Understanding the Self
Lesson 1: The Self from various Philosophical Perspective
The Self from various Philosophical Perspective – believe about the Self
The Self
2 Foundation of Understanding the Self
1. Philosophy
Questions
Existence knowledge value
2. Psychology
Mental Processes
Thoughts and feelings
Ancient Perspective
1) Socrates – The Soul as the True Self
Dualistic Nature
Socrates distinguished between the body (physical, temporary) and the soul
(immortal, rational essence).
He argued that the soul is the true self, since it governs thought, morality, and
wisdom.
Caring for the soul through virtue and knowledge was more important than
bodily pleasures or material wealth.
"The unexamined life is not worth living" he encouraged constant
questioning of beliefs, assumptions, and actions
2) Plato – The Self is the Soul
The soul is immortal and imperishable, existing before birth and surviving
after death.
The body is seen as a temporary vessel, while the soul connects us to eternal
truths (Forms).
Divided the soul into three distinct parts (Tripartite Structure of the Soul)
Tripartite Structure of the Soul
a) Rational (Logistikon)
The reasoning, thinking, and truth-seeking part of the soul.
It wants wisdom, knowledge, and long-term good.
Should govern the other parts to achieve harmony
Example: Imagine you're deciding whether to stay up late watching Netflix or go to
bed early.
The rational part says: "Sleep is important for my health and productivity tomorrow. I
should rest."
b) Spirited (Thumos)
The emotional, passionate, and courageous side. It's about honor, pride, and
standing up for what you believe in.
Supports rationality by motivating action and defending values.
Acts as the "enforcer" of reason, giving energy and motivation to follow
through.
Example: You see someone stealing wallet from someone.
The spirited part pushes you to act: "This is wrong! I need to stop him/her."
a) Appetitive (Epithumia)
The desire-driven side, seeking pleasures like food, drink, sex, money, and
comfort.
Necessary for survival, but must be controlled by reason.
Needs regulation to avoid excess and imbalance
Example: You walk past a bakery and smell freshly-baked breads.
The appetitive part says: "7 want that pan de sal right now!"
3) Aristotle – Body-Soul Unity
The soul cannot exist without the body; it is the essence that animates the
body.
Aristotle introduced the doctrine of hylomorphism. (from Greek hyle =
matter, morphe = form)
He argued that every physical object is a compound of matter and form
Matter is the substance or "stuff" something is made of (e.g., wood).
Form is the structure, essence, or organizing principle that makes it what it is
(e.g., chair).
Levels of Soul Functions
a) Vegetative Soul
Responsible for basic life functions
Includes growth, nourishment, and reproduction
Present in plants, animals, and humans
b) Sensitive Soul
Responsible for sensation and movement
Includes seeing, hearing, feeling, and responding to stimuli
Present in animals and humans
c) Rational Soul
Responsible for thinking and reasoning
Includes logic, decision-making, and moral judgment
Unique to humans
Medieval Perspectives – middle ancient and present time
1. St. Augustine – The Self as a Journey Toward God
St. Augustine believed that self-knowledge is inseparable from knowledge of God,
since humans are created in God's image.
The act of introspection-examining one's inner life-was for Augustine both a
philosophical and spiritual exercise.
Portrays the self as restless until it rests in God.
Augustine distinguished two parts of man.
2. Discartes – The Self as the Thinking Mind
For Descartes, the act of thinking/doubting one's own existence proves that an "I"
must exist to do the doubting.
"Cogito, ergo sum" - I think therefore, I am
The self is defined by consciousness and rational thought, not by physical
existence.
Descartes argued that a human being is composed of two distinct substances.
Res cogitans (thinking substance) the mind, immaterial and indivisible.
Res extensa (extended substance) → the body, material and divisible.
3. Hume – The Self is a Bundle of Perceptions
Hume denied the existence of a permanent, unchanging soul or mind.
Insisted that when we look inward, we only encounter fleeting perceptions-never a
stable "self."
Bundle Theory – the self is a bundle of perceptions: impressions, ideas, emotions,
and memories.
These perceptions are constantly changing, like a theater stage where different
actors (experiences) appear and disappear.
Illusion of Identity- We mistakenly believe in a continuous self because of:
Memory- links past perceptions with present ones, creating a sense of
continuity.
Causation and resemblance- perceptions resemble or cause one another,
reinforcing the illusion of unity.
For Hume, identity is a psychological construct, not a metaphysical reality.
The "self" is not an independent thing but a product of how the mind organizes
experiences. It's built from memory, imagination, and habits of thought.
4. Sartre – The Self as the Project
"Existence precedes essence."- Humans are not born with metaphysical soul.
Instead, we first exist, and a predetermined nature or then we define ourselves
through our actions, choices, and commitments.
The self is not a static entity but an ongoing project.
We continuously shape who we are by the decisions we make.
Identity is fluid, contingent, and always in the process of becoming.
Bad faith- When people deny their freedom by pretending they have a fixed
nature (e.g., "I can't change, that's just who I am").
Authenticity- Embracing freedom and responsibility, recognizing that the self
is created through choices.
Sartre insists we are "condemned to be free"-we cannot escape the responsibility of
defining ourselves.