Understanding the Self

These flashcards encapsulate key vocabulary and concepts from the 'Understanding the Self' notes, covering philosophical perspectives, foundational definitions, and significant thinkers.

Self

Refers to the entity that is seen, felt, thought, or assumed to be different from others.

Identity

From late Latin, meaning the unity or oneness that distinguishes a being.

Consciousness

The knowledge one has of oneself as a thinking subject.

Human Being

A being that is separate from all others by virtue of rationality and freedom.

Person

An individual substance of rational nature, representing respect and dignity.

Personality

The innermost core of a human being that defines individuality.

Eastern Philosophy

Philosophical perspectives that are often collectivist and spiritual.

Western Philosophy

Philosophical perspectives characterized as individualistic and materialistic.

Socratic elenchus

A form of dialogue structured in terms of question and answer to determine truth.

Dualism

The philosophical concept that separates the mind and body.

Metempsychosis

The belief in the transmigration or reincarnation of souls.

Allegory of the Cave

Plato’s metaphor illustrating the effects of education and the lack of it.

Indubitable Principles

Knowledge that cannot be doubted, essential to Descartes’ philosophy.

Radical Skepticism

A methodological approach focusing on establishing secure philosophical premises.

Bundle of Perceptions

Hume’s idea that the self consists of a collection of evolving experiences.

Copernican Revolution

Kant's notion that reorients philosophy based on human perception of reality.

Eliminative Materialism

The belief that common concepts like mind and soul are false.

Incarnate Subjectivity

Merleau-Ponty's concept of man as a being whose perceptions are tied to the body.

Artichoke Views on Human Nature

The notion that, unlike a seed at the core of an avocado, an artichoke lacks a definitive core of self.