Perspectives of the Self – Comprehensive Review Flashcards

A set of question-and-answer flashcards covering philosophical, sociological, anthropological, and psychological theories of the self, designed to aid exam preparation.

What famous dictum summarizes Socrates’ view that self-examination is essential to a good life?

“An unexamined life is not worth living.”

According to Socrates, what existed before the human body?

The soul, which first resided in the realm of ideas and possessed innate knowledge.

What problem does Socrates say arises when the soul forgets its innate knowledge?

Ignorance.

Which method did Socrates design to recover forgotten knowledge?

The Socratic Method—an exchange of questions and answers to stimulate recall and critical thinking.

What educational institution did Plato found that is considered a prototype of the modern university?

The Academy in Athens.

In Plato’s metaphysics, what is the unchanging, eternal realm that contains true reality?

The World of Forms (Ideal World).

According to Plato, how does the material world relate to the World of Forms?

It is an imperfect replica or shadow of the true reality found in the World of Forms.

For Plato, which part of a human being is the ‘true, permanent self’?

The soul.

What lesson does Plato’s Allegory of the Cave teach about perception?

That people often mistake appearances (shadows) for reality and must change their viewpoint to grasp truth.

Which philosopher integrated Neo-Platonism with Christianity and asserted that man’s immortal soul seeks eternal life with God?

Saint Augustine.

In Augustine’s view, where is the ‘real’ and permanent world located?

With God, in a realm of infinity and permanence beyond the material world.

What are Augustine’s two kinds of law that guide moral behavior?

Moral Law (discerned by reason) and Eternal Law (from God’s Eternal Reason).

Which statement captures René Descartes’ foundational certainty about the self?

Cogito, ergo sum – “I think, therefore I am.”

How does Descartes define the relationship between mind and body?

Mind-body dualism: the immaterial thinking mind (res cogitans) is distinct from the material body (res extensa).

John Locke’s theory says personal identity is preserved through what psychological faculty?

Memory, creating the continuity of consciousness.

According to Locke, what makes you the same person over time?

Your ability to recall relevant past experiences.

What do Paul and Patricia Churchland claim the self ultimately consists of?

Dynamic processes emerging from the brain’s neural networks.

What is ‘eliminative reductionism’ in Churchlands’ view of the mind?

The idea that folk-psychological concepts should be replaced by neuroscientific explanations.

Maurice Merleau-Ponty says the self is built through what key activity?

Active perception of the world via the lived body.

What phrase does Merleau-Ponty use to emphasize the self’s capacity for embodied action?

The “I can.”

Which social change perspective argues that modernization weakens traditional stability and identity?

Postmodernism.

Anthony Giddens lists four traits of modernity. What term describes large-scale industrial production replacing farming?

Structuralism (industrialization).

In Giddens’ model, what modern feature involves organizations’ growing power to monitor people?

Institutions of Surveillance.

What is an ‘organic group’ according to sociology?

A naturally occurring group—often family-based—that offers rootedness but limits individual freedom.

What key difference characterizes a ‘rational group’ versus an organic group?

It is formed by shared self-interest and offers greater personal freedom.

George Herbert Mead says the self develops through social experience. Which stage involves children role-playing others?

Play stage.

What Mead stage marks the ability to follow rules and internalize multiple roles simultaneously?

Game stage.

Define ‘cultural diversity’ from an anthropological standpoint.

Variation in identities shaped by different cultural backgrounds that influence self-concept.

In Ting-Toomey’s research, intercultural communication enhances what aspect of the self?

Self-awareness and adaptability.

Which value system emphasizes individual goals over group interests: individualism or collectivism?

Individualism.

Give one hallmark of collectivist societies regarding decision-making.

Decisions consider group well-being and family values rather than solely personal preference.

In Hinduism, what is the eternal, true self identical with Brahman?

Atman.

What Hindu concept describes the illusion that hides our true self?

Maya.

Buddhism denies a permanent soul through which doctrine?

Anatta (no-self).

List the five aggregates (Skandhas) that constitute the Buddhist notion of a person.

Form, sensation, perception, mental formations, consciousness.

In Confucianism, what virtue (often translated as ‘humaneness’) is central to cultivating the moral self?

Ren.

What Taoist principle advocates effortless action in harmony with nature?

Wu Wei.

William James divides the self into two parts. Which part is the ‘empirical me’ that includes material, social, and spiritual aspects?

The Me Self.

What is James’s ‘I Self’?

The thinking subject, or pure ego, providing continuity of consciousness.

In Carl Rogers’ theory, what term describes alignment between real experience and self-concept?

Congruence.

According to Rogers, what typically causes low self-esteem and distress?

Incongruence—a large gap between real self and ideal self.

Rogers says a ‘fully functioning person’ shows openness to experience and what kind of regard for the self?

Unconditional positive regard.

Albert Bandura’s concept that people can purposefully shape their own lives is called what?

Human Agency.

Name Bandura’s four core properties of human agency.

Intentionality, forethought, self-reactiveness, self-reflectiveness.

Which type of agency involves influencing others to act on one’s behalf?

Proxy agency.

Describe collective agency in Bandura’s framework.

People working together to achieve shared goals through coordinated action.

In modern societies, what characteristic—identified by Giddens—denotes rapid, continual change?

Dynamism.

What postmodern concern arises from modern ‘institutions of surveillance’?

Loss of privacy and concentration of power.

Within individualistic cultures, what milestone often signals adulthood in Western societies?

Turning 18 years old.

What Confucian concept captures self-cultivation through education and ethical refinement?

Xiushen.

Taoism stresses non-attachment to ego and desires to achieve what inner state?

Inner peace and balance aligned with the Tao.

In Buddhism, realizing impermanence and non-self culminates in what ultimate goal?

Nirvana.

What Hindu aim represents liberation from Samsara through union of Atman and Brahman?

Moksha.

James’s material self includes what kinds of possessions?

Body, family, clothes, money—anything one calls ‘mine.’

Which Churchland claim challenges the existence of a mysterious, non-physical self?

The self can be fully explained by neural processes; no extra ‘substance’ is required.

According to Mead, which foundational element of self-development allows communication and symbol use?

Language.

Bandura emphasizes belief in one’s capabilities. What term does he use for this?

Self-efficacy.