Module 1. Introduction to UTS

Welcome

Course Title: Understanding the Self

Instructors:



Jonathan V. Macayan, PhD, RPsyJasmine Nadja J. Pinugu, RGC, RPmJohn Christopher D. Castillo, RSSW, MSSW

Module 1: Introduction to Understanding the Self

Philosophical Perspectives

This unit covers how both classical and modern philosophical models define the Self, examining key figures and schools of thought throughout history.

  • Overview of the evolution of philosophical frameworks: From ancient philosophies like those of Socrates and Plato, advocating for introspection and reason, to modern existentialists such as Sartre and Kierkegaard, who emphasize personal freedom and authenticity.

  • Importance of the philosophy of the self: Focus on how these philosophies shape the younger generation's self-concept, influencing their identities, values, and worldview in an increasingly complex social landscape.

Scientific Perspectives

Discussion on how science, encompassing both natural and social sciences, provides frameworks to explain the concept of the Self:

  • Natural Sciences: Explore biological bases of behavior, such as neurobiology and psychology, addressing how brain functions correlate with self-perception.

  • Social Sciences: Examine disciplines like sociology and anthropology that analyze the influence of culture and social structures on individual identities.

  • Overview of significant disciplines: Highlight the contributions of various fields, including psychology, cognitive science, and evolutionary biology, in addressing the nature and development of the Self.

Learning Checkpoint

Reflection Questions:

  • "We can be whatever or whoever we want to be": Discuss the implications of choice versus determinism in shaping identity.

  • "Our tendencies are completely controllable": Explore the boundaries of self-regulation and implications for personal responsibility.

  • "We are what we are right now because we want to be like this": Assess the role of personal desires in self-definition and transformation.

  • "There are still many things that we haven’t discovered about ourselves": Encourage exploration of the subconscious and evolving self-understanding.

  • "Our parents (or family members) can only influence us while we are growing up": Debate the ongoing impact of familial relationships beyond childhood.

Issues on Understanding the Self

Scholars across generations have debated several critical topics:

  • Self vs. Identity: Distinguish between self as a philosophical inquiry and identity as a social construct.

  • Uni-dimensional vs. Multi-dimensionalities: Analyze simplistic views of identity versus the complex, multifaceted nature of the self.

  • Nature vs. Nurture: Investigate how biological (nature) and experiential (nurture) factors dynamically interact to form self-concept.

Nature vs. Nurture

Biological Perspective

  • Arguing that self is a product of natural processes: Examine the influence of genetics and evolutionary adaptations on personality traits and behaviors.

  • Traits passed through generations: Understanding inherited predispositions as a basis for expressions of attitude and behavior.

  • Structural and functional study of the self: From molecular genetics to physiological expressions, how biological frameworks contribute to self-understanding.

Genetic Insights

  • Genetics focuses on heritability: Discuss the inheritance of traits and characteristics as critical processes in identity formation.

  • Understanding similarities and differences: Investigate how genetic variations influence individual self-concept and behavior.

Social Sciences Perspective

  • The self shaped by nurturing factors and social environments: How social relationships and cultural contexts impact individual identity.

  • Emphasizes individual’s behavior and attitudes: Understand the social messaging and expectations that influence personal development.

  • Impact of social institutions: Explore how institutions like education, religion, and community shape self-construal and identity.

Reflection: Nature vs. Nurture

Personal stance regarding the influence of nature vs. nurture is crucial:

  • Both factors interact to contribute to the current self, emphasizing the significant interplay of genetics, environment, and personal agency.

Self vs. Identity

Popularity of Topics

  • Discussions among psychologists and various social scientists delve into these significant concepts.

  • Engagement in interdisciplinary dialogue is essential for a comprehensive understanding, involving:

    • Sociologists

    • Cultural anthropologists

Conceptual Overlap

  • Self and identity are often confused in literature:

  • Thin distinction leads many to see them as synonyms: Clarifying these concepts can lead to more profound insights into human behavior and the formation of the self.

Definitions

  • Identity

    • Lexical Definition: Qualities, beliefs, and characteristics that set an individual apart, often informed by cultural, social, and personal narratives.

  • Self

    • Lexical Definition: The true person or entirety of an individual; encompassing consciousness, thoughts, emotions, and intrinsic essence.

Reflection: Self vs. Identity

What do you believe regarding the overlap between the two concepts? Foster discussions and critical thinking around individual perceptions of self and identity.

Complex Nature of Self

Dimensionality of the Self

  • Developing an understanding of self and identity involves recognizing:

  • Multiple factors beyond single descriptions: Acknowledge that identity is not fixed but continuously evolving through experiences.

Multidimensionality of the Self

  • Explore how individuals can embody various selves based on context, relationships, and personal growth.

Factors Influencing Self

  • Society: Social interactions and significant relationships shape our identity.

  • Heredity: Biological transmission of traits; non-negotiable factors influencing identity.

  • Environment: Physical and communal elements profoundly affect behavior and characteristics.

  • Volition: Intrinsic desires and conscious actions taken by individuals in shaping their identities.

Factors Elaborated

  • Social Factor: Influence of significant relationships, including:

    • Family

    • Peer Groups

    • Organizations

  • Environmental Factor: Broader context incorporates:

    • Community characteristics

    • Societal expectations and norms

  • Hereditary Factor: Non-negotiable, fixed aspects such as:

    • Physical attributes

    • Cognitive traits

  • Person-Volition Factor: Refers to the individual's uniqueness shaped by:

    • Social experiences

    • Rejection of conformity

Reflection Activity

Asynchronous task: "Becoming your many selves" by Roger Evernden (TEDxFolkestone)

  • Watch the TEDx video and write a reflection paper describing five techniques and personal experiences that illuminate your understanding of self and identity.