Philosophical Perspectives of the Self

Vocabulary flashcards covering key philosophers, concepts, and traditions related to the Essentialist View of the self.

Philosophy

From the Greek words philos (love) and sophia (wisdom); literally means "love of wisdom" or the pursuit of wisdom.

Essentialist View of the Self

The idea that the self possesses an inherent, unchanging essence or core identity that defines its true nature.

Tradition (philosophical/religious)

A set of beliefs, customs, and practices passed down through generations, guiding the behaviors and world-view of a group.

Soul (Divine Spark)

In Judaic and Christian thought, the eternal, spiritual core of a person that survives bodily death and is subject to divine judgment.

Genesis 1:27

Biblical verse stating that humans are created in the image and likeness of God, affirming human dignity and value.

Greek Rationalist Tradition

Line of thought (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle) that locates the self in the rational, thinking mind distinct from the physical body.

Socratic Dualism

Socrates’ view that every person is composed of an imperfect, impermanent body and a perfect, immortal soul.

"Know thyself"

Socrates’ exhortation emphasizing self-awareness and introspection as the path to wisdom.

Plato’s Tripartite Soul

Plato’s model dividing the self into reason (intellect), spirit (courage), and appetite (desires).

Aristotelian Virtue

Habitual disposition to choose the mean relative to us, leading to moral excellence and a flourishing life.

Eudaimonia

Aristotle’s concept of the highest good—flourishing or well-being—achieved through virtuous activity in accordance with reason.

Theocentric Tradition

A viewpoint placing God at the center of existence; the self is understood through its relationship with the divine.

St. Augustine’s Restless Heart

Augustine’s idea that the human soul is restless until it rests in God, underscoring the soul’s journey toward divine union.

Augustinian Will

For Augustine, the mind’s faculty whose orientation toward lower or higher goods determines moral character.

Modern Period (self)

Era (late 18th–mid-20th c.) when conceptions of self emphasized both rationality and emotionality.

Cartesian Dualism

Rene Descartes’ doctrine that mind (immaterial thinking substance) and body (material extended substance) are distinct.

Cogito, ergo sum

Descartes’ foundational insight—"I think, therefore I am"—establishing the indubitable existence of the thinking self.

Rousseau’s Natural Goodness

Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s belief that humans are innately good and guided by compassion but are corrupted by society.

Rousseau’s Authenticity

The idea that genuine selfhood arises from remaining true to one’s inner feelings and values rather than societal expectations.

Freedom and Independence (Rousseau)

Claim that humans achieve happiness when free to make choices aligned with their natural desires and values.