRATIGRAPHIC APPROACH HEREDITARY FACTOR The self is developed only from hereditary factors. REDUCTIONISM COGNITIVE TRAITS IQ is what makes the self.  UNDERSTANDING THE SELF AND CULTURE Understanding of the self from the anthropological point of view necessarily includes a study of culture. Culture is the integrated system of learned patterns of behavior, ideas and products characteristics of a society. A person's culture influences his or her physical being. People are remarkably imaginative in molding their bodies to fit their tastes. TWO CONTRASTING MODELS OF THE SELF Egocentric a natural tendency to view everything within the world in relation to oneself. lives by the maxim "BE TRUE TO YOURSELF" Sociocentric a natural tendency to view everything within the world in relation to one's group (group- centered). abides by the group and so is highly accepted by and is popular in the group. CULTURE RELATIVISM Cultural Relativism is the idea that a person's beliefs, values and practices should be understood based on that person's own culture, rather than be judged against the criteria of another. A person's beliefs, values and practices are relative to the individual within his own context. Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's culture is superior to that of others. Xenocentrism is the thinking that other's culture is superior to one's culture. SUMMARY Anthropology studies humans and their culture. In relation to understanding the self, Anthropology focuses on the physical organism that has psychological and social attributes. The self is not static. Independent and interdependent constructs shape an individual. It is through Anthropology that one can observe that the search of oneself is an extensive journey connected to one's culture and environment.