GE 1

UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

Preface

  • Title and authorship of the book are mentioned.

  • Published and distributed by REX Book Store, located in Manila, Philippines.

Contents

  • Detailed table of contents is provided, breaking down lessons and chapters.

  • Chapter I - Defining the Self: Personal and Developmental Perspectives on Self and Identity

    • Lesson 1: The Self from Various Philosophical Perspectives

    • Lesson 2: The Self, Society, and Culture

    • Lesson 3: The Self as Cognitive Construct

    • Lesson 4: The Self in Western and Eastern Thoughts

  • Chapter II - Unpacking the Self

    • Lesson 1: The Physical and Sexual Self

    • Lesson 2: To Buy or Not to Buy? That Is the Question!

    • Lesson 3: Supernaturals: Believe It or Not!

    • Lesson 4: The Political Self and Being Filipino

    • Lesson 5: Who Am I in the Cyberworld? (Digital Self)

  • Chapter III - Managing and Caring for the Self

    • Lesson 1: Learning To Be a Better Learner

    • Lesson 2: Do Not Just Dream, Make It Happen

    • Lesson 3: Less Stress, More Care

Chapter I - Defining the Self: Personal and Developmental Perspectives on Self and Identity

Lesson 1: The Self from Various Philosophical Perspectives

Lesson Objectives

  1. Explain the importance of self-understanding.

  2. Discuss diverse philosophical perspectives on self.

  3. Compare representations of self across philosophical schools.

  4. Examine personal self-concept against discussed perspectives.

Introduction

  • The journey of self-discovery starts in childhood by learning to articulate names.

  • Names are vital identifiers but do not encapsulate the entirety of one’s self.

  • Discussion around the deeper understanding of self beyond mere identity labels.

Activity: Do You Truly Know Yourself?

  • Questions aimed at self-reflection:

    1. Characterization of self.

    2. Unique traits in contrast to others.

    3. Self-transformation over time.

    4. Connection of self to body.

    5. Relationship of self to others.

    6. Concept of self post-mortem.

Analysis

  • Challenge of self-awareness in answering questions.

  • Inquiry into the possibility of knowing one’s true self.

Abstraction

  • The historical inquiry into the self initiates from Greek philosophers.

  • Peculiar shift in discourse from nature of world to nature of self initiated by Socrates.

Socrates and Plato

  • Socrates emphasized the importance of self-awareness.

    • Unexamined life is not worth living.

    • Core question: “Who are you?”

  • Plato extends Socrates's theory of dualism (body and soul).

    • Introduces three soul parts: rational, spirited, appetitive; harmony is key to justice.

Augustine and Thomas Aquinas

  • Augustine’s perspective reflects dual nature; body is mortal whereas soul seeks the Divine.

  • Aquinas presents matter (body) and form (soul). The soul is necessary for true identity as a human.

Descartes

  • Proposed dualism of mind and body; belief in ‘cogito, ergo sum’ (I think, therefore I am).

    • Mind is core of self while body is merely a vessel.

Hume

  • Presented a radical outlook; self as a bundle of sensations rather than a unified entity.

  • Differentiated between impressions (sensory experiences) and ideas (copies of impressions).

Kant

  • Argued for an active mind organizing experiences; self as synthesizer of sensory data.

  • Emphasized necessity of self for world understanding.

Ryle

  • Dismissed the concept of non-physical self; suggested behaviors define self.

Merleau-Ponty

  • Argued for intertwining of body and mind in experience; anti-Cartesian stance.

Application and Assessment

  • Self-definition based on each discussed philosophical perspective.

Lesson 2: The Self, Society, and Culture

Lesson Objectives

  1. Explain the interplay between self, society, and culture.

  2. Discuss societal and cultural influences on self.

  3. Compare effects of different societal institutions on self.

  4. Reflect on personal identity against discussed views of self.

Introduction

  • Analysis of self through historical lenses of philosophical debate transitions to a focus on social influences.

  • Important narrative around Tarzan exemplifying external influences on self-development.

Activity: My Self Through the Years

  • Reflect on self at different life stages with accompanying imagery.

Analysis

  • Continual adaptation of self-image; identification of influences.

Abstraction

  • Definition of self characterized by: distinctiveness, independence, consistency, and privacy (Stevens 1996).

The Self and Culture

  • Explanation of how cultural context shapes identity.

  • Sometimes, social constructs of identity create conflict between personal and communal sensibilities.

Lesson 3: The Self as Cognitive Construct

Lesson Objectives

  1. Analyze psychological theories surrounding 'self'.

  2. Define personal self through psychological perspectives.

  3. Assess influences impacting self-formation.

Introduction

  • Examination of the self must weigh individual cognitive function within broader societal frameworks.

  • Awareness of each field's contribution to self-identity construct.

Definitions and Concepts

  • Key theories on self detail a cognitive framework (James, Rogers, etc.).

  • Distinctions between 'identity', 'self', and 'self-concept'.

Lesson 4: The Self in Western and Eastern Thoughts

Lesson Objectives

  1. Contrast Western and Eastern self-concepts.

  2. Explore Eastern perspectives on self.

  3. Create representation of Filipino self.

Introduction

  • Outline distinctions between Eastern collectivism and Western individualism.

  • Examination of cultural narratives, especially from Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

Eastern Philosophies

  • Confucianism: emphasizes harmony in societal roles; self as part of community.

  • Taoism: adaptable self in harmony with the universe.

  • Buddhism: belief that seeking self leads to suffering.

Western Philosophies

  • Individualistic view, leading to personal responsibility and distinct self-identity.

Chapter II - Unpacking the Self

Lesson 1: The Physical and Sexual Self

Lesson Objectives

  1. Discuss developmental anatomy of reproductive systems.

  2. Define erogenous zones and human sexual behavior.

  3. Describe diversity in sexual behavior and STDs.

  4. Differentiate contraception methods.

Introduction

  • Basic biological principles of sex role and chromosomal influence on identity development.

Physical Attributes and Development

  • Explanation of sexual development phases from conception through puberty.

  • Consequences of hormonal imbalances and diagnosis associated with reproductive conditions.

Lesson 2: To Buy or Not to Buy? That Is the Question!

Lesson Objectives

  1. Discuss relationship of self with possessions.

  2. Analyze the impact of consumer culture on identity.

  3. Reflect on personal identity regarding material self.

Introduction

  • Material possessions forming part of identity as explored by Belk's theory.

Analysis

  • The significance of possessions as identity markers reflects emotional and social contexts.

Lesson 3: Supernaturals: Believe It or Not!

Lesson Objectives

  1. Identify various religious practices.

  2. Understand religious impact on self.

  3. Explore the quest for life meaning.

Introduction

  • Connection between spiritual self and cultural practices and beliefs regarding the supernatural.

Analysis

  • Discussion on shared and diverging experiences in faith.

  • Compilation of various religious beliefs (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism).

Lesson 4: The Political Self and Being Filipino

Lesson Objectives

  1. Develop a distinctive Filipino identity.

  2. Identify key Filipino values.

  3. Reflect on selfhood in relation to national identity.

Introduction

  • Interplay of colonial history and modern identity.

Analysis

  • Exploration of traits such as hospitality, family ties, cheerful disposition, pride, crab mentality, and bayanihan spirit which define Filipino identity.

Lesson 5: Who Am I in the Cyberworld? (Digital Self)

Lesson Objectives

  1. Understand online identity.

  2. Differentiate real identity from online identity.

  3. Analyze digital impacts on gender/sexuality.

  4. Discuss values demonstrated online.

Introduction

  • Assessment of increased digital interaction and its influence on identity presentations.

Analysis

  • Importance of mindful sharing and consideration to cultivate safe online environments while ensuring self-representation ethos remains intact.

Chapter III - Managing and Caring for the Self

Lesson 1: Learning To Be a Better Learner

Lesson Objectives

  1. Understand learning processes.

  2. List metacognitive studies.

  3. Identify personalized metacognitive techniques.

Introduction

  • Techniques aimed at fostering enhanced learning experiences.

Lesson 2: Do Not Just Dream, Make It Happen

Lesson Objectives

  1. Apply self-efficacy theory for personal assessment.

  2. Differentiate fixed vs. growth mindset.

  3. Design personal goals using Locke's theories.

Lesson 3: Less Stress, More Care

Lesson Objectives

  1. Explain stress effects on health.

  2. Discuss cultural stress and coping.

  3. Design a practical self-care plan.

Introduction

  • Examination of stress nuances and self-care methodologies to support managing mental health.

Conclusion

  • All lessons aimed at creating a comprehensive understanding of self through philosophical, sociocultural, psychological, and biological lenses and the resultant impact on identity and personal growth.