I-think-therefore-I-am

Introduction to Self-Reflection

  • Reinforces the idea of self-existence: "I think, therefore, I am."

Unit Objectives

  • Understand personal limitations and potential for transcendence.

  • Evaluate limitations from the perspective of the subject.

  • Determine qualities that define the self.

  • Recognize methods to transcend limitations.

Influence of Social Circle

  • Maxim: "Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are."

  • As individuals grow and socialize, they tend to associate with those who share similar interests.

  • Friends often serve as reflections of oneself, indicating the kind of person one is.

Self-Assessment and Values

  • Personal attributes to consider:

    • Caring for family

    • Practicing gratitude

    • Maintaining composure in anger

    • Striving to do one’s best

    • Looking after friends and others

    • Honesty and trustworthiness

Self-Doubt Questions

  • Reflect on personal perceptions of self-worth:

    • Am I really pretty or handsome?

    • Am I as intelligent as I believe?

    • Do my beliefs hold true?

Media and Perception

  • Encountering fake news complicates understanding of truth.

  • This deception can sway opinions, affecting self-image and perception of reality.

Understanding "I Think, Therefore I Am"

  • Key concept in philosophy attributed to René Descartes, related to existence through thought.

  • Involves the interrelation of being and existence.

Cartesian Philosophy

  • Originating from the 17th-century philosopher René Descartes.

  • Known as the Father of Modern Philosophy.

  • His quest for truth involved systematic doubt - termed Cartesian doubt.

  • He aimed to identify beliefs that could withstand such skepticism.

Fundamental Insight

  • Despite extensive doubt, Descartes concluded that his ability to doubt confirmed his existence.

  • Resulted in the formulation of "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am).

Pursuit of Truth in Self-Discovery

  • Importance of grounding self-discovery in truth.

  • Misunderstandings of self can erroneously shape identity; honesty is key in self-assessment.

Personal Philosophy Statement

  • Acknowledgment of being a student of philosophy.

  • Encouragement to engage in discourse and correct misconceptions.

Assignment: Recognizing Deceptive Senses

  • Practical application regarding perceptual deceptions:

    • Situation: Washing hands in Baguio; perceiving water temperature inaccurately.

    • Situation: Parking a car; over-reliance on a side mirror.

    • Situation: Hiking and sensing danger related to dead bodies.

    • Situation: Avoiding cough medicine and using physical actions to cope.