Understanding the Self - Philosophical, Sociological, Anthropological, Psychological, and Cross-Cultural Perspectives

A comprehensive collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, theories, and concepts across philosophical, sociological, anthropological, psychological, and cross-cultural views of the self.

The Self

The complete person, encompassing thoughts, feelings, awareness, personality, decisions, self-perception, and how others perceive the individual.

Good Life

According to Socrates, the primary goal of life achieved by living wisely and virtuously.

Rational Soul

In Plato's philosophy, the part of the soul that thinks logically and should govern all other parts.

Spirited Soul

In Plato's philosophy, the part of the soul associated with courage, honor, and emotions.

Appetitive Soul

In Plato's philosophy, the part of the soul driven by desires, hunger, and physical pleasure.

Matter (Hyle)

In St. Thomas Aquinas's philosophy, the physical substance that makes up the body of a human being.

Form (Morphe)

In St. Thomas Aquinas's philosophy, the essence or defining characteristics that make a person who they are.

Cogito Ergo Sum

Rene Descartes's famous quote meaning 'I think, therefore I am,' which asserts that the act of thinking proves one's existence.

Impressions

In David Hume's philosophy, direct experiences and real sensory inputs that form the foundation of knowledge.

Ideas

In David Hume's philosophy, copies of impressions derived from memories or imagination.

Looking Glass Self

Charles Cooley's concept stating that a person's self-image develops based on how they imagine others see and judge them.

Preparatory Stage

George Herbert Mead's stage of development (Birth to 2 years) where children copy adults and learn through imitation without understanding perspectives.

Play Stage

George Herbert Mead's stage of development (Ages 2 to 6) where children pretend to be adults and learn distinct social roles.

Game Stage

George Herbert Mead's stage of development (Ages 7 onwards) where individuals understand multiple roles, teamwork, and broader social expectations.

Moi

In Marcel Mauss's theory, an individual's basic biological identity and natural self.

Personne

In Marcel Mauss's theory, the social identity shaped by external factors such as family, religion, culture, nationality, and societal expectations.

Mead's 'I'

The spontaneous, independent, and personal response component of the self representing personal desires.

Mead's 'Me'

The social self learned from interaction with society that adheres to societal expectations.

Anthropology

The scientific study of humans, focusing on human origins, development, culture, language, society, and biological differences.

Holistic Approach

An anthropological perspective that examines the whole person by treating culture, language, biology, and history as interconnected.

Relativistic Approach

An anthropological perspective focused on understanding another culture on its own terms without passing judgment.

Comparative Approach

An anthropological perspective that analyzes different cultures side-by-side to identify similarities and differences.

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

'Me' Self (William James)

The observed aspect of the self (the object) which includes the Material Self, Social Self, and Spiritual Self.

'I' Self (William James)

The active thinker aspect of the self which includes the Individual Self, Relational Self, and Collective Self.

Fixation

In Sigmund Freud's psychosexual theory, the condition of being stuck in a developmental stage due to unresolved conflicts.

Real Self

In Carl Rogers's humanistic theory, an individual's actual current state of being.

Ideal Self

In Carl Rogers's humanistic theory, the person an individual aspires or wishes to become.

Confucianism

A philosophy founded by Confucius focusing on relationships, respect, duties, and social harmony, emphasizing that personal interests should be set aside for the common good.

Wu Wei

A central value in Taoism referring to non-striving or 'going with the flow' in alignment with the natural way.

Dukkha

The First Noble Truth in Buddhism, which states that life inherently involves suffering.

Tanha

The Second Noble Truth in Buddhism, which identifies attachment and desire as the source of suffering.

Nirodha

The Third Noble Truth in Buddhism, which asserts that suffering can be brought to an end.

Magga

The Fourth Noble Truth in Buddhism, which outlines the Eightfold Path as the way to eliminate suffering.

Eastern Thought

A cultural perspective that prioritizes group orientation, social harmony, community, selflessness, respect for hierarchy, and cooperation.

Western Thought

A cultural perspective that prioritizes individual orientation, competition, personal success, self-development, equality, independence, and achievement.