Understanding the Self PDF

GEN 002 Understanding the Self Subject Code Subject Title Lesson 1: Self from the Perspective of Philosophy SOCRATES Father of Western philosophy; famously declared that "the unexamined life is not worth livin...

GEN 002 Understanding the Self Subject Code Subject Title Lesson 1: Self from the Perspective of Philosophy SOCRATES Father of Western philosophy; famously declared that "the unexamined life is not worth living." Emphasized self-reflection and critical thinking in the pursuit of truth and wisdom. Encouraged individuals to question their beliefs, values, and assumptions, seeking knowledge and self-understanding through dialogue and inquiry. Philosophy's goal was to "Know thyself": Understanding oneself is the key to enlightenment and mastering the self requires strength. Self-knowledge alone eradicates misery and leads to the highest bliss. Achieved through the Socratic Method: dialogue between the soul and itself or between a student and teacher. PLATO Believed the self is composed of two parts: the rational soul and the irrational appetites. Used the metaphor of a charioteer driving a chariot pulled by two horses representing reason and desire. True knowledge comes from the rational soul's pursuit of truth and virtue, while irrational appetites can lead to ignorance and moral corruption. Dualistic perspective: Existence of both an immaterial mind (soul) and a material body. The soul, not the body, is the locus of true knowledge, as it transcends the limitations of the senses. Emphasized the social dimension of human nature: Our interdependence and the benefits of social interactions, talents, and friendships. Divided the soul into three parts: reason, appetite (physical urges), and will (emotion, passion, spirit). Harmony among these aspects is essential to avoid mental conflict. ARISTOTLE Believed the self is a harmonious integration of various faculties: reason, emotion, and perception. Advocated for eudaimonia or flourishing, achieved through the balanced development of these faculties. Self-awareness is crucial for moral and intellectual growth, enabling individuals to understand their strengths and weaknesses.  Defined the soul as the essence of a living being, an activity of the body that cannot be immortal. The soul is to the body what cutting is to a knife. Humans have bodies for rational activity, and the potential for rational activity constitutes the essence of the human soul. ST. AUGUSTINE Integrated Christian theology with philosophical inquiry to explore the nature of the self. Viewed the self as flawed due to original sin but capable of redemption through divine grace. Emphasized faith, humility, and moral transformation in understanding the self. Acknowledged the struggle between earthly desires and spiritual fulfillment, emphasizing the battle between the flesh and the spirit. His perspective highlights humanity's inherent frailty and sinfulness, balanced by the hope of divine forgiveness and redemption. RENÉ DESCARTES Proposed a dualistic view of the self, distinguishing between mind and body. Famously asserted, "I think, therefore I am" (Cogito, ergo sum), emphasizing the primacy of consciousness in defining the self. Descartes' philosophy laid the groundwork for modern discussions on the nature of consciousness and personal identity. Considered the self a thinking thing distinct from the body. The mind and body are physically together but mentally independent, each serving its own function. Man must use his mind to investigate, analyze, experiment, and develop himself. Frequently Asked Questions: 1. What was Socrates' main goal in philosophy? ○ Answer: Socrates believed that the main goal of philosophy was to "Know thyself." He emphasized the importance of self-knowledge as a path to enlightenment and happiness. 2. According to Plato, what is the soul and how does it relate to the body? ○ Answer: Plato viewed the soul as an immaterial essence distinct from the body. He believed that the soul apprehends true knowledge and exists both before birth and after death. 3. What did Aristotle believe about the soul? ○ Answer: Aristotle defined the soul as the core essence of a living being, but he argued against its separate existence. He viewed the soul as an activity of the body, essential for rational activity. 4. How did St. Augustine view human nature and redemption? ○ Answer: St. Augustine believed that human nature was flawed due to original sin but emphasized the possibility of redemption through divine grace. He highlighted the struggle between earthly desires and spiritual fulfillment.  5. How did Descartes describe the relationship between the mind and body? ○ Answer: Descartes viewed the mind as distinct from the body, mentally independent, and responsible for thinking and self-development. He emphasized the importance of using one's mind to explore and understand the world. Lesson 2: Self from the Perspective of Sociology Impact of Society on Self Society shapes identity, beliefs, and behaviors through social norms, cultural values, and behavioral expectations. Extreme isolation can have significant effects. People isolated from society are known as “feral children”. Feral Children Feral children are individuals who grow up isolated from society due to abandonment, wilderness, or being raised by animals. They miss out on learning crucial aspects like language, manners, and social rules. Challenges faced include difficulties in communication, forming connections, and understanding social norms. Charles Cooley’s The Looking Glass Self Cooley’s concept focuses on how self-concept is influenced by perceptions of how others view us. Three key components: 1. Imagining how others perceive us: Envisioning judgments and reactions. 2. Interpreting feedback: Positive or negative feedback impacts self-esteem and self-perceptions. 3. Developing self-evaluation: Based on imagined perceptions and feedback, shaping identity, values, and beliefs. ➔ The concept is important in social media, peer influence, cultural expectations, and interpersonal relationships. ➔ It highlights the social nature of the self and the role of social influences in shaping individual identity. Examples: 1. School Presentation: ○ Imagining classmates' and teacher’s reactions can affect self-image and self-esteem.  ○ Positive imagination boosts confidence; negative imagination can lead to self-doubt. 2. Talent Show: ○ A student's perception of how others view their performance affects self-esteem. ○ Positive feedback enhances confidence; negative feedback can lower self-esteem. Lesson 3: Self from the Perspective of Anthropology Our identities are shaped by various social institutions and cultural processes. Understanding these influences provides insight into how individuals develop their sense of self and navigate their roles within society. FIVE SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS 1. Family ○ The family is a primary social institution and one of the oldest. It significantly impacts identity by: Serving as the primary socialization agent. Teaching values, beliefs, and cultural practices. Providing emotional support and a sense of belonging. ○ Family dynamics, such as parenting styles and traditions, shape identity through: Role modeling and communication patterns. Examples: Supportive environments foster strong self-worth. Conflict and emotional neglect may lead to identity challenges. ➔ AUTOCRATIC STYLE – strict parenting style ➔ AUTHORITATIVE STYLE – strict but gives you freedom ➔ PERMISSIVE – easy going parents (spoiled) 2. Education ○ The education system educates the youth in academic knowledge, learning skills, and cultural norms. ○ It shapes identity by: Influencing beliefs, values, and behaviors. Fostering personal development and critical thinking. ○ Example: A student from a low-income neighborhood striving for higher education gains exposure to diverse perspectives and opportunities, impacting their personal growth.  3. Religion ○ Religion provides explanations for life’s mysteries and insights into birth and death. It can be: Monotheistic (belief in a single deity) or Polytheistic (worship of multiple deities). ○ It impacts identity by: Shaping beliefs, values, and cultural practices. Influencing social interactions, family dynamics, and behavior. ○ Example: Participation in religious rituals and teachings of compassion and service can make these values integral to one’s identity. 4. Government ○ Government formulates and enforces societal rules and manages external relations. ○ It influences identity by: Providing structure and regulation within society. Shaping social norms, values, and behaviors. ○ Example: The Philippine government's laws and initiatives, such as the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA), empower indigenous communities to preserve their cultural heritage, affecting their identity and pride. 5. Economy ○ The economy oversees the production and distribution of goods and services. ○ It affects identity by: Shaping access to resources, opportunities, and social status. Influencing education, employment, and lifestyle choices. ○ Example: Economic downturns, such as those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, can lead to job losses and financial difficulties, impacting one’s sense of identity and self-worth. Cultural Acquisition Concepts 1. Enculturation ○ Enculturation is the process of internalizing cultural norms, values, beliefs, and behaviors from one's own society. ○ It starts early and continues through interactions with family, peers, and educational institutions. ○ Example: The practice of "pagmamano" (showing respect to elders) teaches values of respect and harmonious relationships. 2. Acculturation ○ Acculturation involves the exchange and integration of cultural elements between different cultural groups.  ○ It can occur through migration, globalization, trade, or cultural exchange. ○ Example: The incorporation of Korean samgyeopsal and American fast food into Filipino cuisine illustrates the blending of cultural practices. 3. Assimilation ○ Assimilation is when individuals or groups adopt the cultural norms and practices of a dominant culture, often losing their own cultural identity. ○ Example: The adoption of Western fashion by Filipinos reflects the influence of mass media and pop culture on clothing styles. Lesson 4: Self from the Perspective of Psychology by George Herbert Mead George Herbert Mead's Theory of Social Behaviorism George Herbert Mead (1863-1931) formulated the theory of social behaviorism to explain how social experiences influence an individual's personality development. The theory provides valuable insights into how social interactions shape our sense of self and identity. Key Concepts Social Interaction: ○ Mead's theory emphasizes that the self is not innate but emerges through social experiences and interactions with others. ○ Social interaction and symbolic communication play crucial roles in the development of the self. Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic interactionism is a core concept in Mead's theory. It suggests that individuals develop a sense of self through: ○ Interpretation of symbols and gestures in social contexts. ○ Communication and interaction with others help individuals understand the meaning of symbols such as language, gestures, and societal norms, which shape their identity. The "I" and the "Me" Mead introduced the concepts of the "I" and the "Me" to explain the dual nature of the self: ○ The "I" represents the spontaneous and impulsive aspect of the self. ○ The "Me" represents the socialized aspect, shaped by societal norms and expectations.  The interplay between the "I" and the "Me" influences how individuals perceive themselves and their social roles. Role-Taking Role-taking refers to the ability to: ○ Understand and adopt the perspectives of others. ○ Anticipate how others will react to one's actions and adjust behavior accordingly. Role-taking helps individuals develop: ○ Empathy and perspective-taking skills. ○ A sense of social identity. Lesson 5: Self from the Perspective of Psychology: Humanistic Psychology Albert Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory and Concept of the Self Albert Bandura (December 4, 1925 - July 26, 2021) developed the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), which explores how people learn and behave through a combination of their own thoughts, actions, and environment. Key Ideas of Social Cognitive Theory 1. Reciprocal Determinism: ○ This concept explains that behavior, personal thoughts and feelings, and environment all influence each other. ○ Your actions are shaped by external factors and internal thoughts. 2. Observational Learning (Modeling): ○ Learning occurs by watching others. The process includes four steps: Attention: Focusing on what others are doing. Retention: Remembering what you observed. Reproduction: Performing the same action. Motivation: Being driven to replicate the behavior. 3. Self-Efficacy: ○ This is about having the confidence to attempt tasks and persist through challenges. 4. Outcome Expectations: ○ These are thoughts about the consequences of actions, which influence decision-making. Bandura's Concept of the Self Bandura's concept centers around the self-system, which includes how individuals view, evaluate, and control their own behavior. It involves:  1. Self-Observation: ○ Monitoring one’s own behavior. 2. Judgmental Processes: ○ Comparing actions to personal standards or goals. 3. Self-Response: ○ Rewarding or punishing oneself based on observations. Self-Regulation is also crucial, involving: 1. Setting Goals: Establishing targets. 2. Monitoring Progress: Keeping track of achievements. 3. Evaluating Performance: Assessing how well goals are met. 4. Reinforcing or Correcting Actions: Making adjustments as needed. Additional Concepts Self-Reflective Capability: ○ Reflecting on one’s own thoughts and actions, including self-evaluation and self-efficacy judgments. Proxy Agency: ○ Seeking assistance from others to achieve personal goals and recognizing the role of social support. Collective Efficacy: ○ Believing in the group’s ability to work together to achieve shared objectives, emphasizing collaboration.