MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

This module tackles the fundamental concepts and principles of the self. It covers the different factors
that contribute to one’s being, the philosophical and theoretical perspectives about the self across
generations, as well as the explanations of different fields of sciences about the self and identity.

 Nature vs. Nurture

---Nature differs from Nurture, since in NATURE, A person develops his/ her characteristics
biologically (something that has develop starting from the birth of the child), while in NURTURE,
A person develops his her characteristics through the external factors, such as the environment
and the society (family, friends, relatives, etc.).

 Identity vs. Self

 Identity, also differs from Self, as what the readings say, Identities are, “qualities,
characteristics, beliefs, opinions, etc., that make a person unique from others”. These is
what is distinguishable by others, or what they perceive to us through our actions. Self, on
the other hand, is the “person of himself/herself,” meaning, it is what the others didn’t see
in you, because this is personal character; this is what makes up a person.

 Dimensionalities of the Self/Identity

- There are 4 different dimensionalities of self, namely social factor, environmental factor,
hereditary factor, and person – volition factor.
 Social factors are the factors in the development of a person which includes all the
person around us, like our family members, relatives, friends, teachers or professors,
and even strangers, that might create an impression to you or affects your actions and
thoughts in life.
 Environmental factors are the factors in the development of a person around that
includes the environmental structure, events, and such, which might give an impact on
how a person could grow in all the aspects of his/her life.
 Hereditary factors are the factors in the development of the person that includes
biological changes and events, such as growth in height, puberty (growing of pubic hair,
deeper voices for male, broadening of hips and start of menstruation for female,etc.)
that usually affects the Physical characteristics of a person. Lastly, the Person – volition
factors are the inclination of a person creates a social construct which sets him apart to
others.
SECTION 2: WHAT PHILOSOPHY SAYS ABOUT THE SELF

 Self – it is defined to as “a unified being, essentially connected to consciousness, awareness, and

agency ( or,at least, with the faculty of rational choice).

 Classical Antiquity

 Through Greek times:

---Greek philosophy was started by Socrates, with his aphorism/principle of “know
thyself,” which is also inscribed in the temple of Apollo at Delhi.

 Socrates believed that the real self is not the physical body, but rather the psyche, or the soul.
 Plato, a student of Socrates, also studied and explained thoroughly what is the true essence of
self, which is then founded by his mentor. Plato suggested that the “self is fundamentally an
intellectual entity whose nature exists independent from physical world.”

 Furtheremore, Aristotle, student of Plato, explained thoroughly how we could see the essence
of self. Aritotle suggested that the ideal is subsumed in the phenomena. Aristotle called the
ideal as essence, and the phenomena as the matter. He emphasized that these 2 co – exist, and
is dependent with one another.

 Two lens of Philosophy of Self in Greek Times:

 Rationalism – explains self from the standpoint of what is ideal and true, and what not is
rooted with senses.
 Empiricism – according to it, there is no such thing as innate knowledge are derived
from experience – through five senses or what is perceived by our brain.

 Towards Modern Philosophy

 St. Augustine incorporated the view of Plato to his religious philosophy

 John Locke, David Hume, and Immanuel Kant were empiricists philosophers.
 Rene Descartes was a dominant rational philosopher during the Middle Ages
 Contemporary philosophers have incorporated science to their theories in the light of
the technological advancements that they have been exposed to.
 Majority of contemporary philosopher were empiricists:

--- Gilbert Ryle, Patricia Churchland, and Maurice Merleau – Ponty have incorporated
biological and neuroscience in thei philosophies.
 SECTION 3: WHAT SCIENCE SAYS ABOUT THE SELF

Natural and social sciences encompass a number of disciplines that have deliberated on
and explained the concept and nature of the self.

 Biological/Physiological Sciences

 Neurophilosophy ( attributed to Paul and Patricia Churcland) is concerned with the

association of the brain and the mind.
 Psychoneuroimmunology describes the shaping of the self as similar to how the human
immune system functions

 Social Sciences
 Psychology defined as the study of human behavior, sees the self as a theoretical
construct.
 Psychoanalysis (proposed by Sigmund Freud) focuses on the “ unconscious” as a core
element of the self.
 Behaviorism maintains that the study of behavior should be made from an observable and
measurable perspective
 Social Cognitive Theory consider behavior as a function of the environment and internal
attributes
 Humanistic Perspective draws its assumptions rom the observed criticisms of psychoanalysis
and behaviorism. It believes that every individual has the ability to reach self – actualization
and transcendence, and that each person is inherently good or posseses something that is
good.

 Sociology is the study of the collective behavior of people within the society and focuses on
social problems encountered by individuals
 Anthropology is the study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space and in
relation to physical character, environmental and social relations and culture.
 Political Science (PolSci) is concerned with the participation of individuals in establishing
government and making political choices.
 Economics describes and analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and
services.