Unit 1: The Self From Various Perspectives - Philosophy

Vocabulary flashcards covering the development of the concept of the self through Greek, Post-Aristotelian, Medieval, and Modern philosophical perspectives.

Philosophia

A Greek word meaning 'Love of Wisdom', described as a way of thinking about the world, universe, and society that asks basic questions about the nature of human thoughts, the universe, and connections between them.

Material Monism

A Pre-Socratic belief that everything that exists is made of physical or material things, and that everything originated from and is comprised of a single substance.

Know thy Self

A concept associated with Socrates defined as being aware of yourself and understanding what kind of person you are, including your thoughts, feelings, values, beliefs, strengths, and weaknesses.

3 Part Soul/Self (Psyche)

Plato's theory that the soul/self consists of three parts: Reason, Physical Appetite, and Spirit/Passion.

Reason (Plato)

The part of Plato's three-part soul that thinks, makes decisions, and has awareness of right and wrong.

Physical Appetite (Plato)

The part of Plato's three-part soul associated with desire and wants.

Spirit/Passion (Plato)

The part of Plato's three-part soul driven by the desire to defend or prove what is right, concerning pride, determination, emotion, and courage.

Tabula Rasa

An Aristotelian concept meaning 'Blank State', reflecting the idea that knowledge is acquired through the senses.

Matter (Aristotle)

A continuous process of developing through sensing.

Goal of Self (Aristotle)

Attaining happiness through moderation or balance of things.

Stoicism

A Post-Aristotelian philosophy characterized by apathy or indifference to pleasure, meaning not allowing emotions or pleasure to control us.

Hedonism

A Post-Aristotelian perspective characterized by the phrase 'Eat, drink and be happy. For tomorrow, you will die', focusing on enjoying the present moment because life is short.

Epicureanism

A Post-Aristotelian perspective defined as moderate pleasure and enjoying simple things in life.

St. Thomas Aquinas' Perspective on Self Knowledge

A Medieval philosophical view summarized as 'Experience of the world = Self Knowledge', asserting that we describe and understand ourselves based on our experiences, environment, and choice of words.

Cogito Ergo Sum

A Modern philosophical phrase by Rene Descartes meaning 'I think, therefore, I am'.

Self Awareness (Rene Descartes context)

The ability to take an honest look at your life without it being right or wrong.

John Locke's View on Personal Identity

The view that personal identity is connected to our physical body and experiences over time, where the self develops and continues through time, experiences, and physical existence.