Philosophical Perspectives of the Self

Flashcards covering the essentialist view of the self from Judaic, Christian, Greek Rationalist (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle), and Theocentric (St. Augustine) traditions.

Philosophy

Derived from the Greek words $Philia$ (love) and $Sophia$ (wisdom), it is the study that employs the inquisitive mind to discover the ultimate causes, reasons, and principles of everything.

The Avocado View

A metaphorical perspective of the self used in Judaic, Christian, and Greek Rationalist traditions suggesting an essential, internal core exists within a person.

Judaic and Christian Traditions (Self)

The belief that humans are made in the image and likeness of God, possessing self-consciousness and a divine nature despite their fleshy outward appearance.

Socrates

The philosopher who suggested that "an unexamined life is not worth-living" and that self-knowledge is a prerequisite to a happy life.

Psyche

Socrates' term for the soul, which he believed to be immortal and synonymous with the self.

Physical Realm

In Socratic and Platonic thought, the realm of existence that is changeable, transient, and imperfect; it is where the body belongs.

Ideal Realm

In Socratic and Platonic thought, the realm that is unchanging, eternal, and immortal; it is where the soul belongs.

Introspection

The Socratic method of carefully examining one's own thoughts and emotions to gain self-knowledge.

Plato's Three-Part Self

The conceptualization of the self as consisting of three elements: Reason, Spirit or Passion, and Physical Appetite.

Reason (Plato)

The divine essence that enables humans to think deeply, make wise choices, and achieve a true understanding of eternal truths.

Spirit or Passion (Plato)

The part of the self that includes basic emotions such as love, anger, ambition, aggressiveness, and empathy.

Physical Appetite (Plato)

The part of the self that includes basic biological needs such as hunger, thirst, and sexual desire.

World of Forms

Plato's concept of a paradise of truth and knowledge where man was omniscient before being exiled to earth and forgetting his perfections.

Aristotle

The philosopher who argued that the body and soul are one thing, and that the soul is simply the Form of the body and cannot exist without it.

Vegetative Soul

According to Aristotle, the part of the soul related to the physical body that allows things to grow.

Sentient Soul

According to Aristotle, the part of the soul that governs sensual desires, feelings, and emotions.

Rational Soul

According to Aristotle, the part of the soul that defines humanity, featuring the intellect that allows man to know and understand things.

St. Augustine of Hippo

A medieval philosopher who integrated Platonic ideas with Christianity, viewing the soul as the element that governs and defines the self.

The Will (St. Augustine)

The most important part of the mind ethically, the orientation of which determines whether one loves lower goods (wealth, reputation) or higher goods (virtue, God).

Grace (St. Augustine)

A gift that allows for faith, which humans cannot command but only receive, enabling them to subordinate reason and will to God.

Self-Knowledge (St. Augustine)

The concept that the self can only be known through knowing God, as the self is a creation geared toward the good.