philosophy exam 2

Straws on - what does “thin self” mean?

1) self is thin because personhood does not require a deep inner essence; it is based on being a human who participates in social practices like responsibility, blame and recognition

2) DISAGREE

• in social work practice, personhood cannot be reduced to social roles alone because clients have deep psychological histories shaped by trauma and lived experience. The concept of the thin self is too reductive

The experience of a persisting self is an illusion or construction.
Do you agree? Give one reason why or why not?

AGREE

• in therapy clients often rebuild identity by constructing a narrative that helps them make sense of their experiences. Showing that identity is shaped through lived experience

• Identity is something that people construct rather than something fixed that never changes

Memory is what makes you, you overtime. Do you agree

DISAGREE

• a persons identity is made up of more than memory. Their relationships, values, personality, and dignity still matter even when menory changes

A client with dementia may forget family members or important life event but they might still enjoy music, express love or hold values that have been important throughout throughout their life. But they still deserve respect and meaningful relationships

The persisting self is critical for holding people morally and legally responsible. Do you agree?

DISAGREE

• people’s behaviour is influenced by trauma, addiction and social circumstances. So responsibility should consider context rather than assuming a completely stable self

• A client recovering from substance use may deeply regret actions they took while addicted. A social worker recognizes the harm caused but also understands how addiction affected the clients behaviour and decision making

People with dementia are different people than they used to be. Do you agree?

DISAGREE

• A persons dignity and identity continue even when memory and behaviour change

• A client with dementia may no longer recognize family members but they still deserve respect, compassionate care and meaningful relationships

• Same person different needs

We should follow the preferences of the person before dementia rather than their current ones. Do you agree

MOSTLY DISAGREE

• current preferences still matter because the person continues to have dignity and should be involved in decisions whenever possible

• A client with dementia previously said they never wanted to attend day programs. Years later they genuinely enjoy going, make friends and look forward to the activities. Their current wellbeing and preferences should be considered instead of just automatically following what they wanted years earlier

According to Jaworska, memory is not enough for personhood but value and agency are. What does she mean? Do you agree?

AGREE

• people can still express what matters to them despite memory loss

• A client with dementia may forget names but still enjoy spending time with family, show kindness, or clearly express preferences about daily routines

• Values remain after memory fades

We have free will, do you agree?

DISAGREE

(Free will is limited)

• choices are shaped by social and environmental circumstances

• A client experiencing homelessness might make poor choices but those choices are heavily influenced by poverty, trauma, and lack of resources

• Systems shape choices

Libet says we have “free won’t” not free will. What does he mean? Do you agree?

AGREE (partly)

• A persons ability to stop an action depends on their mental and emotional capacity so “free won’t” is not the same for everyone

• A client experiencing severe psychosis or a manic episode may have much less ability to stop an impulse than someone who is mentally well. A persons capacity for self control can be affected by their mental health

• Self control depends on capacity

Dennett says the self and consciousness are not single and unified. What does he mean? Do you agree?

AGREE

• people often experience conflicting thoughts and motivations

• Someone may want to genuinely want to recover from addiction while also feeling a strong urge to continue using substances

Dennett says free will would not be possible without language. What does he mean? Do you agree?

AGREE

• language helps people reflect before acting

• A client in counseling talks through possible consequences before making a difficult descison, allowing them to make a more thoughtful choice

• Language creates reflection

Agency happens in degrees; we can have more or less of it. What does this mean? Do you agree?

AGREE

• Social conditions can increase or limit a persons ability to act

• A person with stable housing income and community support has more opportunities to make independent choices than someone experiencing homelessness and addiction

• Agency depends on context