Module 1 - Section 2: The Science and Philosophy of the Self

Vocabulary flashcards covering physical and social science perspectives on the self from Module 1, Section 2 of Understanding the Self.

Science

The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.

Physical Sciences

A branch of science that focuses on biological factors that make up the human body, the underlying growth and maturational mechanisms, and environmental influences that contribute to human development.

Social Science

A branch of science concerned with institutions, cultures, and the interpersonal relationships of people living within society.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

A self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms that serves as a unique identifying part of every individual, the main constituent of chromosomes, and the carrier of genetic information.

Human Genome Project

A project carried out from 1990-2003 implemented for the purpose of mapping the functions of genes as well as exploring the interactions of nucleotides and their effects on biological processes.

Neurophilosophy

A field attributed to Paul and Patricia Churchland concerned with the association of the brain and the mind, emphasizing that understanding the human mind requires understanding the brain, its functions, and wave activity.

Maurice Merleau-Ponty

A philosopher who aimed to unite idealism with empiricism through a framework focused on phenomenology, supplemented by empirical studies and research.

Psychoneuroimmunology

A field that describes the shaping of the self as similar to how the human immune system functions, where individuals capitalize on innate attributes, imbibe helpful external experiences, and reject harmful environmental factors.

Psychology

The study of human behavior that sees the self as a theoretical construct and forms the basis for the Science of Self.

Self-awareness

The consciousness of individuals about their strengths, weaknesses, and potentials, as well as the underlying factors that contribute to such aspects of the self.

Self-concept

A description of what one looks like, sounds like, and behaves like, serving as an implicit personality theory that one holds towards oneself.

Psychoanalysis

A school of thought proposed by Sigmund Freud that focuses on the unconscious as a core element of the self, comparing the human psyche to an iceberg.

Behaviorism

A school of thought maintaining that the study of behavior should be approached from an observable and measurable perspective, largely attributing behavior to environmental conditioning.

Social Cognitive Theory

A revised framework of the behavioristic perspective that considers behavior as a function of the environment and internal attributes.

Humanistic Perspective

A psychological perspective drawn from criticisms of psychoanalysis and behaviorism, believing that every individual is inherently good and capable of self-actualization and transcendence.

Sociology

The study of the collective behavior of people within a society and social problems, focusing on the impact of social institutions and relationships on thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

Anthropology

The study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space in relation to physical character, environmental and social relations, and culture.

Political Science

A discipline concerned with the participation of individuals in establishing a government and making political choices, analyzing factors that influence political behavior, ideologies, and advocacies.

Economics

A discipline that describes and analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, and how financial state and purchasing power shape an individual's sense of self and value system.