The Self from Various Philosophical Perspectives

Flashcards covering key concepts and philosophers discussed in the lecture notes.

According to the lecture, what skills can one develop through studying philosophy?

Critical Thinking, Argument Skills, Communication, Reasoning, Analysis, and Problem Solving.

What is the literal meaning of the Greek words from which the term 'philosophy' is derived?

'Love' (Philein) and 'wisdom' (Sophia), together meaning 'the love or pursuit of wisdom.'

What is philosophy as described in the lecture?

A way of looking at the world and giving it meaning, providing a high-quality method of examining our beliefs.

What was Socrates' primary concern?

The problem of self. He was the first philosopher to systematically question the self.

According to Socrates, what are the components of man?

Body (Physical) and Soul (Ideal).

What did Socrates believe about the soul and the body?

The soul is perfect but tied to the body, which is imperfect.

According to Socrates, what enables man to do evil deeds?

Ignorance of the knowledge of the right and good life.

According to Plato, how can a philosophy of self be explained?

As a process of self-knowledge and purification of the soul.

What are the three parts of the soul, according to Plato?

Rational Soul, Spirited Soul, and Appetitive Soul.

According to the lecture, what is 'Rational Soul' as described by Plato?

Reason and intellect, which enables deep thinking, wise choices, and understanding of eternal truths.

According to the lecture, what is 'Spirited Soul' as described by Plato?

Emotion and passion, encompassing basic emotions such as love, anger, ambition, empathy, and aggressiveness.

According to the lecture, what is 'Appetitive Soul' as described by Plato?

Basic biological needs, such as hunger, thirst, and sexual desire.

According to the lecture, what did Plato believe is required to achieve genuine happiness?

People must consistently ensure that their Rational soul is in control of their Spirits and Appetites.

According to Aristotle, what is the essence of the self?

The soul.

According to the lecture, what is the relationship between the body and soul in Aristotle's philosophy?

The body and soul are not separate but one thing, with the soul being the form of the body that cannot exist without it.

What are the three kinds of soul according to Aristotle?

Vegetative, Sentient, and Rational.

According to the lecture, what does the 'Vegetative' soul include, according to Aristotle?

The physical body that can grow.

According to the lecture, what does the 'Sentient' soul include, according to Aristotle?

Sensual desires, feelings, and emotions.

According to the lecture, what does the 'Rational' soul include, according to Aristotle?

The intellect that makes man know and understand things.

How did Rene Descartes conceive of the human person?

As having a body (a machine attached to the mind) and a mind, with the mind defining a human person.

What is Descartes' famous quote?

"Cogito ergo sum," meaning "I think therefore, I am."

What is Theory of Cartesian Dualism?

Posits that one's thoughts are a reflection of one's beliefs, values, conditions, experiences, and development.

What did John Locke coin?

The phrase, 'TABULA RASA' which literally mean, BLANK TARLET

According to Locke, what shapes who people will become?

How they are treated and educated.

What did Locke consider personal identity to be founded on?

Consciousness (memory), not on the substance of either the soul or the body.

According to Locke, what is a person?

A thinking, intelligent being that has reason and reflection, and can consider itself as itself in different times and places.

What did David Hume believe?

That one can know only what comes from the senses and experiences.

What are the two categories of experiences, according to Hume?

Impressions and ideas.

Hume's view about the self

There is no self.

How does Immanuel Kant view people?

As rational agents capable of making their own decisions and directing their actions.

What did Immanuel Kant believe?

Morality requires us to treat each person as valuable, always as an end in himself and never merely as a means.