5.-Handouts-on-UTS-Material-and-Spiritual-Self

Understanding the Self: Unpacking the Self

• The self is complex and cannot be seen at a glance.

• Requires gradual unpacking to understand fully.

• Must explore various influences—physical, sexual, material, political, spiritual, and digital.

Lesson Overview

• Title: The Material Self, The Social Self, and The Spiritual Self

• Duration: 3 hours

• Focus: Role of consumer culture in identity and self-perception.

Learning Objectives

• Explore: material/economic, social, and spiritual aspects of self.

• Demonstrate: critical and reflective thought in integrating these aspects.

• Identify: forces and institutions impacting self and identity development.

The Empirical Self (William James)

• Definition: All ways people answer "Who am I?"

• Subcategories:

  1. The Material Self

  2. The Social Self

  3. The Spiritual Self

The Material Self

• Definition: Tangible objects and relationships that individuals associate with “my”/“mine.”

• Includes: Bodies, clothes, family, homes.

• Shapes identity through possessions—"I have, therefore I am."

Importance of Material Self

• Reflects one’s success, failure, and social status.

• Defines how others perceive an individual.

• Saying “Tell me who your friends are” and “Show me what you have” emphasizes identity linked to possessions.

Subclasses of Material Self

• Bodily Self: Refers to physical aspects (e.g., limbs).

• Extracorporeal Self: Includes possessions, relationships, and achievements.

• Psychological Ownership: Feeling of connection to possessions (e.g., favorite chair).

Impacts of Materialism

• Overemphasis on material possessions can distort self-identity.

• Materialism: When material possessions hold more value than intangible ones.

• Materialistic individuals: Obsessed with possessions; may experience compulsive buying disorder (COD).

The Social Self

• Definition: How individuals perceive themselves through relationships with others.

• According to James, individuals possess as many social selves as the people who recognize them.

• Involves building relationships, empathy, and communication.

The Spiritual Self

• Definition: The authentic, inner self connecting to higher purposes.

• Encompasses values, emotions, interests, and beliefs.

• Spirituality: Derived from Latin "spiritus" (breath/life force).

• Associated with meaning, purpose, and wholeness in life.

Concepts of Well-being and Life Satisfaction

• Well-being: Feelings of self-acceptance.

• Life Satisfaction: Overall attitude towards life.

• Happiness results when well-being and life satisfaction coexist.

Spirituality versus Religiosity

• Spirituality: Individual journey, seeking purpose and connection.

• Religiosity: Communal practices and beliefs; may include rituals and adherence to cultural norms.

• Similarities and distinctions between spirituality and religiosity outlined.

Development of Spiritual Self

• Nurtured through interaction and observation, primarily shaped by family, school, and community.

• Understanding spirituality is crucial as it impacts overall self-awareness and identity.

Logotherapy and Viktor Frankl

• Logotherapy: Explores meaning in life, especially in suffering; coined by Viktor E. Frankl.

• Key Concepts:

  1. Freedom of will: Individuals can control their responses.

  2. Will to meaning: Search for life goals.

  3. Meaning of life: An objective rather than subjective notion.

Conclusion

• Finding meaning enhances resilience and overall well-being.

• Aligning personal values with experiences leads to satisfaction and joy.