UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

CHAPTER 1
DEFINING THE SELF: PERSONAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL PERSPECTIVE ON
THE SELF IDENTITY

Lesson 1: The Self from Various Philosophical Perspective

Lesson Objective:
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. explain why it is essential to understand the self.
2. describe and discuss the different notions of the self from the points-of-view of the various
philosopher across time and place.
3. compare and contrast how the self has been represented in the different philosophical schools
and
4. examine oneself against the different view of the self that were discussed in class.

Introduction
It is only fitting that we are overpowered and exhaust our self-image. In the whole you can
express yourself perfectly in any other area of ​your life, if your self-image is not satisfactory to you,
will never be at peace with yourself and may not be able to accept your self-uniqueness to others.
How you look at yourself, how you accept yourself is truly important. You value your NAME,
YOUR SELF IMAGE so much so that you take care a lot of it from your physical looks, your
character your attitude and the beliefs you have matters a lot.
Some people might attend seminars or workshops, read numerous books, have enough
knowledge but still lack wisdom! The reason is that they didn't change the existing self-image which
is not supporting them to achieve their goals.
Activity:

Different Philosophical Perspective

The nature of the self is a topic of interest among philosophers. Different

philosophers introduced specific characteristics and meanings of the self, which, overtime,
transformed from pure abstractions to explanations that hold scientific proofs. This module presents
an overview of the philosophical perspective of the self to give a wider viewpoint in understanding
the self. The different views of prominent philosophers regarding the nature of the self will be
discussed (https://www.studocu.com/ph).
Lesson 1: Empiricism and Rationalism The philosophy of the self has been defined through two
distinct approaches: EMPIRICISM AND RATIONALISM. IN EMPIRICISM, there is no such thing as
innate knowledge; instead, knowledge is derived from experience― either perceived with the five
senses or processed with the brain. One knows things because he or she has experienced it
through sensory and bodily experiences. On the other hand, RATIONALISM argues that there is
innate knowledge; however, there are different sources of innate knowledge. Rationalism explains
self from the standpoint of what is “ideal” and “true”, and not rooted in what is felt by the
senses or body. Conclusions are derived through logic and reasoning. Some philosophers applied
empirical views of the self; others used the rational approach.

Lesson 2: The Philosophical perspective of understanding the self-Prominent philosophers have

different views regarding the nature of the self. The ancient philosophers explained the self from
their conceptual understanding of the world since scientific evidence was hard to obtain due to lack
of measures. Meanwhile, contemporary philosophers have incorporated science to their theories in
the light of the technological advancements they have been exposed to.

SOCRATES Socrates was a Greek philosopher who believed that philosophy had a very important
role to play in the lives of the people. One of his most quoted phrases is, “The
unexamined life is not worth living”. According to Socrates, self-knowledge or the
examination of one’s self, as well as the question about how one ought to live one’s life, are very
important concerns because only by knowing your self can you hope to improve your life.
Socrates suggested that the self consists of two dichotomous realms: physical and ideal
realms. The physical realm is changeable, transient means temporary of fleeting and imperfect.
The ideal realm is unchanging, eternal, and immortal. The physical world in which we live belongs to
the physical realm. For Socrates, our body belongs to the physical realm while the soul belongs to
the ideal realm. Socrates explains that the essence of the self―the soul― is the immortal entity.
The soul strives for wisdom and perfection, and reason is the soul’s tool to achieve this dignified
state. Socrates suggests that man must live an examined life and a life of purpose and value.
The individual person can have a meaningful and happy life only if he becomes virtuous and knows
the value of himself that can be achieved through incessant soul-searching. Self-knowledge is the
ultimate virtue.
PLATO Plato was the student of Socrates who also believed that the self is synonymous with the
soul. Plato elaborated the concept of the soul; specifically, he introduced the idea of a three-part
soul: reason, physical appetite and spirit or passion.
Reason is the divine essence that enables us to think deeply, make wise choices and achieve a
true understanding of eternal truths.
Physical appetite includes our basic biological needs such as hunger, thirst and sexual desires.
Spirit or passion includes basic emotions such as love, anger, empathy.
These three elements are in a dynamic relationship with one another, sometimes in conflict. When
conflict occurs, Plato believes it is the responsibility of our Reason to sort things out and exert
control, restoring harmonious relationships among the three elements. Further, Plato believed
that genuine happiness can only be achieved by people who consistently make sure that their
Reason is in control of their Spirit and Appetite.