Module-1-Philosophical-Perspective (2)

Module 1: Philosophical Perspectives of the Self

Introduction

• Western philosophy features inquiries into the fundamental nature of self, alongside questions about the primary substratum of existence.

• The Greeks initiated serious questioning of myths to understand reality, including the self.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the importance of examining the self

• Describe different philosophical notions of the self throughout history

• Compare and contrast representations of the self in various philosophical schools

• Reflect on one’s own self in light of discussed views

Ancient Philosophy

Socrates and Plato

• Pre-Socratics: Early thinkers like Thales, Pythagoras, Heraclitus sought to explain the world’s composition and changes, moving beyond mythological explanations.

• Socrates: Shifted focus to the self. Advocated that knowing oneself is essential, emphasizing the duality of body and soul.

• Plato's Contribution: Supported dualism; identified three components of the soul:

  • Rational Soul: Governed by intellect.

  • Spirited Soul: Related to emotions.

  • Appetitive Soul: Governs basic desires.

• Plato's vision of justice: harmony of all three parts leads to a virtuous human being.

Medieval Philosophy

St. Augustine of Hippo and St. Thomas Aquinas

• Augustine’s View: Aligns with Platonic dualism: the body is imperfect, while the soul yearns for divine communion and immortality.

• Aquinas’ View: Combined Aristotelian ideas: man is matter (body) and form (soul); the essence distinguishing humans from animals lies in the soul, which animates the body.

Modern Philosophy

Rene Descartes

• Descartes viewed humans as composed of body and mind, introducing skepticism about knowledge.

• Famous for "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am) - the existence of the self is undeniable as thinking proves existence.

• Proposed mind (cogito) as distinct from body (extensa); emphasized the importance of the mind over the physical body.

David Hume

• As an empiricist, Hume rejected previous notions of a separate self existing beyond perceptions.

• Defined the self as a **"bundle of impressions"

  • Impressions: vivid, sensory experiences.

  • Ideas: less vivid copies of impressions.

• Argued against the existence of a unified self, favoring a view of a constantly changing collection of experiences.

Immanuel Kant

• Addressed limitations of Hume’s view; insisted the mind organizes sensory perceptions through inherent structures (time, space).

• Emphasized that the self is essential for synthesizing experiences, implying an active intelligence behind knowledge acquisition.

Contemporary Philosophy

Gilbert Ryle

• Ryle denied an internal, non-physical self; focused on observable behaviors.

• Suggested that the concept of self is a convenient label for behaviors rather than an identifiable entity.

Maurice Jean Jacques Merleau-Ponty

• Critiqued mind-body duality, asserting they are intertwined and cannot be separated.

• Argued that all experiences are embodied, redefining self in relation to both mind and body as a unified existence.