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Philosophy

The systematic and critical study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, truth, values, reason, mind, and human life.

Etymology of Philosophy

From Greek 'philo' (φιλο) meaning love and 'sophia' (σοφία) meaning wisdom; thus, 'love for wisdom'.

Pythagoras on Wisdom

Humans should be lovers of wisdom (philosophos) rather than claiming to be wise (sophos), as wisdom is always being sought.

Main Objectives of Philosophy

1. To search for truth; 2. To make ideas clearer; 3. To improve the way people think.

Definition of Self in Philosophy

What makes a person a unique subject of experience, linked to consciousness, self-awareness, and agency.

Socrates' View of Self

Believed the true self is the soul, which is immortal, in contrast to the temporary body.

Plato's View of Self

The self is an immortal soul temporarily residing in a mortal body, with three parts: rational, spirited, and appetitive.

Aristotle's View of Self

The self is a unified being of body and soul, with reason as the highest function.

St. Augustine's Belief

The self is made up of body and soul, with true happiness found only in a relationship with God.

St. Thomas Aquinas' Philosophy

Integrated Aristotle’s philosophy with Christian theology, asserting reason and divine revelation do not contradict.

Rene Descartes' Concept of Self

Proposed dualism, viewing mind as distinct from body, asserting 'I think, therefore I am'.

John Locke's View of Self

The mind at birth is a blank slate (tabula rasa), and identity develops through experience.

Immanuel Kant's Self

The self comprises inner rational self and outer physical self, where morality comes from reason.

Maurice Merleau-Ponty's Idea

The self as a union of mind and body, emphasizing the inseparability of both.

Gilbert Ryle's View of Mind

The mind is an organizing principle of the body, with knowledge categorized into knowing how, that, and what.

Paul Churchland's Theory

Advocated eliminative materialism, stating the self is a product of brain activity.

Descartes' Dualism

A philosophical concept where the mind is seen as immaterial and the body as material.

Freud's Structure of Personality

Three parts: Id (instinctual drives), Ego (rational mediator), Superego (moral conscience).

William James' Concept of Self

Two aspects: 'I' (thinking self) and 'Me' (known self), with the self being dynamic.

George Herbert Mead's Self

Develops through social interaction and perspective-taking, involving the ‘I’ and ‘Me’.

Charles Cooley's Looking-Glass Self

The self develops based on how we perceive others see and judge us, functioning as a social mirror.