Understanding the Self Course Notes

Understanding the Self Course Notes

Course Overview and Objectives

  • Course Title: Understanding the Self
  • Objectives:
  • Analyze the various Western and Eastern approaches, perspectives, and disciplines in understanding the self.
  • Demonstrate how self-understanding works individually, reflecting on different concepts and theories.
  • Develop a self-pathing mechanism that exemplifies personal background after learning various concepts.

Module Structure

  • Module Topics:
  • Lesson 1: Personality and the Self
  • Lesson 2: Western Perspectives
  • Lesson 3: Eastern Perspectives

Lesson 1: Personality and the Self

  • Objectives:
  • Distinguish the sequential impression of personality through history.
  • Understand the self as the core of personality and its significance.
  • Differentiate between the authentic self and fictional self.
Key Concepts
  • Personality Definition:
  • Multifaceted; unique characteristics define individuals.
  • Grace Harris (1989): The person (sociologistic), the individual (biologistic), the self (psychologistic).
  • Historical Context:
  • Latin origin of "personality" (per sonare) - the mask worn in Greek drama.
Types of Personality (Hippocrates)
  • Melancholic: Depressed and pessimistic
  • Choleric: Angry and irascible
  • Phlegmatic: Sluggish and dull
  • Sanguine: Cheerful and optimistic
Filipino Psychology’s Perspective
  • Introduced by Enriquez (1978) with pagkatao emphasizing cultural values:
  • Paggalang at pagmalasakit: Respect and concern
  • Pagtulong at pagdamay: Helping one another
  • Pakikiramdam: Sensitivity to others
Assessing Personality
  • Erroneous Methods:
  • Based on superficial traits like appearance, nationality, etc.
  • Pseudo-scientific Methods:
  • Physiognomy, Phrenology, Graphology, Astrology
  • Scientific Method:
  • Personality tests (e.g., MMPI, CPI) assessing emotional and motivational traits.

Lesson 2: Western Perspectives

  • Objectives:
  • Understand the necessity of self-understanding.
  • Discuss ideas by notable philosophers and psychologists regarding self.
  • Analyze the constructs of self across disciplines.
Philosophical Views
  • Socrates: "The unexamined life is not worth living."
  • Plato: Three parts of the soul (Rational, Spirited, Appetitive).
  • Augustine: Immortality of the soul, body decays but soul lives.
  • Descartes: