Understanding the Self - Course Modules 1-5

Practice flashcards covering the philosophical, sociological, anthropological, and psychological perspectives of self-identity based on the lecture modules.

Socrates

Often called the father of Western philosophy, he believed that the purpose of philosophy was self-knowledge and that the unexamined life is not worth living.

Socratic Method

A process of dialogue and inquiry involving constant questioning to achieve self-knowledge and understand oneself.

Plato's Dualistic View

A view of the self where the rational mind, symbolized as a charioteer, controls desires, which are symbolized as horses.

Plato's View on the Soul

The belief that the soul transcends physical reality and is capable of grasping true knowledge beyond mere sensory experience.

eudaimonia

A state of flourishing achieved through the balanced development of reason, appetite, and will.

Aristotle's View of the Soul

The belief that the soul is the essence of a living being, with reason serving as its highest function.

St. Augustine

A philosopher who integrated Christian teachings, asserting that humans are flawed by original sin but can find redemption through God’s grace.

Mind-Body Dualism

René Descartes' idea that the mind (consciousness) and the body are separate entities.

I think, therefore I am

The famous statement by René Descartes suggesting that self-awareness and consciousness are the essence of identity.

Feral Children

Children who grow up without human contact, demonstrating that isolation causes struggles with language, social norms, and human connection.

Looking Glass Self

Charles Cooley's theory explaining that our self-concept and self-esteem are shaped by how we think others perceive us.

Enculturation

The process by which individuals learn the culture they are born into.

Acculturation

The process of adopting practices from a culture other than one's own.

Assimilation

The process by which people adopt a dominant culture, which sometimes results in losing their original identity.

Symbolic Interactionism

A concept in George Herbert Mead's theory where individuals learn who they are by understanding symbols and gestures within social contexts.

The "I"

The spontaneous and creative aspect of the self according to George Herbert Mead.

The "Me"

The aspect of the self that is shaped by societal expectations and social interactions.

Role-Taking

The ability to see things from the perspectives of others, which helps individuals understand their social roles and fosters empathy.

Reciprocal Determinism

Albert Bandura's concept stating that behavior, thoughts, and environment all influence each other.

Four Components of Observational Learning

The process of learning by watching and imitating others, consisting of Attention, Retention, Reproduction, and Motivation.

Self-Efficacy

The belief in one's own ability to succeed, which influences how challenges are approached.

Self-Regulation

The ability to control actions and impulses through Self-Observation, Judgment Processes, and Self Response (reward/punishment).

Collective Efficacy

The belief in working together with others to achieve shared goals.