Handout for GEC 001 (Understanding the Self) PRELIM

Lesson 1: The Self from the Philosophical 2. John Locke – founded on consciousness (the
Perspective perception of what passes in a Man’s own mind).
According the Locke, consciousness can be
Philosophical Orientations:
transferred from one substance (body and soul) to
Empiricism – the belief that there is no such thing as another therefore, the soul can change, but
innate knowledge, instead, knowledge is derived consciousness remains the same. Tabula Rasa – this
from sensory experience. concept posits that everyone started as a blank slate,
and the content is provided by one’s experiences
Rationalism – the belief that there is innate
over time.
knowledge, and that there are different sources of
knowledge. 3. David Hume – there is no self as a mental
entity for “what we call a mind is nothing but a
Idealism – objects of knowledge is held to be
heap/collection of different perceptions.” The self is
dependent on the activity of the mind.
nothing but a complex set of successive impressions
Antiquity/Classical Philosophers: or perceptions.
1. Socrates – Knowledge is the personification 4. Immanuel Kant – consciousness is formed
of good, and ignorance is that of evil; self-knowledge by one’s inner and outer sense: the inner sense
is the ultimate virtue. “An unexamined life is not (comprised of one’s psychological state and intellect)
worth living.” “Know thyself.” and the outer sense (consists one’s senses and the
2. Plato – moral virtue is rooted in the intellect physical world).
and leads to happiness. Contemporary/ Modern Philosophers:
3. Aristotle – the ideal (essence) is found inside 1. Sigmund Freud – the self is multilayered
the phenomena (matter), and the universals inside the and is composed of the three structures of the human
particulars. mind – the id, ego, and superego.
Medieval/Middle Ages Philosopher: Id Ego Superego
Since birth Maintains Last to
1. St. Augustine – All knowledge leads to God; only equilibrium develop
the pure heart can see God; love of God, faith in Him, Hedonistic/Pleasure Reality Morality
and understanding of the Gospel will ultimately lead Principle Principle Principle
to happiness. Driven by Adheres to Has two
Enlightenment Philosophers: the sexual energy reason and systems:
called libido. logic Conscience:
1. Rene Descartes – “Cogito ergo sum” – I sanction of
think therefore I am. The self is a thinking thing guilt;
whose whole essence or nature is merely thinking. Ideal Self –
The self is different from the body hence, the self and reward if one
body exist but differ in existence and reality. Mind- conforms
body dichotomy – though (mind) will always
precede action (body). Only humans have hubris 2. Gilbert Ryle – opposed the Cartesian notion
(excessive pride) because of the fact that humans are of “Cogito ergo sum.” The mind is not separate from
the sole rational animals in existence. the body. Logical/Analytical Behaviorism – a theory
of mind which states that mental concepts can be
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Handout for GEC 001 (Understanding the Self)
understood through observable events. The self is a
combination of the mind and body; “I act, therefore
I am.”
3. Paul and Patricia Churchland –
Eliminative Materialism – ordinary, common sense
understanding of the mind is deeply wrong and that
some or all of the mental states posited by common
sense do not exist. To understand the self, one must
study the brain, not just the mind.
4. Maurice Merleau-Ponty – body has two
types: subjective body (as lived and experienced),
and objective body (observed and scientifically
investigated), The self is embodied subjectivity –
humans are neither disembodied minds (existing
without body) nor as complex machines, but as living
creatures whose subjectivity (consciousness) is
actualized in the forms of their physical involvement
with the world. “I am my body.”
Lesson 2: The Self from the Sociological
Perspective
George Mead’s The Social Self – the self is not
biological but social. Self is something that is
developed through social interaction.
Self has two parts, self-awareness and self-image.
Role playing – the process in which one tales on the
role of another by putting oneself in the position of
the person with whom he or she interacts.
According the Mead, self is not inborn. Babies
cannot interpret the meaning of other people’s
behavior. Three stages of development: (i) imitation
or preparatory stage – the child imitates the behavior
of his parents, (ii) play stage – involves the child
playing the role of others, and (iii) game stage – the
child comes to see himself from the perspective of
other people.
Phases of the self: the I self and the Me self.
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I self – the phase of the self that is unsocialized and
spontaneous.
Me Self – the self that results from the progressive
stages of role playing or role-taking and the
perspective one assumes to view and analyze own’s
behaviors.
Generalized Others – an organized community or
social group which gives to the individual his or her
unity of self.
Charles Horton Cooley’s Looking-glass Self – a
social psychological concept providing that the self
is developed as a result of one’s perceptions of other
people’s opinions.
Steps: (i) people imagine how they must appear to
others, (ii) people imagine the judgment on that
appearance, and (iii) people develop themselves
through the judgment of others.
Private Self – the cognition that involves traits,
states, and behaviors.
Public Self – the cognition concerning the
generalized other’s view of the self.
Collective Self – cognition concerning a view of the
self that found in memberships in social groups.
Social Identity Theory by Henri Tajfel – the
person’s sense of who he is according to his
membership to a certain group.
In-group – the group where a person belongs.
Out-group – the group where a person do not
belong.
Postmodernism – not a philosophy but a report on
the mindset of the western culture in the latter half of
the 20th century.
Andersen (1997) Four Basic Postmodernist Ideas
Multiphrenia – refers to the many voices speaking
about who you are, and what you are.
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Protean – the self that is capable of changing
constantly to fit the present conditions.
De-Centered – a belief that there is no self at all.
Self-in-relation – humans do not live their lives in
isolation, but in relation to people and to certain
cultural contexts.
Erving Goffman’s Dramaturgical Model of Social
Life – social interactions may be compared to a
theater, and people to actors on a stage where each
plays a variety of roles.
Three Regions:
1. Front Stage – the region where actors
perform in conformity with the expectations
of the audience.
2. Back Stage – the region where actors
act/behave differently. Where actors are their
natural selves.
3. Off-Stage - the region where actors meet
audience independently.
Kenneth Gergen’s Saturated or Multiplicitous
Self – the saturated self is constantly in connection to
others, a self that absorbs a multitude of voices and
takes in a seemingly endless stream of information.
Lesson 3: The Self from the Anthropological
Perspective
Cultural Identity and National Identity
Culture – derived from Latin word cultura or cultus,
meaning care or cultivation.
Identity – refers to “who the person is,” or the
qualities and traits of an individual that make him
different from others.
Cultural Identity – refers to the identity or feeling
of belongingness to certain culture group.
Cultural Identity Theory – explains why a person
act and behaves the way he does.
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PRELIM
Nation – a group of people built on the premise of
shared customs, traditions, religion, language, art,
history, etc.
National Identity – refers to the identity or feeling
of belongingness to one state or nation.
Material Culture – a type of culture like national
flag, national emblem, or seal representative of all
the people who are a part of the nation.
Non-material Culture – embodies the shared
understanding of a group of people including norms,
beliefs, and traditions.
Brian Morris’s Anthropology of the Self – the self
is not an entity but a process that orchestrates an
individual’s personal experience. As a result of this
process, a person become self-aware and self-
reflective about his place in the surrounding world.
Dialogical Self Theory – introduced in 1992 by
Hubert Hermans. The theory regarded the “self” as
the “Society of Mind.” The self is considered as
extended to significant others in the environment that
populate the self as monological relationships may
emerge.
Individual Self – reflects the cognitions related to
traits, states, and behaviors that are stored in memory
(e.g. “I am religious).
Relational Self – reflects cognitions that are related
to one’s relationships (e.g. “I am the father).
Collective Self – reflects cognitions that are related
to one’s group (e.g. “I am an Ilocano”).
Identity Struggles – introduced by Anthony Wallace
and Raymond Fogelson. It characterizes the
discrepancy between the identity a person claims to
possess, and the identity attributed to that person by
others.
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Handout for GEC 001 (Understanding the Self) PRELIM
Lesson 4: The Self from the Psychological Self-Concept – the totality of complex, organized,
Perspective and dynamic system of learned beliefs, attitudes, and
opinions that each person holds to be true about his
William James’s Self Theory – divided the self into
personal experience.
two categories – Me and I. A human being has the
capacity to be a thinking subject and the object of his Aspects of Self-concept
own thinking at the same time. As a thinking subject,
1. Existential Self – begins when an individual
an individual is both conscious of his environment,
recognizes his existence as a separate entity
and conscious of his existence.
from others and realizes that he will continue
I – constituted by the continuous stream of to exist over a period of time and space.
consciousness internal to an individual. 2. Categorical Self – starts after a child
recognizes his existence as a separate entity
Me – a person turns into a ‘me’ when he makes
and becomes aware that he is an object of the
himself the object of his own thinking.
world.
Three Categories of the Self
Three Components of Self-Concept
1. Constituents of the Self – refer to the further
1. Self-worth or self-esteem – is what one
subcategories of the self, including the
thinks about oneself.
material self, social self, spiritual self, and
2. Self-image – how one sees himself, which is
pure ego.
important for good psychological health.
2. Self-feeling – the feelings and emotions
3. Ideal Self – the person that one wants to be.
aroused in the individual because of his
knowledge and appraisal of his empirical Donald W. Winnicott’s True Self and False Self
existence in the world.
True Self – known as the real self, authentic seld,
3. Self-seeking – the actions the self prompts –
original self, and vulnerable self. The core of who
the effort of every individual to preserve and
you are, the original you, unshaped by the upbringing
improve oneself based on one’s self-
of society.
knowledge and resulting self-feelings.
False Self – known as the fake self, ideal self, perfect
Carl Rogers’s Self Theory – the self does not exist
self, and pseudo self. Composed of the parts of the
at birth; it is developed gradually during childhood
self, wherein behaviors are altered, feelings are
wherein one differentiates the self from non-self. By
repressed, and one’s needs are set aside in order to fit
means of free choice and action, one can shape
in with others. Also called the adapted self.
himself based on what she wants to be.
Social Mask – helps one to interact properly in a
Real Self – who an individual actually is,
larger variety of interpersonal contexts.
intrinsically. How one thinks, feels, looks, and acts.
Global versus Differentiated Models
Ideal Self – the perception of what a person would
like to be or thinks he or she would be. Based on the Global Models look into a human being in his or her
idealized image. totality, as an indivisible entity that cannot be broken
down into parts.
Congruence – an agreement between the real self
and the ideal self. Gestalt Psychology – guided by the principle that
“the whole is greater than the sum of all its parts.”

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Handout for GEC 001 (Understanding the Self)
Humanistic Psychology – guided by the principle
that “human beings, as humans, supersede the sum of
their parts.”
Differentiated Models look into a human being
through examining its parts for it is divisible or can
be broken into components.
For Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, the psyche is
divided into three – id, ego, and superego.
1. Id – exists since birth and pertains to instinct.
Driven by libido (sexual energy).
2. Ego – developed as a product of coping with
anxiety brought about by the id’s repression
of impulses.
3. Superego – operates according to the
morality principle.
Albert Bandura’s Agentic Theory of the Self –
rejects the notion that selfhood is culturally
influenced or controlled by urges, rather, it looks
upon every human being as capable of thinking,
deciding, foreseeing, and controlling his or her
actions, free to decide for himself. This is called as
human agency.
Lesson 5: The Self in Western and Eastern
Thoughts
1. Individualism versus Collectivism
Individualism – an orientation concerned with the
independence and self-reliance of the individual.
Puts more emphasis on promoting the individual and
the immediate family’s welfare. The Western Culture
focuses on Individualism as it gives more emphasis
on freedom and choice – an independent self that is
free from the influence of culture and environment
and from the expectations and welfare of society.
Does not promote isolation, it is grounded on the idea
that an individual makes judgments.
Collectivism – an orientation characterized by
belongingness to larger groups or collectives. Gives
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PRELIM
more importance to loyalty to the in-group, which in
turn takes care of the individual’s welfare. The
Eastern Culture focuses on Collectivism as it gives
more importance on relationships, roles, duties,
obligations, and the preservation of culture and
tradition. This is an idea that man should think, live,
and act toward certain goals that benefit the group.
2. Buddhism – there is no such thing as atman
(self). The atman is impossible to perceive by
one’s senses for it does not actually exist in
any metaphysical, material, and spiritual
level. Everything is just an illusion, an
imaginary concept born as a product of
evolved consciousness and misguided
thinking of humans. Humans have no real
knowledge of a self, or a clear proof of
claiming that there is a self.’
3. Confucianism – a way of life propagated by
Confucius. It regards an individual as a
member of a larger whole, not as a separate
being. The ethical teachings of Confucius are
based on human relationships as reflected in
his concept of Five Cardinal Relationships or
Five Cardinals:
• Between the King (Ruler) and the
Subject (Ruled)
• Between father and son
• Between husband and wife
• Between brothers
• Between friends
4. Taoism – emphasizes living in harmony with
the Tao (way or path), a religion and a
philosophy at the same time. Tao is nothing
but the expression of the unity of the universe
and of the path which human beings must
take to preserve that unity. Going against the
will of nature or universe disrupts the cosmic
order (the Yin and Yang).
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5. Hinduism – the Upanishads contain some
key concepts of Hinduism. “Story of
Creation” tells about the origin of the
universe and humans. “In the beginning, the
Self was alone, in the shape of a person
(Purusha). He first said, ‘This is I’; therefore,
he became ‘I’ by name.” The atman (referred
to as self, spirit, or soul) is the same self
described in the creation. Atman is one with
the Brahman (the absolute, transcendental
power).

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Handout for GEC 001 (Understanding the Self) MIDTERM
Lesson 1 – The Physical Self How to Achieve Physical Well-Being?

• Refers to the body the tangible aspect of the 1. Eat healthy foods
person that can be directly observed and 2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
examined. (Singh, 2017) 3. Follow proper hygiene
• Defining traits and features of the body like 4. Engage in daily exercise
sex, height, weight, complexion, hair, and 5. Take vitamins and drink fruit juices
facial features. 6. Avoid stress
• Does not include the abstract characteristics 7. Spend less screen times
(e.g. kindness, generosity, loyalty, obedience,
and other qualities).
• The physical appearance is attributed to both Lesson 2 – The Sexual Self
genetics (heredity, DNA, chromosomes) and
environment (physical and social). • Sigmund Freud – all human behavior is
motivated by the desire to feel pleasure.
Impact of Culture on Beauty and Body Image Organized and controlled by two instincts
• Each culture has their own set of beauty called sexuality and aggression. These
standards, which means society prescribes the instincts are driven by a form of psychic
standards of beauty (what is beautiful and energy called libido.
what is not). • An individual becomes physically mature
• Only the physical features like our facial upon reaching the age of puberty.
features and body figure are considered to be • Testosterone –male hormone
bases for beauty. • Estrogen and Progesterone – female
hormones
Beauty as Both an Asset and a Liability • Chromosomes – XY for Males and XX for
Asset Liability Females
• Bullying • More attention
Male Reproductive System
• Catcalling and opportunities
• Harassment • Beauty pageants 1. Penis – primary male sex organ
• Acts of Lasciviousness • Acting career 2. Testes or testicles – responsible for
• Rape • Endorsements production of sperm cells and testosterone
• Stalker 3. Vas Deferens – tube that connects with the
urethra.
Will there be Beauty if there is no Sight? 4. Scrotum – a skin carrying the testes.
5. Sperm – the male sex cell.
• Beauty is always referred to be seen through 6. Prostate Gland – secrets fluid to nourish the
the naked eye. sperm
• Aesthetics have laid down the laws and 7. Epididymis – stores and carries sperm
principles to determine beauty (could be
heard – beautiful voice, melody; felt – Female Reproductive System
contextualized or projected as the purity of
1. Ovary – produces ova or egg cells
the heart; understood – based on
2. Ovum – female reproductive cell, also called
appreciation).
egg cells
• Therefore, blind people could still perceive
3. Fallopian Tubes – carry the eggs from ovary
beauty even if there have no sight, as beauty
to uterus
can have different phases/facets).
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Handout for GEC 001 (Understanding the Self)
4. Uterus – nurtures fertilized egg cells that
develops to a fetus
5. Cervix – directs the sperm to the uterus
6. Vagina – receives the penis during sex, and
where the baby passes during birth
7. Vulva – external genital organ of the female
Erogenous Zones – a part of the body that is highly
sensitive and the stimulation of which leads to sexual
responses.
Human Sexual Responses – has four phases
1. Excitement – the body gets ready for sexual
activity. Males experience penile erection and
females experience swelling of the clitoris
and vaginal lubrication.
2. Plateau – a person will retain the conditions
achieved during the excitement phase,
waiting for the climax
3. Orgasm – climax of the cycle. Males release
semen and females experience contraction of
the vagina
4. Resolution – the body gradually returns to its
normal level of functioning
Diversity of Human Sexual Behaviors
1. Masturbation – act of stimulating one’s own
genitals
2. Sex – the act of stimulating one’s genitals
through the actual penetration of an orifice
Types of Sex
• Oral Sex – the stimulation of genitals
through the use of mouth
• Vaginal Sex – the stimulation of genitals
through the penetration of penis to the
vagina
• Anal Sex – the stimulation of genitals
through the anus
• Premarital sex – sexual activities outside
of marriage
• Marital sex – sexual activities within the
bounds of marriage
• Extramarital sex – sexual activities that
married people engage in with people
they are not married to
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MIDTERM
3. Heterosexuality – sexual attraction to the
opposite sex
4. Homosexuality – sexual attraction to the
same sex
5. Bisexuality – sexual attraction with the
opposite or same sex.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
1. HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency
Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome) – a spectrum of conditions
caused by being infected with HIV.
2. Gonorrhea – a bacterial infection of the
mucus membranes. Usual symptom in men
include secretion of yellowish-white fluid, for
women, painful urination with discharge.
3. Syphilis – an infection caused by corkscrew
shaped bacterium called Treponema
pallidum. Causes sores on infected area.
4. Genital Herpes – viral infection which
causes blisters on the genitals.
5. Genital Warts – warts caused by the human
papilloma virus (HPV).
6. Chancroid – a bacterial infection that causes
sores or ulcers on the genitals.
7. Pubic Lice (Crabs) – very small parasites
that infest the genital area.
8. Scabies – a skin condition caused by the tiny
mites called Sarcoptes scabiei.
9. Trichomoniasis – an infection caused by a
parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.
10. Molluscum contagiosum – a skin condition
characterized by small lumps which are
pearly-white or slightly pink.
11. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – a
complication caused by chlamydia or
gonorrhea.
12. Chlamydia – caused by the bacteria
Chlamydia trachomatis that do significant
damage to the human reproductive system.
Methods of Contraception
1. Folk Method
• Post-coital Douche – washing of
vagina to remove the sperm
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• Prolonged Lactation – longer period
of lactation
2. Behavioral Contraceptives
• Rhythm – couples abstain for a
certain period during the fertile time
of woman
• Ovulation – uses the observed mucus
discharge of the vagina at the
beginning of woman’s fertility period
• Withdrawal or Coitus Interruptus – a
man withdraws his penis before
orgasm
• Coitus reservatus – man withholds
ejaculation and lets the erection
subside inside the vagina
3. Mechanical Contraceptives
• Condom – thin rubberized material to
block sperm
• Diaphragm – shallow rubber cup
inserted to the vagina to block sperm
• Cervical Caps – fitted to the cervix by
a doctor
4. Chemical Contraceptives
• Vaginal Suppositories and Tablets –
contains spermicide
• Contraceptive jellies, creams, and
vaginal foams
5. Intrauterine Device – small device inserted to
the uterus be a physician
6. Pills – renders a woman infertile for a
specified period
7. Sterilization – permanent infertility
• Vasectomy – males
• Tubal Ligation - females
8. Injectable – contraceptive injected to women
to prevent ovulation
Lesson 3 – The Material Self
William James (1890) – the Material Self is the self
that consists of the body, clothes, immediate family,
home, and other things one considers to be his or her
own. We invest ourselves in our material
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possessions – because of it, we feel a deep
connection to them. “I shop, therefore I am.”
• Material possessions are objects of instinctive
preferences that may or may not be related
with a person’s most practical interests in life.
• An individual’s body is the primary
component of our material self (includes the
kinds of clothes one prefers to wear, and what
accessories one would put on. Consumer
Culture – credit cards have allowed people to
buy goods and avail services even without
cash or checks on-hand. Gives both
advantages and disadvantages to users.
Advantage Disadvantage
• Convenience • Debt
• Security of • Abuse of usage
Transactions • Risk of not
• Comfort saving money
• Rewards • Impulse buying
Advertisement – a major force changing/swaying of
consumer options or decisions. Influential in shaping
how and why people consume goods and services.
The reason why companies to tap the services of
famous celebrities to endorse their products.
• Needs – things that are essential for survival
• Wants – synonymous to luxury. Thing you
buy but you can live without.
• Utility – the practical purpose of the object
you own
• Significance – the meaning you attach to the
object you own
Lesson 4 – The Spiritual Self
Religion – introduces the concept of supreme beings
as a cause of reason of all phenomena. A set of rituals
made to coordinate with the goal of either obtaining
or hindering changes in human condition and
nature’s state. Believes that there is an architect of all
things.
• Omnipotent – all powerful
• Omniscient – all knowing
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• Omnipresent – ever-present Religion has
many functions such as providing sense of the
word, strengthening norms and identity,
setting sanctions for individual behavior, and
giving serenity in facing life changes.
The Concept of the Soul
Monism – a view that there is only one substance and
only on being. The soul and the body are one.
Dualism – a view that mind and body are two
independent substances.
• For Western Philosophers, a human person is
a rational being constituted of soul and body.
• Soul – a superior of the body and can exist
independently (along with the body),
invisible and immortal, serves as he life-force
of the body.
• Kaluluwa – the Filipino term of soul or spirit.
Has two forms of existence: (i) physical – the
soul is connected on the human body and life,
and (ii) spiritual – the soul exists on its own.
• Dungan – the Bisayan (Ilonggo) concept of
the soul, lacks material substance and is
extremely light that it travels with the wind.
Does not stay in any specific part of the body.
A young person may manifest nausea,
headache, stomachache, fever, etc. due to the
concept of usug.
Religious Rituals
Rituals – patterns of behavior or practices that are
related to the sacred. For Catholics, rituals are called
Sacraments, and there are seven: (i) baptism, (ii)
Holy Eucharist, (iii) confirmation, (iv)
reconciliation, (v) anointing of the sick, (vi)
marriage, and (vii) Holy Order.
• Religious people use rituals to give honor to
the divine power/s they believe in and to
serve as a reminder of their religious
obligations. The interdependence between
rituals and beliefs is possible such that rituals
validate beliefs. Ultimately,
rituals strengthen the sense of belongingness.
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MIDTERM
Rites of Passage – rituals that mark important stages
in individual’s life cycle. Helps individuals through
the crucial crises or major social transitions in their
lives, like birth, puberty, marriage, parenthood,
advancement to a higher class, occupational
specialization, and even death.
Life Crises are Divided into Three Stages:
1. Separation – removes an individual from
everyday society. The concept of isolation.
2. Transition – the individual performs the
necessary rites/rituals to get/attain his/her
new status.
3. Incorporation – formal return and
readmission into society with the new status.
Magic and Witchcraft
Magic – involves the manipulation of the
supernatural for good or evil purposes. Usually
performed to ensure production of good crops, the
replenishment of game, fertility of domestic animals,
and the preventions and cure of illnesses. Sorcery –
makes use of materials, objects, and the medicines to
invoke malevolence.
Witchcraft – accomplish the same ills (as sorcery)
by means of thought and emotion alone. In the
Philippines:
• Barang – done as an act of revenge for
wrongdoing. Natabang – experience illness
like stomachache. Nabarang – more painful
and deadly experience as a swarm of insects
through body openings.
• Kulam
Finding and Creating Meaning in Life
Roman Catholics – God is the architect and designer
of all things
Atheists – there is no God, and everything will end
upon death. Albert Camus – human life is absurd.
Lesson 5 – The Political Self
Aristotle – man is, by nature, a political animal.
This is because man is a social being and that people
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are naturally drawn to various political involvements
in order to satisfy his social needs.
• Politics imbibes man on several things – first,
politics is concerned with power. Second,
politics functions based on a particular social
economic and cultural context. Third, politics
is personal. Fourth, politics goes hand-in-
hand with society.
Political Culture – the pattern of individual attitudes
and orientation towards politics among members of
a political system. (Almond and Verba, 1965)
Characteristics of Philippine Political Culture
1. Dominance of family ties or kinship system
– consanguinity (blood relations) is given
utmost importance. Ritual kinship or the
kumpadre system where the sacredness of
baptism or sacrament of marriage is used to
het favors is evident in politics.
2. Euphemism – officials and employees in
lower positions are not frank or
straightforward in criticizing officials of
higher rank. People use parinig or patutsada
instead of confronting the officials
immediately address the problems.
3. Utang na loob – Filipinos feel obliged to
repay immediately or in the future any favor
they receive from another person.
4. Sense of overdependency – some
constituents rely on an elected official or a
patron politician for their personal and
economic needs.
5. Belief that majority of politicians are
corrupt – the term buwaya has been used to
describe corrupt politicians in the Philippines
signifying their greed for money and power.
6. Lack of political maturity – people elect
officials based on their popularity and
personality, and not on performance and
platform.
Prepared by: Mr. Justin Paul D. Gallano
Faculty Member – College of Arts, T.I.P. Manila
MIDTERM
Establishing a Democratic Culture
Democracy – a system of government in which all
citizens are eligible members of the state.
Sovereignty belongs in the people.
Basic Features of Democracy:
1. Rule of the majority – the decision of the
majority prevails. (Vox populi, vox dei – the
voice of the people is the voice of God.)
2. Protection of human rights
3. Upholding the rule of law
Ideal Citizenship
Citizenship – denotes the status of being a legal
member of a nation-state.
Ideal Citizen – a person who follows the laws,
protects and takes care of the environment, and
contributes to the welfare of the people.
Governance – defined as the traditions and
institutions that determine how authority is exercised
in a particular country. Includes (i) the process by
which governments are selected, held accountable,
monitored, and replaced; (ii) the capacity of
governments to manage resources efficiently; (iii)
the respect of citizens and the state for the institutions
that govern.
Nolan Principles of Good Governance:
1. Selflessness – means caring for what the
people need and want instead of promoting
personal interests.
2. Objectivity – means being neutral and free
from biases in making decisions.
3. Integrity – means maintaining a good name
and character.
4. Honesty – means telling the truth, hiding
nothing, and being transparent at all times.
5. Accountability – means being liable and
responsible for one’s actions.
6. Openness – means being transparent with
whatever information one handles.
7. Leadership – means being able to lead the
way for development that would benefit all.
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Handout for GEC 001 (Understanding the Self) MIDTERM
Positive Filipino Values 9. Pictures or videos revealing one’s financial
status
1. Bayanihan 7. Flexibility
10. Pictures or videos showing family trips
2. Damayan 8. Religious
11. Pictures or videos displaying one doing good
3. Familism 9. Respect for Elders deeds
4. Optimism 10. Remedyo Attitude 12. Pictures or videos in hospitals
5. Hospitality 11. Matiyaga 13. Posts of every single thing you do
6. Regionalism 12. Utang na Loob
Dichotomies of the Self
Negative Filipino Values
1. Producer or consumer – do your material
1. Bahala na attitude possessions define who you are?
2. Colonial mentality/blue-seal mentality 2. Offline versus online – will there be a
3. Crab mentality consistency between what is seen online and
4. Euphemistic what is perceived offline?
5. Filipino time 3. Body versus technology – technology and
6. Gaya-gaya attitude consumerism allow people to easily redefine
7. Jackpot mentality and recreate themselves.
8. Belief in kapalaran
Are You a Responsible Netizen?
9. Mañana habit
10. Ningas cogon/kugon You should know what behaviors are accepted and
11. Oversensitivity what behaviors to avoid.
12. Pakikisama
1. Sharing of Fake News – “Think before you
13. Lack of sportsmanship
click.”
14. Tsamba lang attitude
2. Cyberbullying
3. Sharing of Viruses and Malicious Content
Lesson 6 – The Digital Self How to Fight Social Media Addiction?
Digital Self – consists of how one expresses himself • Limit the time for use of social media.
or herself in various online platforms. • Do not participate in the discussion of
What Not to Post Online? political issues
• Do not post in social media for the sake of
1. Sexy or revealing pictures posting
2. Pictures or videos showing private moments • Read books instead of spending time reading
with loved ones news, articles and issues on social media.
3. Pictures or videos showing bad habits
4. Negative comments on another person’s
attitudes
5. Posts announcing conflicts with other people
6. Posts of the results of a particular competition
with the names of the defeated participants
7. Comments showing strong opposition to
certain issues
8. Comments with foul, vulgar, indecent, and
offensive words

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Prepared by: Mr. Justin Paul D. Gallano
Faculty Member – College of Arts, T.I.P. Manila © 2020 | NOT FOR SALE
Handout for GEC 001 (Understanding the Self)
Lesson 1: Becoming a Better Student
Learning – involves change. Changes in one’s
behavior mostly occur through experience.
Generally, it involves acquiring changes in the
present knowledge, skills, habits, behaviors, or
tendencies through experience, practice, or formal
education.
Characteristics of Learning:
1. Learning is purposeful – every human
action is motivated or inspired by one’s aims,
goals, or intentions. Goals can be short-term
or long-term. Learning occurs because it is
planned, desired, or even forced. There is
always a purpose why a person seeks more
knowledge.
2. Learning is a result of experience –
learning is often associated with a change in
behavior as a result of experience. This
entails that learning comes with one’s
interaction with the environment.
3. Learning is multifaceted - “A sound mind
in a sound body.” This exemplifies the
connection between the physical and mental
well-being of a person. One must hone not
just his intellectual, but also physical,
emotional, social, and spiritual potentials.
4. Learning is an active process – learners
should not be mere passive receivers of
information. They should actively participate
in the learning process. Learners should also
recognize the importance of lifelong
learning.
What Happens During Learning?
• Brain Changes - (i) new nerve cells may
grow and new neural networks will be
formed, (ii) the strength of existing synaptic
connection changes, thus functionally
changing the connectivity within the neural
networks in response to sensory stimuli, and
Prepared by: Mr. Justin Paul D. Gallano
Faculty Member – College of Arts, T.I.P. Manila
FINALS
(iii) new synapses are formed between
neurons which represent new memories
• Behavioral Changes – learning will become
a permanent change in behavior as a result of
experience.
Becoming a Self-Regulated Learner
• Self-regulated learning – the learner’s ability to
regulate or control one’s own learning and
behavior. According to Barry Zimmerman, an
effective learner regulates one’s own learning
by: (i) planning and setting goals, (ii) using
strategies and monitoring performance, and
(iii) reflecting on one’s own performance and
adapting strategies to achieve goals. Once a
learner becomes a good self-regulator, he or
she develops a set of skills and habits to be an
effective learner.
Learning to be a Better Student - “If you are not
getting better, you are getting worse.” - Pat Riley
Good Study Habits:
1. Get Organized – plan ahead of time and do
not procrastinate. Fix study area and
eliminate all distractions.
2. Prepare your review materials – make
review notes/flashcards. Make mind maps
and mnemonic patters to recall terms and
concepts. Record important lessons and
listen to it.
3. Ask help – seek help from your teacher,
classmates, or other people if you cannot
understand a lesson.
4. Test yourself or ask someone to test you
5. Allot time to take a break
6. Create or join a study group – enables you
to take notes, discuss thoughts, brainstorm
ideas and tutor concepts.
7. Teach what you have learned
8. Study to understand, not to remember
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Handout for GEC 001 (Understanding the Self)
Lesson 2: Setting Goals for Success
• John Maxwell – “Have you tried playing
darts without a dartboard? Have you tried
playing basketball without a ring? Or playing
golf without a hole?”
• A life without a purpose is a wasted life.
• A life without a goal is a pointless life.
Alfred Bandura’s Theory of Self-Efficacy Self-
Efficacy – one’s belief in his/her ability to succeed
in specific situations or accomplish a task.
Belief – if a person believes in himself or herself,
then half the battle is already won. If one has faith,
then nothing is impossible.
Ways to strengthen Self-Efficacy:
1. Mastery Experiences – first-hand or direct
experiences that a person acquires. Hone
your talents and skills and gain mastery of
the technical know-how to be ready to face
tasks and challenges.
2. Vicarious Experiences – emanate from
observing people especially those that one
regards as his/her role models. Find a mentor
and follow him/her.
3. Verbal Persuasion – the motivation coming
from influential people (family, friends,
mentors). Statements like “kayang kaya mo
‘yan” and “ikaw pa, maning-mani lang ‘yan
sa’yo” provide very significant motivation.
4. Emotional and Physiological States – the
condition of your body and mind is important
since you will use those to prove to yourself
that you can succeed. “A sound mind in a
sound body.”
Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset Theory
• Mindset – the implicit theories that
individuals hold regarding the nature of
intelligent behavior.
Prepared by: Mr. Justin Paul D. Gallano
Faculty Member – College of Arts, T.I.P. Manila
FINALS
• Fixed Mindset – people believe that basic
qualities such as intelligence and talents are
fixed traits.
• Growth Mindset – people believe that talent
and intelligence are developed through
learning, effort, training, and practice.
Edwin Locke’s Goal-setting Theory – a goal has
two sides: (i) mastery goal, and (ii) performance
goal.
• Mastery goal – the desire to gain knowledge
and skills
• Performance goal – the desire to look
competent in the eyes of others
Principles of Goal Setting:
Clarity – being clear and not being vague. A goal
must be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable,
Relevant, Time-Based).
Challenge – a goal must trigger the knowledge,
skills, and abilities of a person A goal should require
extra effort for its attainment.
Commitment – reflects a person’s dedication
towards the attainment of the set goals. Attaining of
goals requires sincerity and focus. You should
always finish what you have started.
Feedback – serves as a mechanism to ensure that
everyone is sharing the same goal is on the right
track and all are in the same direction.
Task Complexity – pushes people to take the extra
mile and work hard. The more complicated the goal
or task is, the higher your motivation will be.
Julia Rotter’s Expectancy Theory – focuses
mainly on the expectations that shape a particular
behavior in a particular situation. Learning creates
cognitions that guide behavior. A person’s decision
to engage in a behavior is determined by what the
person expects to happen, following the behavior
and the value the person places on the outcome.
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Handout for GEC 001 (Understanding the Self)
• Internal locus of control – a person believes
that events are controlled by his/her own
efforts.
• External locus of control – a person
believes that events are determined by
external forces over which he/she has no
control.
Success – all about achieving something as a
product of one’s initiative and effort. Success is
subjective as it comes from a lot of sources. Success
is the feeling of fulfillment of an aspiration or desire,
these feelings stay and become sources of pride.
King (2004) – Categories of Success
1. Mental – understanding and accepting one’s
intellectual abilities, feelings, and emotions.
2. Spiritual – equates to having a sound body
and spirit.
3. Personal – overcoming one’s physical and
psychological limitations like overcoming a
phobia.
4. Career – achieving milestones on one’s
career.
5. Financial – means financial stability, free
from debt.
6. Social – reflects respect and recognition one
has from the community.
7. Physical – possessing the desired qualities of
one’s body.
8. Family – having a harmonious and happy
family.
• One can’t have it all, but the continuous chase
for success makes life more challenging and
worth living.
Lesson 3: Taking Charge of One’s Health
Biorhythm – the self is dominated by three
domains that operate in a cycle. These manifests
regularly and one may dominate the other.
Prepared by: Mr. Justin Paul D. Gallano
Faculty Member – College of Arts, T.I.P. Manila
FINALS
Three Domains that Dominate the Self:
1. Physical Domain – includes coordination,
strength, and well-being.
2. Intellectual Domain – includes alertness,
analytical functioning, logical analysis,
memory or recall, and communication.
3. Emotional Domain – includes creativity,
sensitivity, mood, perception, and
awareness.
• Taken as a whole and as a framework or
indicator of health, these domains must be
balanced by individuals. Any imbalance results
in incongruence and thus in an unhealthy
situation.
Personal Health Responsibility – involves active
participation in one’s own health and healing plan
through education and lifestyle changes. People
should think more of prevention over cure.
Stress – the reaction of our physiological and
psychological self to any kind of demand or threat.
Could be positive (eustress) or negative (distress).
Eustress – a beneficial stress that can be in the form
of physical, psychological, and biological stimuli.
Distress – occurs when there is a tension buildup
which becomes unbearable and difficult to cope
with.
Stressor – any event or stimuli that compels a
person to adjust or change.
These are the common stressors:
1. Catastrophic events and life-threatening
experiences – abrupt, unforeseen traumas
like calamities, terror attacks, accidents,
physical and sexual abuse.
2. Life changes and strains – separation of
parents, illness in the family, change of
workplace, transfer of domicile (home).
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Handout for GEC 001 (Understanding the Self)
3. Chronic Problems – exist for a long period
including suffering from serious illness,
failure to acquire/get a good job.
4. Everyday Hassles – irritations, pressures,
and annoyances that may not be significant
stressors, but whose cumulative effect can
be significant. Example: traffic congestion,
long lines, etc.
Stress Tolerance – ability of an individual to
endure stress. This is dependent on a person’s
physiological and psychological constitution.
Signs and Symptoms of Poorly Managed Stress
A. Physical – inability to sleep, fatigue,
headache, cramps, unpleasant aura, and
gastrointestinal problems. Could also cause
aging and malignant diseases like cancer.
B. Emotional and Behavioral – lack of
concentration, irritation, nervousness,
panic, lack of appetite in food or too much
intake of food, low level of enthusiasm and
desire, and mood swings.
Coping with Stress
• Problem-focused coping method – attempt
to change or eliminate the causes of stress.
Includes confrontation, seeking social
support and undertaking careful and
deliberate problem solving.
• Emotion-focused coping method – aimed
at controlling negative emotional
consequences of stressors. Includes self-
control, distancing, accepting
responsibility, and wishful thinking.
The Need for Self-Care and Self-Compassion
Self-care – “You cannot give what you don’t have.”
Self-care – All activities that a person does to
maintain and improve his physical, psychological,
emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
Prepared by: Mr. Justin Paul D. Gallano
Faculty Member – College of Arts, T.I.P. Manila
FINALS
• Physical self-care – activities one does to
maintain and improve his physical
wellbeing.
• Psychological self-care – activities one does
to deal or resolve mental health issues,
address both positive and negative emotions,
and learn to deal with negative self-criticism.
• Emotional self-care – activities one does to
cope with stress and deal with grief.
• Social self-care – activities one does to
connect with people valuable to him/her.
• Spiritual self-care – activities one dos to
strengthen one’s relationship with his belief.
Benefits of Self-care
1. Enhanced productivity
2. Improved vitality
3. Enhanced self-esteem
4. Increased self-knowledge
5. Mindfulness and compassion self-compassion –
showing compassion to one’s self.
6. Being open to and moved by one’s own suffering,
expressing care, and kindness towards oneself.
Three Components of Self-compassion
1. Self-kindness – not being physically and
verbally harsh to oneself. Self-beration is a
kind of verbal abuse directed to oneself. Self-
harm is the act of harming oneself through
physical means damaging to the individual.
2. Common Humanity – means acceptance that
one is an imperfect being, one makes
mistakes along with everyone else, and one
does not always get what he or she wants.
3. Mindfulness – the practice of being fully
present in the moment. One has to turn
toward his painful thoughts and emotions in
order to embrace himself with compassion.
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