Philosophy and Self-Knowledge REVIEWER PDF

Philosophy and Self-Knowledge 1. Socratic Philosophy: Self-Knowledge and Virtue Socrates emphasized the importance of self-awareness as a means of achieving a virtuous and fulfilling life. According to Socratic philosophy, true wisdom comes from recognizing one’s own ignorance and constantly seeki...

Philosophy and Self-Knowledge 1. Socratic Philosophy: Self-Knowledge and Virtue Socrates emphasized the importance of self-awareness as a means of achieving a virtuous and fulfilling life. According to Socratic philosophy, true wisdom comes from recognizing one’s own ignorance and constantly seeking to understand one’s inner virtues. In a situation where a person faces a moral dilemma, such as acting dishonestly at work to achieve a promotion or staying true to their values, Socrates would argue that self- knowledge, revealed through deep reflection on one’s virtues, should guide the decision. Example: If someone is tempted to act dishonestly, Socratic philosophy would encourage them to reflect on their values and long-term happiness rather than short-term success. Acting dishonestly may lead to internal conflict and a loss of self-integrity. 2. Plato’s Idea of the “Ideal Self” Plato’s philosophy centers on the concept of the ideal forms, including the ideal self. According to Plato, individuals should strive to emulate their ideal virtues, which are reflected in their highest moral aspirations. Rather than seeking external validation or material success, Plato advises individuals to focus on moral reflection and the cultivation of virtues to rediscover their sense of purpose. Example: Someone feeling purposeless might turn inward and reflect on how they can better align their actions with virtues such as justice, courage, or wisdom, which can lead to a more meaningful existence. 3. Immanuel Kant: Deontological Ethics Kant’s ethical philosophy focuses on the principle of treating others as ends in themselves and not as means to an end. According to Kant, actions should be guided by moral duties rather than outcomes or personal gain. In the context of a manager under pressure to maximize profits, Kant would argue that the workers should be respected for their autonomy and dignity, and exploiting them would be morally wrong. Example: A manager facing this dilemma should consider how their actions impact the workers' autonomy and well-being, regardless of the potential financial benefits to the company. Psychosocial Development and Identity 4. Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages: Identity vs. Role Confusion Erikson’s theory suggests that adolescence is a critical period for developing a coherent sense of identity. During this stage, individuals explore different roles, values, and beliefs. The main conflict is between identity and role confusion. Adolescents must resolve this by experimenting with various aspects of their identity to develop a sense of who they are. Example: A student struggling to define their career path or personal values may experience role confusion but can resolve it by exploring different interests and engaging in self-reflection. 5. Carl Rogers’ Humanistic Approach Carl Rogers' humanistic approach emphasizes self-actualization, the process of becoming one's true self through personal growth. Reflecting on childhood experiences can help individuals understand how past events have shaped their current behaviors. By accepting their feelings and understanding their experiences, individuals can move toward self- actualization. Example: In therapy, a person who reflects on difficult childhood memories may gain insight into how these experiences affect their current behavior and use this understanding to foster personal growth. Psychoanalysis and Unconscious Conflicts 6. Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory Freud’s psychoanalytic theory posits that unresolved unconscious conflicts from early childhood can shape an individual's current behavior. A therapist employing Freudian techniques would focus on uncovering these unconscious memories or impulses, which may be contributing to anxiety or other psychological issues. Example: A patient struggling with anxiety may uncover repressed memories of childhood trauma, and by addressing these hidden conflicts, they can work toward resolving their current anxieties. Anthropological Perspectives on Culture and Identity 7. Margaret Mead and the Influence of Culture Margaret Mead’s studies on adolescence in Samoa challenged the assumption that adolescence is universally stressful. Mead demonstrated that cultural expectations and norms play a significant role in shaping the experiences of adolescence, suggesting that what may seem like biological inevitabilities in Western cultures can be culturally influenced. Example: A Western teenager might experience emotional turmoil during adolescence due to societal expectations, whereas a Samoan teenager, who grows up in a more communal and less pressurized environment, may have a smoother transition into adulthood. 8. Culturally Relative Nature of the Self Different societies place varying degrees of emphasis on individualism or group identity. In some cultures, the self is seen as part of a collective, while in others, it is viewed as independent. This variation is explained through the anthropological perspective that the self is shaped by cultural practices and values, rather than being universally constant. Example: In a collectivist culture, a person’s sense of identity may be deeply intertwined with family roles and community responsibilities, whereas in an individualist culture, personal achievements and self-expression may be prioritized. Sociological Perspectives on Identity and Social Interaction 9. The Role of Culture in Shaping Identity An individual’s identity is significantly shaped by the cultural norms and values of their society. Sociologists and anthropologists both study how cultural practices and social institutions, such as family and community traditions, influence an individual’s sense of self. Example: In a rural community with strong traditions, an individual’s sense of self may be closely tied to their role within the community. Moving to a different cultural context might disrupt their sense of identity as they adjust to new social expectations. 10. George Herbert Mead’s Symbolic Interactionism According to Mead’s theory of symbolic interactionism, the self is shaped through social interactions. A person’s sense of self evolves based on the feedback they receive from others in different social contexts. Example: A person may act differently at work, with friends, or at home because they are taking on different social roles. Mead would argue that each role contributes to the formation of the "social self." 11. Erving Goffman’s Dramaturgy Goffman’s theory of dramaturgy likens social interactions to a theatrical performance, where individuals present different "selves" depending on the social context and audience. People act differently in various situations, not because they are being dishonest, but because they are performing specific roles. Example: A customer service worker may be more polite and accommodating to customers than to coworkers, as they are playing a professional role that requires different behavior. Philosophical Debates on Identity and Free Will 12. David Hume vs. René Descartes: The Nature of the Self David Hume argued that the self is a “bundle of perceptions” without a fixed essence, while Descartes believed that the self is rooted in consciousness (“I think, therefore I am”). This debate contributes to modern psychology’s understanding of the self, particularly in discussions about memory, perception, and personal identity. Example: Modern discussions about how individuals' sense of identity shifts with changes in memory or perception are rooted in these philosophical debates. 13. Jean-Paul Sartre’s Existentialism: Freedom and Responsibility Sartre’s existentialism emphasizes individual freedom and the responsibility to create one’s identity through choices and actions. Sartre would argue that when faced with difficult decisions, such as choosing between a passion- driven career or financial stability, individuals must recognize their freedom to choose and take responsibility for the outcomes of their actions. Example: A student who is torn between a high-paying job and following their passions must weigh the personal meaning and satisfaction they find in their choices, acknowledging that their identity is shaped by their decisions. Cultural Norms and Identity Formation 14. Cross-Cultural Differences in Identity Sociological and anthropological perspectives both examine how cultural and societal influences shape individual identity. In collectivist cultures, identity may be defined by group roles, whereas individualistic cultures emphasize personal autonomy. Example: A person moving from a collectivist society, where family and community roles define self-worth, to an individualistic culture might experience confusion as they adapt to new expectations that prioritize personal goals over communal responsibilities. Branches of Philosophy, Sociology, and Psychology 15. Metaphysics and Epistemology in Philosophy Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of reality and existence, while epistemology focuses on knowledge and how we come to understand the world. Example: Philosophical discussions about the nature of consciousness or the existence of the self fall under metaphysical inquiry, while debates about how we know what we know are part of epistemology. 16. Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory Erikson’s theory focuses on resolving conflicts across different life stages, from trust vs. mistrust in infancy to integrity vs. despair in old age. Each stage represents a key developmental challenge that shapes the individual’s sense of self and well-being. Example: During adolescence, resolving the conflict between identity and role confusion helps individuals develop a strong sense of self.