Philosophical Perspectives on the Self and Identity

Self-Knowledge

Understanding oneself through introspection and inquiry.

Plato's Soul

Soul has three parts: rational, spirited, appetitive.

Theory of Forms

True self connects to eternal, unchanging forms.

Augustine's Self

Self intertwined with God, needing divine grace.

Aquinas' Rational Self

Self shaped by reason and divine purpose.

Cogito, ergo sum

Descartes' assertion: thinking defines existence.

Hume's Bundle Theory

Self is a collection of perceptions, not permanent.

Transcendental Ego

Kant's concept of self as knowledge organizer.

Ryle's Category Mistake

Self defined by behaviors, not an entity.

Embodied Self

Identity shaped by bodily experiences and perception.

Looking Glass Self

Self develops through societal interactions and perceptions.

Mead's Social Self

Self formed through social interactions and reflections.

Preparatory Stage

Child lacks understanding of words and actions.

Play Stage

Child pretends without adhering to game rules.

Game Stage

Child understands and follows rules to succeed.

Agents of Socialization

Influences shaping individual social expectations and interactions.

Family as Socialization Agent

Family introduces societal expectations based on identity.

Peer Influence

Peers shape self-concept and social skills during adolescence.

Media's Role

Media exposure influences beliefs and social views.

Cultural Anthropology

Study of culture's impact on human behavior.

Sociocentric Self

Self defined by social group membership.

Egocentric Self

Self viewed as distinct and autonomous individual.

Identity Determinants

Factors like kinship, gender, and language shape identity.

Rites of Passage

Ceremonies marking transitions in identity and status.

William James' Self

Distinction between 'Me' (experience) and 'I' (identity).

Material Self

Self defined by possessions and belongings.

Social Self

Self identified in specific social contexts.

Spiritual Self

Core essence of who we are beyond material.

Real Self

Actual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Ideal Self

Desired self-image based on aspirations.

Incongruence

Mismatch between real and ideal self.

Carl Rogers

Psychologist known for self theory.

Self-Concept

Image of oneself shaped by experiences.

Self Image

Personal perception of oneself.

Self-Esteem

Value one places on oneself.

Agentic Self

View of self as proactive and influential.

Albert Bandura

Psychologist who proposed social cognitive theory.

Observational Learning

Learning through watching others.

Ego

Conscious mind including thoughts and feelings.

Personal Unconscious

Repressed and forgotten personal experiences.

Collective Unconscious

Shared human experiences and archetypes.

Archetypes

Universal symbols within the collective unconscious.

Persona

Social roles presented to others.

Shadow

Repressed unacceptable thoughts.

Anima/Animus

Feminine side of male and vice versa.

Confucianism

Philosophy emphasizing order and harmony.

Taoism

Philosophy viewing self as cosmic extension.

Buddhism

Philosophy seeing self as an illusion.

Anicca

Belief in impermanence of all things.

Nirvana

State of perfect peace and happiness.

Physical Self

Tangible aspect of a person.

Physiognomy

Link between physical traits and personality.

Body-Type Theory

Classification of body types influencing personality.

Sexual Self

Understanding of sexual development and beliefs.

Primary Sex Characteristics

Physical traits present at birth.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Develop during puberty, distinguishing genders.

Estrogen

Hormone promoting female reproductive traits.

Progesterone

Hormone preparing uterus for pregnancy.

Reproductive System

System of organs for reproduction and sexual function.

Clitoris

Erectile tissue that swells during arousal.

Ovary

Produces eggs and estrogen in females.

Uterus

Hollow organ for embryo growth.

Cervix

Passageway between uterus and vagina.

Fallopian Tubes

Transport fertilized egg to uterus.

Vagina

Canal for sexual pleasure and childbirth.

Labia Minora

Protects urethra and vaginal opening.

Labia Majora

Encloses and protects external genitalia.

Ureter

Carries urine from kidneys to bladder.

Bladder

Reservoir for urine excretion.

Prostate Gland

Produces fluid for semen composition.

Scrotum

Protects testes and regulates temperature.

Testicle

Produces sperm and testosterone.

Urethra

Passage for urine and semen.

Vas Deferens

Tube transporting sperm from epididymis.

Seminal Vesicles

Produce fluid for semen, not sperm.

Erogenous Zones

Sensitive body areas triggering sexual responses.

Sexual Arousal

Physiological and psychological preparation for intercourse.

Sexual Response Cycle

Biological changes during sexual arousal.

Excitement Phase

Initial arousal with increased heart rate.

Plateau Phase

Heightened excitement before orgasm.

Orgasm Phase

Peak sexual pleasure and climax.

Resolution Phase

Body returns to resting state post-orgasm.

Attraction

Feeling drawn to someone physically or emotionally.

Love

Deep emotional connection with care and respect.

Attachment

Emotional bond shaped by experiences.

Sexual Orientation

Romantic and sexual attraction preferences.

Consumer Culture

Societal norms shaped by material possessions.

Social Status

Indicators of status through material possessions.

Cultural Significance

Items holding meaning beyond economic value.

Economic Growth

Increase in middle class and consumer spending.

Influence of Social Media

Platforms shaping consumer behavior and trends.

Festivals and Celebrations

Cultural events driving consumer spending.

Positive Aspects of Materialism

Enhances social interactions and provides comfort.

Negative Aspects of Materialism

Can lead to debt and environmental concerns.