Philosophical Perspectives on Self

Title: URL Source: file://pdf.efa65459b562fb2cfc4ed59151e83eb6/ Markdown Content: View of Self Philosophy Key concepts ANCIENT PHILOSOPHERS Socrates Self as the soul - Self is synonymous with the soul - Self- examination or introspection is the dialogue between the soul and itself - Every human possessed an immortal soul ; death is the departure of the soul from the body - "the unexamined life is not worth living" - importance of introspection and self-awareness in achieving personal growth. - Soul strives for wisdom and perfection,and reason is the souls tool to achieve an exalted state of life. Dualistic Reality: Body - belongs to the Physical Realm (changeable, transient, and imperfect.) Soul - belongs to the Ideal Realm (unchanging, eternal,and immortal) Know Thyself: Socrates' famous dictum encouraging self-examination and introspection. - Socratic Method: A form of cooperative argumentative dialogue to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. - Irony: Socratic irony involves pretending ignorance to engage others in philosophical discussion. Virtue: Emphasized the importance of virtues like wisdom, courage, and justice in living a good life. Plato Self as a Tripartite Soul - Self consists of three-parts: Reason - think deeply(wisdom), make wise choices achieve understanding of eternal truths. Physical Appetite - biological needs such as hunger, thirst and sexual desire. Spirit/Passion - accounts for basic emotions such as love, anger, ambition, aggressiveness, empathy. - parts of the self have dynamic relationship, in agreement or in conflict. Reason has the responsibility to restore harmony among the three. - genuine happiness can only be achieved by people who consistently make sure that their Reason is in control of their Spirits and Appetites. - argued that the soul's ultimate goal was to attain knowledge of the Forms. - self-knowledge and philosophical contemplation were key to achieving a harmonious and virtuous life. - Tripartite Soul : Plato's division of the soul into reason, spirit, and desire. -Theory of Forms: The belief in a higher reality of unchanging, eternal Forms or Ideas. Aristotle Soul as the essence of the self - Soul is the essense of the self. Without the body the soul cannot exist.The soul dies along with the body - Three kinds of soul: Vegetative - includes the physical body that can grow. Sentient - includes the sensual desires,feelings, and emotions Rational - includes the intellect that makesmanknow and understand things - the body and soul are not two separate elements but are one thing. - soul is simply the Form of the body, and is not capable of existing without the body. - rational nature of the self is to lead a good, flourishing,and fulfilling life. - Eudaimonia: Aristotle's concept of flourishing or living well, achieved through virtuous activity. MODERN PHILOSOPHERS Rene Descartes Self is a thinking entity - Self is a thinking entity distinct from the body. - the act of thinking about the self of being self-conscious is in itself proof that there is self. - Although the mind and body are independent from each other and serve their own function, man use his own mind and thinking abilities to investigate, analyze, experiment, and develop himself. John Locke Self is consciousness - Self-consist of matter and form, matter continuous process of developing and becoming through experiences. - Self-consciousness is necessary to have a coherent personal (self) identity or knowledge of the self as a person. - the self, or personal identity, is constructed primarily from sense experiences or more specifically, what we see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. These experiences shape and mold the self throughout a persons life. - memory as a key component in defining the self. - Consciousness is what makes possible our belief that we are the same identity in different situations. - Tabula Rasa: Locke's concept of the mind as a blank slate at birth, shaped by sensory experiences and perceptions. View of Self Philosophy Key concepts David Hume There is no Self - self is just a bundle or collection of different perceptions which succeed each other with an inconceivable (unbelievable) rapidity (speed). - There is no single impression of self that exists. Self is just the thing to which all perceptions of man is ascribed. - A person can never observe oneself without some other perceptions (views, opinions). - Bundle Theory: Hume's view of the self as a bundle of perceptions and experiences without a fixed, enduring identity. LATENT PHILOSOPHERS Immanuel Kant We construct the self - Self constructs its own reality creating a world that is familiar and predictable. - Self actively organizes all the sensations and thoughts into a picture that make sense to each one of us. - Transcendental Idealism: Kant's theory that knowledge is based on the perception of the mind and is not solely derived from experience. Gilbert Ryle Self is the way people behave - self is best understood as a pattern of behavior, the tendency or disposition for a person to behave in a certain way in certain circumstances. - I act therefore I am. In short, the self is the same as bodily behavior. - Dispositions: Ryle's emphasis on behavior and dispositions as central to understanding mental states and the self. Paul Churchland Self is the brain - the physical brain, not the imaginary mind, gives us our sense of self. - The self is inseparable from the brain and the physiology of the body. - The mind does not really exist. - Neurophilosophy: Churchland's interdisciplinary approach that integrates neuroscience and philosophy to study the mind. - Connectionism: Churchland's support for connectionist models of the mind that focus on neural networks and computational processes. Maurice Merleau-Ponty Self is embodied subjectivity - All knowledge of our selves and our world is based on subjective experience. - The self can never be truly objectified or known in a completely objective sort of way. - Phenomenology: Merleau-Ponty's philosophical method that examines the structures of experience and perception. View of Self Key concepts Margaret Mead Social Interaction - Self is not a fixed entity but a dynamic construct shaped by social contexts and interactions Individuals develop their identities through the norms, values, and expectations of the cultures they inhabit. - Self develops through interacting with others, reflecting on that interaction thinking about how others are perceiving you, helps generate self-image - Looking glass self: the process wherein individuals base their sense of self on how they believe others view them Albert Bandura Social Learning - individuas identity is not a product of the unconscious but instead is the result of modeling oneself in response to the expectations of others. - Actions that are rewarded are more likely to be imitated, while those that are punished are avoided. - Observational Learning: Learning that occurs by watching others. - Modeling: Imitating behaviors observed in others. - Self-Efficacy: Belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations. Karl Marx Self and Class Consciousness - Viewed the self in the context of economic structures and social class relations. - The self is defined by class consciousness , which involves awareness of social class and the inequalities that arise from capitalism, ultimately shaping individual identity and social relations. - Alienation: The estrangement of individuals from their work, products, and fellow workers in a capitalist system. - Class Struggle: The conflict between different social classes, primarily the bourgeoisie and proletariat. Max Weber Social Action and Meaning - Self is shaped by cultural and social contexts, and individuals act based on their interpretations of the world around them, which includes values, beliefs, and social norms. - Verstehen (empathetic understanding): Understanding social behavior by grasping the subjective meanings individuals attach to their actions. *To fully understand social groups you have to be able to walk in their shoes in order to appreciate their particular experiences and perspectives. Lev Vygotsky Sociocultural Theory - Self is constructed through collaborative dialogues and interactions within a cultural context. - Self-awareness and identity formation, emerge through social processes and are mediated by language and cultural artifacts - Social Constructivism: Knowledge is constructed through social interactions and cultural contexts. - Cultural Tools : Tools (including language) that mediate cognitive processes. View of Self Key concepts Ruth Fulton Benedict - there is no single way to be human, as different cultures develop unique identities. - She argued that behaviors, values, and beliefs must be understood within their specific cultural settings, rather than judged by the standards of another culture. - Cultural Relativity: Benedict emphasized that the self is shaped by cultural context. - Patterns of Culture: In her work, Benedict analyzed various cultures to identify characteristic patterns that define their social personalities. William Graham Sumner - self is viewed as an entity molded by societal norms, which dictate acceptable actions and beliefs. - folkways, the traditional behaviors and norms of a society, are fundamental in shaping individual behavior. - Ethnocentrism: introduced the concepts of "in-group" (those with whom one identifies) and "out-group" (those outside one's group). - Social Darwinism: a belief in competition and survival as fundamental to social organization. He suggested that hierarchies within society influence self-concept, with individuals often striving to align themselves with dominant groups or values. Marcel Mauss - The self is inherently relational, meaning that individual identity is shaped by social interactions and relationships with others - the self is both a product of and a contributor to culture. - The self is formed through connections and exchanges within a community. - Self and society are interdependent. The individual is shaped by social norms and values, while at the same time, individuals contribute to the ongoing construction of societal norms. - Gift Economy: gift-giving is a fundamental social practice that creates and reinforces social bonds. The act of giving and receiving gifts is not just an economic transaction; it establishes obligations and connections that contribute to the formation of identity. - "Moi va personne" (I goes to nobody): emphasizes the interconnectedness of the self and society. *The Moi is the person's sense of who he is, his body, basic identity, biological givenness. The Personne is a social concept of what it means to be who he is. View of Self Key concepts Sigmund Freud Id, ego, superego - Self centers around the interplay of the id, ego, and superego. The ego must navigate the competing demands of the id's desires and the superego's moral guidelines, leading to psychological tension. > 3 components of the self: > -Id: the primal part of the self that operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification of basic drives and desires. -Ego: mediate between the desires of the id and the realities of the external world. It operates on the reality principle, working to satisfy the id's desires in socially acceptable ways. -Superego: represents internalized societal and parental standards of morality. It acts as a conscience or moral compass, guiding the self toward ideals and moral behavior. - Defense mechanism: strategies employed by the ego to manage anxiety and maintain psychological equilibrium. - Freuds model of the mind is divided into three levels: the conscious, the preconscious, and the unconscious. 1. Conscious Mind : This level contains thoughts and feelings that we are currently aware of . It includes everything we experience actively at any given moment, such as perceptions, thoughts, and feelings. 2. Preconscious Mind: The preconscious acts as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind . It contains thoughts and memories that are not currently in awareness but can be easily brought to consciousness. For example, recalling a friend's phone number when needed is a function of the preconscious. 3. Unconscious Mind: The largest and most influential level, the unconscious mind stores thoughts, memories, and desires that are not accessible to conscious awareness. Iceberg Theory: a metaphor used to explain the different levels of consciousness in the mind . According to this theory, the mind is like an iceberg, where only a small portion is visible above the water (Conscious level), while the larger part remains hidden below the surface (Preconscious and Unconscious level). - Self develops through a series of psychosexual stages during childhood (oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital). Psychosexual Stages: unresolved conflicts during these stages could lead to fixations that influence adult personality and behavior. William James Me and I Self - Self encompasses both the subjective experience of the "I" and the objective aspects of the "me." 1. The "I" (Subjective Self): the thinker and experiencer of thoughts and emotions. It reflects the self as a subject of experience (self as subject) . The "I" is associated with personal identity and awareness, serving as the agent that engages with the world which could not be further divided. 2. The "Me" (Objective Self): The "me" corresponds to the self as an object of experience (self as object) ,encompassing everything that one can identify with. This includes personal traits, social roles, relationships, memories, and material possessions. The "me" can be further divided into three categories: - Material Self: The physical aspects of oneself, such as possessions and body. - Social Self: The self as perceived in social contexts and relationships with others. - Spiritual Self: The inner self, including one's values, beliefs, and sense of purpose. - Self is not static; it evolves over time through experiences and interactions with the environment. Social comparison plays a crucial role in shaping self-perception, as individuals often evaluate themselves against others. Global self-esteem - individuals overall evaluation of their worth or value as a person State self-esteem - temporary and situational assessment of self-worth which fluctuates based on specific situations or contexts Karen Horney Real vs False Self Individuals develop a "real self" and a "false self." The real self represents an authentic and true identity, while the false self is a faade developed to cope with societal pressures and expectations. - The development of a false self is often a response to basic anxiety. By presenting a faade that aligns with societal expectations, they attempt to mitigate feelings of anxiety and increase their sense of safety and acceptance. Basic Anxiety - arise from feelings of helplessness in a hostile world. To cope, individuals adopt various neurotic strategies, such as moving toward, against, or away from others, which can distort their sense of self. Carl Rogers Actual vs Ideal Self - Self as the organized, consistent set of perceptions and beliefs that individuals hold about themselves. Actual / Real Self: Represents who the individual truly is, encompassing their experiences and feelings. Ideal Self: Reflects who the individual wants to be, shaped by personal goals and societal expectations. Discrepancies between these selves can lead to feelings of incongruence and anxiety. Congruence: Occurs when there is alignment between the actual self and the ideal self, leading to greater fulfillment and well-being. WESTERN "I" identity EASTERN "We" identity EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES Key concepts EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES Application Individualism: Western cultures, particularly those influenced by European Enlightenment thought, tend to emphasize individualism. The self is often viewed as an independent, autonomous entity with unique thoughts, feelings, and rights. Collectivism: Eastern cultures, particularly those influenced by Confucianism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, emphasize collectivism. The self is often viewed as interconnected with others and society, with a greater focus on community and harmony CONFUCIANISM Emphasizes the self in relation to societal roles and relationships . The self is seen as part of a larger social fabric, where one's identity is shaped by family, community, and moral duties. - Self-cultivation: seen as the ultimate purpose of life, but the characteristics of a man of virtue or noble character is still embedded in his social relationships. - The cultivated self is called a subdued self wherein personal needs are repressed for the good of many. In Confucian societies, individuals often prioritize family loyalty, respect for elders, and communal harmony over personal desires. Decision-making may involve considering the impact on family and community rather than focusing solely on individual needs. Identity : In the West, identity is frequently tied to personal achievements, individual goals, and self-expression. The idea of "self" is often associated with personal responsibilit yand the pursuit of happiness. Identity: In the East, identity may be more fluid and relationa l, often defined by one's roles within family, community, and society. The self is seen as part of a larger whole , and personal desires may be subordinated to collective needs. BUDDHISM It teaches that the self is a collection of changing experiences and processes, with an emphasis on impermanence. - Anatta: The doctrine of non-self, suggesting that attachment to a fixed identity leads to suffering. In Buddhist practice, individuals are encouraged to cultivate awareness and let go of attachments to the self (nirvana) through meditation and mindfulness. This can lead to greater compassion for others and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings. Psychological Focus: Western psychology emphasizes the development of the individual self, with concepts like self-esteem, self-actualization, and personal growth being paramount. Emphasize more on the value of equality even if they see that the individual can rise above everything else. Philosophical Focus: Eastern philosophies often explore concepts such as the transient nature of self (e.g., the Buddhist notion of "anatta" or non-self) and the importance of selflessness and compassion towards others . TAOISM Presents a more fluid and naturalistic view of the self. The self is seen as part of the greater Tao (), or the fundamental nature of the universe . Emphasis is placed on living in harmony with nature and finding balance. - Self is not just an extension of the family or the community, it is part of the universe. In Taoism, individuals may practice mindfulness and simplicity, seeking to cultivate inner peace and harmony with the world around them. This can lead to a more holistic approach to life, where the self is not seen as separate but as interconnected with the cosmos.

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Markdown Content:
View of Self Philosophy Key concepts

ANCIENT PHILOSOPHERS

Socrates

Self as the soul

- Self is synonymous with the soul - Self- examination or introspection is the dialogue between the soul and itself - Every human possessed an immortal soul ; death is the departure of the soul from the body - "the unexamined life is not worth living" - importance of introspection and self-awareness in achieving personal growth. - Soul strives for wisdom and perfection,and reason is the souls tool to achieve an exalted state of life.

Dualistic Reality:

Body - belongs to the Physical Realm (changeable, transient, and imperfect.)

Soul - belongs to the Ideal Realm

(unchanging, eternal,and immortal)

Know Thyself: Socrates' famous dictum encouraging self-examination and introspection. - Socratic Method: A form of cooperative argumentative dialogue to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. - Irony: Socratic irony involves pretending ignorance to engage others in philosophical discussion.

Virtue: Emphasized the importance of virtues like wisdom, courage, and justice in living a good life.

Plato

Self as a Tripartite Soul

- Self consists of three-parts:

Reason - think deeply(wisdom), make wise choices achieve understanding of eternal truths.

Physical Appetite - biological needs such as hunger, thirst and sexual desire.

Spirit/Passion - accounts for basic emotions such as love, anger, ambition, aggressiveness, empathy.

- parts of the self have dynamic relationship, in agreement or in conflict. Reason has the responsibility to restore harmony among the three. - genuine happiness can only be achieved by people who consistently make sure that their Reason is in control of their Spirits and Appetites. - argued that the soul's ultimate goal was to attain knowledge of the Forms. - self-knowledge and philosophical contemplation were key to achieving a harmonious and virtuous life.

- Tripartite Soul : Plato's division of the soul into reason, spirit, and desire. -Theory of Forms: The belief in a higher reality of unchanging, eternal Forms or Ideas.

Aristotle

Soul as the essence of the self

- Soul is the essense of the self. Without the body the soul cannot exist.The soul dies along with the body - Three kinds of soul:

Vegetative - includes the physical body that can grow.

Sentient - includes the sensual desires,feelings, and emotions

Rational - includes the intellect that makesmanknow and understand things - the body and soul are not two separate elements but are one thing. - soul is simply the Form of the body, and is not capable of existing without the body. - rational nature of the self is to lead a good, flourishing,and fulfilling life. - Eudaimonia: Aristotle's concept of flourishing or living well, achieved through virtuous activity. MODERN PHILOSOPHERS

Rene Descartes

Self is a thinking entity

- Self is a thinking entity distinct from the body. - the act of thinking about the self  of being self-conscious  is in itself proof that there is self. - Although the mind and body are independent from each other and serve their own function, man use his own mind and thinking abilities to investigate, analyze, experiment, and develop himself.

John Locke

Self is consciousness

- Self-consist of matter and form, matter continuous process of developing and becoming through experiences. - Self-consciousness is necessary to have a coherent personal (self) identity or knowledge of the self as a person. - the self, or personal identity, is constructed primarily from sense experiences  or more specifically, what we see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. These experiences shape and mold the self throughout a persons life. - memory as a key component in defining the self. - Consciousness is what makes possible our belief that we are the same identity in different situations. - Tabula Rasa: Locke's concept of the mind as a blank slate at birth, shaped by sensory experiences and perceptions. View of Self Philosophy Key concepts

David Hume

There is no Self

- self is just a bundle or collection of different perceptions which succeed each other with an inconceivable (unbelievable) rapidity (speed). - There is no single impression of self that exists. Self is just the thing to which all perceptions of man is ascribed. - A person can never observe oneself without some other perceptions (views, opinions). - Bundle Theory: Hume's view of the self as a bundle of perceptions and experiences without a fixed, enduring identity. LATENT PHILOSOPHERS

Immanuel Kant

We construct the self

- Self constructs its own reality creating a world that is familiar and predictable. - Self actively organizes all the sensations and thoughts into a picture that make sense to each one of us. - Transcendental Idealism: Kant's theory that knowledge is based on the perception of the mind and is not solely derived from experience.

Gilbert Ryle

Self is the way people behave

- self is best understood as a pattern of behavior, the tendency or disposition for a person to behave in a certain way in certain circumstances. - I act therefore I am. In short, the self is the same as bodily behavior. - Dispositions: Ryle's emphasis on behavior and dispositions as central to understanding mental states and the self.

Paul Churchland

Self is the brain

- the physical brain, not the imaginary mind, gives us our sense of self. - The self is inseparable from the brain and the physiology of the body. - The mind does not really exist.

- Neurophilosophy: Churchland's interdisciplinary approach that integrates neuroscience and philosophy to study the mind.

- Connectionism: Churchland's support for connectionist models of the mind that focus on neural networks and computational processes.

Maurice Merleau-Ponty

Self is embodied subjectivity

- All knowledge of our selves and our world is based on subjective experience. - The self can never be truly objectified or known in a completely objective sort of way. - Phenomenology: Merleau-Ponty's philosophical method that examines the structures of experience and perception. View of Self Key concepts

Margaret Mead

Social Interaction

- Self is not a fixed entity but a dynamic construct shaped by social contexts and interactions Individuals develop their identities through the norms, values, and expectations of the cultures they inhabit. - Self develops through interacting with others, reflecting on that interaction thinking about how others are perceiving you, helps generate self-image - Looking glass self: the process wherein individuals base their sense of self on how they believe others view them

Albert Bandura

Social Learning

- individuas identity is not a product of the unconscious but instead is the result of modeling oneself in response to the expectations of others.

- Actions that are rewarded are more likely to be imitated, while those that are punished are avoided.

- Observational Learning: Learning that occurs by watching others.

- Modeling: Imitating behaviors observed in others.

- Self-Efficacy: Belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations.

Karl Marx

Self and Class Consciousness

- Viewed the self in the context of economic structures and social class relations. - The self is defined by class consciousness , which involves awareness of social class and the inequalities that arise from capitalism, ultimately shaping individual identity and social relations. - Alienation: The estrangement of individuals from their work, products, and fellow workers in a capitalist system. - Class Struggle: The conflict between different social classes, primarily the bourgeoisie and proletariat.

Max Weber

Social Action and Meaning

- Self is shaped by cultural and social contexts, and individuals act based on their interpretations of the world around them, which includes values, beliefs, and social norms. - Verstehen (empathetic understanding): Understanding social behavior by grasping the subjective meanings individuals attach to their actions.

*To fully understand social groups you have to be able to walk in their shoes in order to appreciate their particular experiences and perspectives.

Lev Vygotsky

Sociocultural Theory

- Self is constructed through collaborative dialogues and interactions within a cultural context. - Self-awareness and identity formation, emerge through social processes and are mediated by language and cultural artifacts

- Social Constructivism: Knowledge is constructed through social interactions and cultural contexts. - Cultural Tools : Tools (including language) that mediate cognitive processes. View of Self Key concepts

Ruth Fulton Benedict

- there is no single way to be human, as different cultures develop unique identities. - She argued that behaviors, values, and beliefs must be understood within their specific cultural settings, rather than judged by the standards of another culture. - Cultural Relativity: Benedict emphasized that the self is shaped by cultural context. - Patterns of Culture: In her work, Benedict analyzed various cultures to identify characteristic patterns that define their social personalities.

William Graham Sumner

- self is viewed as an entity molded by societal norms, which dictate acceptable actions and beliefs. - folkways, the traditional behaviors and norms of a society, are fundamental in shaping individual behavior. - Ethnocentrism: introduced the concepts of "in-group" (those with whom one identifies) and "out-group" (those outside one's group). - Social Darwinism: a belief in competition and survival as fundamental to social organization. He suggested that hierarchies within society influence self-concept, with individuals often striving to align themselves with dominant groups or values.

Marcel Mauss

- The self is inherently relational, meaning that individual identity is shaped by social interactions and relationships with others - the self is both a product of and a contributor to culture. - The self is formed through connections and exchanges within a community. - Self and society are interdependent. The individual is shaped by social norms and values, while at the same time, individuals contribute to the ongoing construction of societal norms. - Gift Economy: gift-giving is a fundamental social practice that creates and reinforces social bonds. The act of giving and receiving gifts is not just an economic transaction; it establishes obligations and connections that contribute to the formation of identity. - "Moi va personne" (I goes to nobody): emphasizes the interconnectedness of the self and society.

*The Moi is the person's sense of who he is, his body, basic identity, biological givenness. The Personne is a social concept of what it means to be who he is. View of Self Key concepts

Sigmund Freud

Id, ego, superego

- Self centers around the interplay of the id, ego, and superego. The ego must navigate the competing demands of the id's desires and the superego's moral guidelines, leading to psychological tension.

> 3 components of the self:
> -Id: the primal part of the self that operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification of basic drives and desires. -Ego: mediate between the desires of the id and the realities of the external world. It operates on the reality principle, working to satisfy the id's desires in socially acceptable ways. -Superego: represents internalized societal and parental standards of morality. It acts as a conscience or moral compass, guiding the self toward ideals and moral behavior.

- Defense mechanism: strategies employed by the ego to manage anxiety and maintain psychological equilibrium. - Freuds model of the mind is divided into three levels: the conscious, the preconscious, and the unconscious.

1. Conscious Mind : This level contains thoughts and feelings that we are

currently aware of . It includes everything we experience actively at any given moment, such as perceptions, thoughts, and feelings.

2. Preconscious Mind: The preconscious acts as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind . It contains thoughts and memories that are not currently in awareness but can be easily brought to consciousness. For example, recalling a friend's phone number when needed is a function of the preconscious.

3. Unconscious Mind: The largest and most influential level, the unconscious mind stores thoughts, memories, and desires that are not accessible to conscious awareness.

Iceberg Theory: a metaphor used to explain the different levels of consciousness in the mind . According to this theory, the mind is like an iceberg, where only a small portion is visible above the water (Conscious level), while the larger part remains hidden below the surface (Preconscious and Unconscious level). - Self develops through a series of psychosexual stages during childhood (oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital).

Psychosexual Stages: unresolved conflicts during these stages could lead to fixations that influence adult personality and behavior.

William James

Me and I Self

- Self encompasses both the subjective experience of the "I" and the objective aspects of the "me." 1. The "I" (Subjective Self): the thinker and experiencer of thoughts and emotions. It reflects the self as a subject of experience (self as subject) . The "I" is associated with personal identity and awareness, serving as the agent that engages with the world which could not be further divided. 2. The "Me" (Objective Self): The "me" corresponds to the self as an object of experience (self as object) ,encompassing everything that one can identify with. This includes personal traits, social roles, relationships, memories, and material possessions. The "me" can be further divided into three categories:

- Material Self: The physical aspects of oneself, such as possessions and body.

- Social Self: The self as perceived in social contexts and relationships with others.

- Spiritual Self: The inner self, including one's values, beliefs, and sense of purpose. - Self is not static; it evolves over time through experiences and interactions with the environment. Social comparison plays a crucial role in shaping self-perception, as individuals often evaluate themselves against others.

Global self-esteem - individuals overall evaluation of their worth or value as a person

State self-esteem - temporary and situational assessment of self-worth which fluctuates based on specific situations or contexts

Karen Horney

Real vs False Self

Individuals develop a "real self" and a "false self." The real self

represents an authentic and true identity, while the false self is a faade developed to cope with societal pressures and expectations. - The development of a false self is often a response to basic anxiety. By presenting a faade that aligns with societal expectations, they attempt to mitigate feelings of anxiety and increase their sense of safety and acceptance.

Basic Anxiety - arise from feelings of helplessness in a hostile world. To cope, individuals adopt various neurotic strategies, such as moving toward, against, or away from others, which can distort their sense of self.

Carl Rogers

Actual vs Ideal Self

- Self as the organized, consistent set of perceptions and beliefs that individuals hold about themselves.

Actual / Real Self: Represents who the individual truly is, encompassing their experiences and feelings.

Ideal Self: Reflects who the individual wants to be, shaped by personal goals and societal expectations. Discrepancies between these selves can lead to feelings of incongruence and anxiety.

Congruence: Occurs when there is alignment between the actual self and the ideal self, leading to greater fulfillment and well-being. WESTERN

"I" identity

EASTERN

"We" identity

EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES

Key concepts

EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES

Application

Individualism: Western cultures, particularly those influenced by European Enlightenment thought, tend to emphasize individualism. The self is often viewed as an independent, autonomous entity with unique thoughts, feelings, and rights. Collectivism: Eastern cultures, particularly those influenced by Confucianism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, emphasize collectivism. The

self is often viewed as interconnected with others and society, with a greater focus on community and harmony

CONFUCIANISM

Emphasizes the self in relation to societal roles and relationships . The self is seen as part of a larger social fabric, where one's identity is shaped by family, community, and moral duties. - Self-cultivation: seen as the ultimate purpose of life, but the characteristics of a man of virtue or noble character is still embedded in his social relationships. - The cultivated self is called a subdued self wherein personal needs are repressed for the good of many.

In Confucian societies, individuals often prioritize family loyalty, respect for elders, and communal harmony over personal desires. Decision-making may involve considering the impact on family and community rather than focusing solely on individual needs.

Identity : In the West, identity is frequently tied to personal achievements, individual goals, and self-expression. The idea of "self" is often associated with personal responsibilit yand the pursuit of happiness. Identity: In the East, identity may be more fluid and relationa l, often defined by one's roles within family, community, and society. The self is seen as part of a larger whole , and personal desires may be subordinated to collective needs.

BUDDHISM

It teaches that the self is a collection of changing experiences and processes, with an emphasis on impermanence. - Anatta: The doctrine of non-self, suggesting that attachment to a fixed identity leads to suffering.

In Buddhist practice, individuals are encouraged to

cultivate awareness and let go of attachments to the self (nirvana) through meditation and mindfulness. This can lead to greater compassion for others and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings.

Psychological Focus: Western psychology emphasizes the development of the individual self, with concepts like self-esteem, self-actualization, and personal growth being paramount. Emphasize more on the value of equality even if they see that the individual can rise above everything else.

Philosophical Focus: Eastern philosophies often explore concepts such as the transient nature of self (e.g., the Buddhist notion of "anatta" or non-self) and the importance of selflessness and compassion towards others .

TAOISM

Presents a more fluid and naturalistic view of the self. The self is seen as part of the greater Tao (), or the fundamental nature of the universe . Emphasis is placed on living in harmony with nature and finding balance. - Self is not just an extension of the family or the community, it is part of the universe.

In Taoism, individuals may practice mindfulness and simplicity, seeking to cultivate inner peace and harmony with the world around them. This can lead to a more holistic approach to life, where the self is not seen as separate but as interconnected with the cosmos.

Transcript for:Philosophical Perspectives on Self

Transcript for:
Philosophical Perspectives on Self