Philosophy plays a crucial role as a mental training guide, nurturing clear, analytic, and powerful

thinking. Engaging in a serious study of philosophy results in profound personal transformation, molding
individuals into more thoughtful and open-minded beings. The practice of thinking philosophically
heightens awareness of life's complexities, fostering a reduced inclination to accept superficial answers.
Moreover, philosophy inspires a proactive attitude towards critical thinking, encouraging individuals to
scrutinize not only external issues but also their own selves. Ultimately, the development of understanding
and insight through philosophy equips individuals with the tools needed to make intelligent life choices,
contributing to their personal growth and fulfillment.

Philosophy, deemed the origin of all

Self-It is defined as “a unified being,
disciplines, encompasses the pursuit
essentially connected to
of knowledge through rational
consciousness,
thinking and inquiries, delving into the
awareness and agency (or, at least,
fundamental questions about the
with the faculty of rational choice).
nature and existence of humanity and
the world.

Socrates, the first martyr of education

and philosophy, emphasized self-
awareness and knowledge acquisition
through acknowledging ignorance. The
Socratic Method, a dialogue of
questions, promotes critical thinking.
Despite facing charges, Socrates
sacrificed his life, believing happiness
stems from self-knowledge and
positive actions.

Plato emphasized the virtuous nature

of truth-seekers, highlighting the
tripartite division of the soul,
influencing distinct perspectives and
behaviors, forming the essence of an
individual beyond material aspects.
 Plato argued for the moral strength of truth-seekers and highlighted the dualism of body and soul.

He intricately divided the soul into three parts, each steering unique perspectives and behaviors. The

appetitive soul craves bodily and material fulfillment, the spirited soul embodies courage and ambition,

while the rational soul governs conscious thought, planning, and future considerations.

St. Augustine, a saint and philosopher,

advocated that embracing God enriches life in
every aspect. He stressed the significance of
repairing our connection with God, associating
it with a superior existence. Augustine
correlated self-understanding with God's
likeness, recognizing a distance despite being
alive. Rejecting academic doubt, he endorsed
alignment with ideas reflecting personal
perception, asserting that teaching the church
and establishing self with God defines our
essence and role, considering the limitations of
our bodies.

Rene Descartes, the father of modern philosophy,

employed a systematic and scientific method, advocating
modern dualism—acknowledging the existence of both
body and mind. He championed "methodical doubt,"
highlighting questioning as intrinsic to existence. Descartes
asserted that focusing on the mind reveals our essence, as
perceptions from the body can be deceptive. He introduced
"cogito ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), asserting that
constant doubt about existence proves one's being.
Descartes urged reliance on the mind for self-perception,
emphasizing that thoughtful doubt leads to better self-
understanding, challenging the trustworthiness of our
senses and perceptions.

David Hume, a Scottish philosopher, emphasized empiricism, skepticism, and

naturalism. He argued that the Self is an accumulation of impressions, limited to the
physical realm, and lacks permanence, subject to change based on experiences, ideas,
and knowledge.
 John Locke, English philosopher and Father of
Classical Liberalism, influenced revolutions
against absolute rulers, shaping governance,
politics, and the economic system. His concept
of "tabula rasa" emphasizes the significance of
experiences and perceptions in shaping a
person. Born with no innate knowledge,
individuals accumulate learning through
stimulation, experiences, failures, references,
and observations.

Sigmund Freud-An Austrian psychologist and

doctor. The Father of Psychoanalysis.
Freud is well-known for his research into human
nature and the unconscious. He thought that
individuals had unique personality traits. He
conceptualized the many stages of
consciousness, which offer an understanding of
how a person develops a sense of self:

The composition of an individual's personality is multifaceted, encompassing three distinct

aspects. First is the Id, representing the childlike part driven by the pleasure principle, with a primary focus
on immediate needs and self-gratification. The Superego, functioning as the conscience, adheres to moral
teachings, upholding justice and socially acceptable actions. The Ego serves as the mediator between the
Id and Superego, maintaining a delicate balance within the constraints of reality. Freud further introduced
three levels of consciousness: the Conscious, storing a minority of readily accessible memories; the Pre-
conscious, where memories are accessible with some difficulty; and the Unconscious, housing the majority
of deeply rooted memories since childhood, posing a significant challenge