Notes on Philosophical Perspective of the Self

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the role of philosophy in understanding the self.
• Discuss different concepts of the self from a philosophical perspective.
• Differentiate various concepts of the self and identify similarities.

Key Questions for Reflection

1. Who am I? How would you characterize yourself?
2. How is your self connected to your body?
3. How is your self related to other selves?
4. What will happen to your self after you die?

Introduction to Philosophy

• Philosophy seeks answers to serious questions about the self and the world.
• Important philosophical questions include:
  • What is morally right/wrong (e.g., abortion, same-sex marriage, death penalty)?
  • What constitutes a good life?
• Philosophy involves critical thinking, argumentation, communication, reasoning, analysis, and problem-solving.

Definition of Philosophy

• Derived from Greek: "Philo" (love) + "Sophia" (wisdom) = Love of wisdom.

The Philosophical Perspective of the Self

Ancient Greek Philosophers

1. Socrates

   • Focused on self-knowledge as a prerequisite for a meaningful life.
   • Emphasized the dichotomy between the body (imperfect, changeable) and the soul (perfect, permanent).
   • Suggested that virtue and constant soul-searching lead to happiness.

2. Plato

   • Proposed that the soul is immortal and emphasized self-knowledge and purification.
   • Identified three parts of the soul:
     • Rational Soul: Intellect and reasoning.
     • Spirited Soul: Emotions and passions.
     • Repetitive Soul: Basic needs and desires (food, sex).
   • Advocated for harmony among the three parts for genuine happiness.

3. Aristotle

   • Believed body and soul are inseparable; the soul is the essence of a person.
   • Discussed three types of soul:
     • Vegetative: Growth and reproduction (e.g., plants).
     • Sensitive: Emotions and sensations (e.g., animals).
     • Rational: Intellect and thought (e.g., humans).

Medieval View

• Augustine
  • Stated the soul is integral to humanity and must be united with the body.
  • Believed that knowing God is equivalent to knowing oneself.

Modern Philosophers

1. René Descartes

   • Coined "I think, therefore I am" to emphasize self-consciousness as proof of existence.

2. John Locke

   • Proposed the idea of tabula rasa (blank slate); identity is constructed through experience.

3. David Hume

   • Argued that self is a bundle of perceptions; personal identity is an illusion.

4. Immanuel Kant

   • Suggested that the self constructs its own reality through rationality and experiences.

5. Gilbert Ryle

   • Defined the self as a collection of behaviors rather than a distinct entity.

6. Paul Churchland

   • Argued that the self is synonymous with the brain; the mind does not exist separately from the body.

7. Maurice Merleau-Ponty

   • Critiqued the mind-body division; believed the self is shaped by subjective experiences.

Conclusion

• The philosophical perspective on the self encompasses various views from ancient to modern thinkers, emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge, the relationship between body and soul, and the nature of existence.
• Understanding these concepts can help in personal reflection and in addressing the fundamental questions of life.