Understanding The Self -​ Appetite: Desires material

goods.
Reviewer
-​ Will: Related to emotions and the
pursuit of reputation.
Definition of the Self and Learning
Objectives
He believed that the soul is the
Philosophy helps us answer deep
essence of the self, which means it is
questions about life and existence,
the most important aspect of a
such as:
person.
-​ What is morally right and wrong?
-​ Does God exist?
Key takeaway:
-​ What is the mind?
-​ The soul is central to
understanding the self, and our
The goal of philosophy is to question
life must be examined to live
what we know, challenge our
meaningfully.
intuitions, and arrive at deeper truths.

Philosophy also develops skills like

Medieval Philosophy
critical thinking, communication, and
reasoning, which help us justify - Self-realization is linked to one's
opinions and spot bad arguments. relationship with God.
- The self is defined by spiritual
aspects, and human actions have
Philosophy and the Self
moral consequences.
-​ Philosophy provides different
- Self-awareness is essential for
ways of understanding the self
salvation in the Christian tradition.
through the thoughts of
influential philosophers.
Key takeaway:

Ancient Greek Philosophy In medieval thought, the self is defined

through its relationship with God and
Socrates believed that self-knowledge spiritual duties.
is crucial. His famous statement, "An
unexamined life is not worth living,"
What Makes Us Different from
stresses the importance of
self-reflection.
Animals?

Plato focused on the division of the Humans are composed of matter and
soul into three parts: form. Matter is common in all things,
-​ Reason: Seeks wisdom and but form is the essence that makes
truth. something what it is.
Humans have a unique essence that - We construct our reality using our
differentiates them from animals, rationality, making sense of the world
combining both physical and around us.
non-physical elements.
Gilbert Ryle:
Key takeaway: - The self is not a separate entity but
simply the way we behave. It is a
It is our essence, or soul, that makes convenient term for describing all our
us distinct from animals. actions.

Modern Philosophy Paul Churchland:

- The self is closely tied to the brain
Rene Descartes: and physical body.
- "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, - If the brain ceases to function, so
therefore I am): Thinking proves that does the self.
we exist.
Merleau-Ponty:
-​ He argued that the mind and
body are two separate entities: The self is a combination of body and
-​ Mind (Cogito): The thinking mind, and we experience the world
part. through this embodied subjectivity.
-​ Body (Extenza): The physical
part. The self is shaped by subjective
experience, and we cannot view it
John Locke: entirely objectively.
- Tabula Rasa: At birth, the mind is a
blank slate, and we acquire Key takeaway:
knowledge through experiences.
- Consciousness is central to Modern philosophy shifts from
personal identity. spiritual and soul-based explanations
of the self to more rational,
David Hume: experience-based, and
- The self is just a bundle of brain-centered views.
perceptions that change constantly.
There is no fixed or permanent self. Concluding Thoughts
- These philosophical perspectives help
Immanuel Kant: us explore the nature of the self from
- The self not only shapes personality different angles:
but also helps us acquire knowledge.
Ancient Greek and medieval thinkers Society and Its Influence on the Self
emphasized the soul and spiritual -​ Society refers to a group of
connections. people who share a common
culture, institutions, and social
Modern thinkers focused more on norms.
rationality, consciousness, and -​ It assigns roles based on
behavior. factors like class, occupation,
gender, and age.
The Self, Society, and The -​ Social Roles are shaped by
societal expectations and
Culture
influence how we behave and
perceive ourselves.
The self is a unique identity, including
all our ideas, emotions, and
Culture and Its Role in Shaping the
perceptions. It’s often understood
Self
through three main components:
-​ Culture includes shared beliefs,
values, and practices that
1. Self-Concept
shape how we see the world
-​ Refers to how we perceive
and ourselves.
ourselves (beliefs, attributes,
-​ Cultural Identity: Our sense of
social roles, and values).
self is influenced by the cultural
-​ Example: Someone who sees
groups we belong to (family,
themselves as friendly will
friends, community).
engage in more social
-​ Cultural Norms: These are
interactions.
written rules that dictate
acceptable behavior in society
2. Self-Awareness
(Shweser, 1991).
-​ The ability to reflect and
recognize oneself as an
Interconnections between the Self,
individual, distinct from the
Society, and Culture
environment and others.
-​ Socialization: The process by
-​ Example: Acknowledging
which we learn and internalize
personal fears, such as public
the norms and values of our
speaking anxiety.
community and culture, shaping
how we perceive ourselves.
3. Self-Regulation
-​ Identity Formation: Our identity
-​ Controlling behavior,
is influenced by societal roles
emotions, and thoughts to
and cultural context, with
achieve long-term goals.
continuous interaction between
-​ Example: Using mindfulness to
the self, society, and culture.
manage stress from work.
Mutual Influence Major Theoretical Perspectives on
-​ The self, society, and culture are the Self
interrelated and constantly William James (1890):
influencing each other: -​ Introduced the concepts of the "I"
-​ Cultural norms shape individual and "Me":
behavior. -​ I: The active, experiencing self
-​ Individual actions can, in turn, (the thinker, feeler, actor).
influence societal norms and -​ Me: The self as an object,
cultural practices. consisting of physical
characteristics and
Key Points to Remember psychological capabilities.
-​ The self is shaped by both
personal experiences Carl Rogers:
(self-concept, self-awareness, -​ Built upon James's ideas by
self-regulation) and external defining the "I" as the
factors (society and culture). decision-maker and the "Me" as
-​ Society influences the roles we the self that is perceived as an
take on and the behaviors object of thought and feeling.
expected of us.
-​ Culture impacts how we view Concepts Related to the Self
ourselves and our values, -​ Identity: Composed of personal
creating a sense of identity. characteristics, social roles,
responsibilities, and affiliations
The Self as Cognitive that define who one is.
-​ Self-Concept: What comes to
Construct
mind when asked about who you
are. It is fluid and shaped by
Understanding the Self
experiences and interactions.
-​ The self is viewed as a cognitive
construct, a dynamic and
Self-Schema
evolving concept rather than a
-​ Rogers introduced the concept of
fixed entity. It encompasses how
self-schema, which refers to our
we perceive and maintain our
organized system of
identity.
knowledge about who we are.
-​ Key Concept: The self is
-​ The frontal lobe of the brain is
influenced by various
identified as critical for
psychological theories that help
processing information related
shape our understanding of who
to the self.
we are.
Freud's Psychoanalytic Perspective Narcissism and Self-Esteem
Freud proposed that the self comprises -​ Narcissism: Excessive
interactions between: self-admiration and
-​ Id: The instinctual drives that self-centeredness that can arise
motivate behavior. from attempts to maintain high
-​ Ego: The rational part that acts self-esteem.
realistically and responsibly. -​ Healthy self-esteem is
-​ Superego: The moral compass associated with positive
containing ideals and conscience. personality traits, but it should not
be the only measure of
Symbolic Interactionism self-worth.
This theory emphasizes the role of
social interaction and group affiliations in Characteristics of High Self-Esteem
shaping our self-concept. -​ People with high self-esteem
-​ Self-Awareness: Becoming are often described as outgoing,
conscious of one’s self-concept. adventurous, and adaptable.
-​ They actively engage in
Types of Self-Awareness (Carver and relationships and initiate
Scheier) activities.
-​ Private Self: Internal thoughts
and standards. Parenting and Self-Esteem
-​ Public Self: How we present
ourselves to others. Research by Baumeister, Smart, and
Boden suggests that programs aimed
Self-Schemas at boosting self-esteem should
-​ Actual Self: Who you are at the reward good behavior and
moment. achievements rather than merely trying
-​ Ideal Self: Who you aspire to be. to make children feel better in the
-​ Ought Self: Who you think you moment.
should be.
Key Takeaways
Self-Esteem -​ The self is a complex construct
Self-esteem reflects our positive or influenced by various
negative evaluation of ourselves. psychological theories and
-​ Influenced by social comparison, societal interactions.
learning about oneself by -​ Understanding the dynamics of
comparing with others. identity, self-concept, and
Self-Evaluation Maintenance Theory: self-awareness is crucial for
Feeling threatened when someone comprehending human
close to us outperforms us. behavior and personality.
 -​ High self-esteem is beneficial Taoism
but should not be the sole -​ Focus: Living naturally and in
determinant of one’s harmony with the Tao (the Way).
self-worth. -​ Concept of Self: Selflessness is
ideal, but Taoism doesn’t
The Self in Western and disregard the self entirely. It
emphasizes living simply and
Eastern Thoughts
letting go of rigid control,
flowing with the natural order
Eastern Thought on the Self
of life.
Confucianism
-​ Key Idea: The self is viewed in
-​ Focus: Achieving social
connection with the universe and
harmony.
nature. Taoism rejects rigid
-​ Concept of Self: The self is not
societal rules (like those in
seen as an isolated entity but one
Confucianism) and encourages
that is always in relation to
following the natural flow of life.
others. Proper conduct and
moral behavior, especially in
-​ Explanation: Taoism teaches
relationships (family, society),
that the self is best when it is
are key.
flexible, open, and not
constrained by societal
-​ Key Idea: The self finds purpose
expectations or personal ego.
and fulfillment in contributing to
Letting things be as they are is
societal harmony. It's about
more valuable than trying to
being a part of the greater
control or define life.
whole, where respect for
tradition and hierarchy is
Buddhism
essential.
Focus: Overcoming suffering by
recognizing the illusion of the self.
-​ Explanation: Confucius believed
Concept of Self: The self is an illusion
that people should prioritize their
created by desires and attachments.
relationships with others over
This false sense of self causes suffering
their individual desires. The self
because it clings to impermanent things.
should act according to moral
virtues like respect, loyalty, and
Key Idea: Enlightenment comes from
obedience to achieve a
realizing that the self, as we perceive it,
harmonious life.
does not truly exist. Letting go of
attachment to the self leads to freedom
from suffering.
Explanation: In Buddhism, individuals Self-sufficiency
must recognize that their sense of a -​ Focus: Independence in meeting
permanent self is the root of their one’s needs.
suffering. By understanding the -​ Concept of Self: The self is
impermanent nature of life and capable of providing for its own
detaching from desires, one can reach needs without relying on
Nirvana—a state free from suffering. others. Self-sufficiency is linked
to self-confidence and
Western Thought on the Self competence in managing one’s
own affairs.
Individualistic Self
-​ Focus: Personal autonomy and -​ Key Idea: The self should be
individual success. independent and resourceful,
-​ Concept of Self: The self is able to meet personal needs
seen as a distinct and through individual efforts.
independent entity. Success
and life’s purpose are centered -​ Explanation: Western thought
around fulfilling individual goals often emphasizes that individuals
and desires. should rely on their own abilities
to succeed. Dependence on
-​ Key Idea: In Western cultures, others is seen as a sign of
individuals are encouraged to weakness, while self-reliance is
be self-sufficient and viewed as a mark of strength and
independent from a young age, confidence.
striving to achieve personal goals
and ambitions. Rational Self
-​ Focus: Prioritizing logic and
reason over emotions.
-​ Explanation: Western thought -​ Concept of Self: The self is
places great value on individual expected to act rationally and
freedom and autonomy. People use logical thinking to navigate
are expected to take life’s challenges. Emotions are
responsibility for their own lives considered secondary to reason.
and define their success by
personal achievements, which is -​ Key Idea: Western thought favors
often seen as a key to happiness a rational and objective
and fulfillment. approach to understanding the
world. Emotional responses
and metaphysical beliefs are
 often dismissed in favor of balance over individual
logic. achievement.

-​ Explanation: The rational self is Western Thought

guided by reason and logic rather -​ Individualistic: The self is an
than emotional impulses. In many autonomous entity, and
Western cultures, decisions are individual achievement is often
expected to be made based on seen as the ultimate goal.
clear, logical thinking, and those
that cannot be logically explained -​ Self-sufficiency: Independence
are often seen as unimportant or is valued, and reliance on
irrelevant. others is seen as less ideal.

Key Differences Between Eastern and -​ Rational and logical: Reason

Western Thought and logic are prioritized over
emotions and spiritual matters.
Eastern Thought:
-​ Collective and relational: The -​ Explanation: Western thought
self is interconnected with celebrates the individual and
others, society, and nature. It encourages personal
focuses more on harmony, social achievement. It values
roles, and spirituality. independence and rationality,
focusing more on worldly
-​ Selflessness: Especially in success and self-sufficiency.
Taoism and Buddhism, the self
is minimized or even The Physical and Sexual Self
considered an illusion.
Understanding Human Sexuality
-​ Focus on the spiritual: Life's
meaning is often connected to Sexual Orientation
spiritual development, -​ Refers to a person’s pattern of
enlightenment, or harmony emotional, romantic, or sexual
with the universe. attraction to men, women, or
both.
-​ Explanation: Eastern thought -​ This is an innate part of identity
emphasizes community, and varies from individual to
spirituality, and relationships, individual.
viewing the self as part of a
larger, interconnected system. It
tends to prioritize harmony and
Human Sexuality The 5 Circles of Sexuality
-​ It is a personal aspect where an
individual decides their sexual Sensuality
identity, gender, and behaviors. -​ Awareness of one’s own body
It includes sexual orientation, and physical attraction to others,
gender identity, and sexual especially a sexual partner.
expression.
Sexual Intimacy
Teenage Sexual Behavior and -​ The emotional closeness
Pregnancy between individuals, the ability
to trust and share intimacy
Teen Sexual Behavior with a partner.
-​ Adolescents undergo significant
changes, both physically and Sexual Identity
emotionally, which makes them -​ One’s understanding of their
vulnerable to risky sexual gender and sexual identity,
behaviors. including recognizing oneself
as male or female.
Teenage Pregnancy
-​ Refers to pregnancy in females Reproduction and Sexual Health
under 20 years old. -​ One's ability to reproduce and
-​ Early pregnancies are often engage in healthy, enjoyable
linked to lack of access to sexual relationships. This
proper sexual education and includes knowledge of safe
contraceptives. practices and reproductive rights.

Prevention Sexualization
-​ Comprehensive Sex -​ The use of sexuality to influence
Education: Teaching safe sex or manipulate others, which
practices and providing access to can occur in various forms of
contraception can reduce social interaction.
unplanned pregnancies.
-​ Abstinence-Only Education: The Human Sexual Response Cycle
Advocates not having sex - This cycle, proposed by Masters and
outside of marriage, which can Johnson, includes four phases of
also reduce the risk of teenage sexual response for both men and
pregnancies. women:
Excitement -​ Attachment: A deep emotional
-​ Initial arousal, marked by bond that forms between
increased blood flow to the people in a relationship, helping
pelvic region (vasocongestion). to sustain long-term
connections.
-​ In males: erection of the penis;
in females: vaginal lubrication Sexual Diversity and Coming Out
and clitoral erection.
-​ Sexual Diversity: Refers to the
Plateau: broad spectrum of gender
-​ Continuation of sexual arousal, identities and sexual
where both males and females orientations, including the
experience further increases in diversity of sex characteristics
heart rate, blood pressure, and that people may have.
muscle tension.
-​ Coming Out: Many adolescents
Orgasm begin exploring their sexual
-​ The climax of sexual tension. In orientation during this period.
males, ejaculation occurs; in It’s a time of self-discovery and
females, there may be several separation from parental
orgasms if stimulation influences, where individuals
continues. might experiment or question
their sexuality.
Resolution
-​ The body gradually returns to Sexually Transmitted
its unaroused state. Heart rate, Diseases/Infections (STIs)
blood pressure, and muscle -​ Transmission: STIs are passed
tension decrease. through sexual contact
(vaginal, oral, and anal sex).
Sexuality in Adolescents (Ages
13-19) Common STIs:
-​ Lust: Driven by hormones like -​ HIV/AIDS: HIV is a virus that
testosterone and estrogen, lust is affects the immune system,
the basic desire for sexual and AIDS is the advanced stage
activity. of HIV infection. HIV is
-​ Attraction: A powerful transmitted through bodily
emotional experience when fluids (blood, semen, vaginal
someone starts to develop fluids) and can also be
romantic feelings. contracted through sharing
needles or unprotected sex.
Prevention -​ Sexual Diversity: Recognizing
-​ Regular STI screening, practicing the diversity of sexual
safe sex (using condoms), and orientations and gender
avoiding sharing needles. identities.
-​ STI Prevention: Importance of
Family Planning and Contraception safe sex and STI awareness.
-​ Family Planning: Deciding on
-​ Family Planning: Involves birth control and reproductive
deciding when and how many health measures.
children to have, ensuring the
well-being of the mother and Additional Notes
child. -​ Lust, Attraction, and
-​ Ideal spacing between children Attachment are stages of
is 3 to 5 years for the best health relationship development and
outcomes. each phase has a distinct
psychological and
Contraception physiological basis.
Methods used to prevent pregnancy. -​ Sexual Education is essential
These methods are categorized into: in promoting safe behaviors
-​ Natural Methods: Avoiding and preventing teenage
artificial interventions, like pregnancies and STIs.
fertility awareness.
-​ Artificial Methods: Using The Material Self
contraceptives such as birth
control pills, IUDs, condoms, Introduction to Material Self
tubal ligation, and vasectomy. -​ We live in a consumer-driven
world where products are
Key Concepts for Exam marketed as a way to improve
-​ Sexual Orientation: Emotional how we feel or look.
and sexual attraction patterns. -​ The desire to own products is
-​ Sexual Health: Maintaining a often connected to our sense
healthy sexual life through safe of identity, meaning that what
practices and understanding we own reflects who we are.
reproductive rights. -​ Key Idea: Our material
-​ Teenage Pregnancy: Causes, possessions are extensions of
effects, and prevention strategies. ourselves and influence how
-​ Human Sexual Response we see ourselves and how
Cycle: The stages of sexual others perceive us.
arousal and resolution.
The Components of the Self
Material Self Lotze's Theory: When we wear
-​ The part of our identity linked to clothes, we integrate them into
the physical objects we own our consciousness, and they
and value. become part of how we define
-​ Includes our body, clothes, ourselves.
immediate family, and home. 3.​ Immediate Family: Family,
particularly parents and
Social Self siblings, play a crucial role in
-​ The version of ourselves that shaping who we are. Their
interacts with society. It successes and failures affect
includes how we present us because we are emotionally
ourselves to others and the invested in their lives. Losing a
roles we play in social family member can feel like
relationships. losing a part of ourselves.
4.​ Home: Home is not just a
Pure Ego physical space; it is the first
-​ The internal aspect of the self. place where our sense of
It represents our thoughts, identity forms. It is a safe space
feelings, and self-awareness. It where we can be our true
includes the emotions we selves. Our home is an
experience as a result of how extension of our selfhood,
we see ourselves, such as representing comfort, security,
self-pride or self-doubt. and personal expression.

Detailed Breakdown of the Material Theories on Material Possessions

Self and Self-Identity
The Material Self is composed of four
key elements: William James
1.​ Body: The body is the most -​ James describes the self as the
fundamental part of our total sum of everything we can
material self. We are deeply call "ours." This includes our
attached to it, and it is our body, clothes, family, home, and
responsibility to take care of it. possessions. The more invested
The way we treat our body we are in something, the more
reflects our self-image. it becomes part of our
2.​ Clothes: Clothes are the second self-identity.
most important part of the
material self. They are not just Russell Belk
for covering the body but are also -​ Belk highlights that "we are what
a form of self-expression we have." Our possessions are
 extensions of ourselves, and Religious Beliefs and the
we often use them to express
Spiritual Self
our identity. From an early age,
we associate objects with
The Spiritual Self
personal significance, which
-​ William James (1890): The
grows as we age.
spiritual self is one of the four
components of the self. It
The Role of Material Possessions in
represents our innermost
Identity
thoughts, moral judgments,
-​ As we grow older, the importance
and conscience, making it the
of material possessions may
most intimate part of our
decrease, but certain objects
identity.
hold lasting significance.
These objects often remind us of
-​ Key Point: The spiritual self
important events, relationships,
brings satisfaction when
or accomplishments.
reflecting on one’s ability to
-​ Some material possessions
reason, make moral decisions,
become emotionally valuable
and exhibit self-control.
because they are closely
associated with people or
Understanding Religion
memories.
-​ Rebecca Stein’s Definition of
Religion (2011): Religion is a set
For example:
of cultural beliefs and
-​ A well-kept car that belonged to a
practices that connect people
deceased family member may be
with the supernatural, often
hard to sell because it symbolizes
through rituals and moral
that person’s presence.
codes.
-​ A chair that a loved one always
sat in may become a constant
Core Characteristics:
reminder of their presence, even
1. Belief in supernatural beings (spirits,
after they are gone.
gods).
-​ A hoodie that still carries the
2. Sacredness that evokes awe and
scent of a loved one can evoke a
reverence.
sense of connection to that
3. Rituals to communicate with
person.
supernatural forces.
4. Worldviews and moral codes
expressed through stories.
5. Social bonds and control within
communities.
Rituals in Religion -​ Baptism: Symbolizing spiritual
Definition: Rituals are ceremonial acts rebirth.
based on sacred traditions or laws. -​ Communion: Remembrance of
They serve as a way for societies to Jesus’ sacrifice.
connect with the sacred and define their Major Celebrations:
identity. -​ Christmas: Celebrates the birth
of Jesus.
Characteristics of Rituals: -​ Easter: Commemorates Jesus’
-​ A feeling of awe or respect for the resurrection.
sacred.
-​ Dependence on belief systems Hinduism
expressed through myth. -​ Core Belief: Life is a cycle of
-​ Symbolism in rituals, which birth, death, and rebirth,
connects them to their sacred governed by karma—the idea
references. that present actions shape future
lives.
Overview of Major World Religions Key Practices:l
-​ Diwali: Festival of Lights,
Buddhism celebrating God's victory over
-​ Core Belief: Life involves evil.
suffering, and through spiritual -​ Navratri: Nine-night festival
practices, individuals seek to honoring different manifestations
escape suffering. of the divine
Key Practices
-​ Samatha: Mindfulness and Islam
loving-kindness meditation. -​ Core Belief: Belief in one God,
-​ Vipassana: Meditation for Allah, and that Muhammad is
developing insight into reality. His final prophet. Islam
Major Celebrations: emphasizes submission to Allah’s
-​ Parinirvana Day, Wesak (Buddha will.
Day), Dharma Day.
Key Practices: The Five Pillars of
Christianity Islam:
-​ Core Belief: Belief in one God 1.​ Shahadah: Declaration of faith.
in three forms (Father, Son, 2.​ Salat: Prayer five times daily.
Holy Spirit). Eternal life is 3.​ Zakat: Giving to charity (2.5% of
achieved through faith in wealth).
Jesus Christ. 4.​ Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca (once
Key Practices in a lifetime).
5.​ Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan.
Major Celebrations -​ Attitude Toward Suffering:
-​ Eidul-Fitr: Marks the end of Viewing suffering as an
Ramadan. opportunity for personal growth.
-​ Eidul-Adha: Celebrates the Key Idea
completion of the Hajj pilgrimage. -​ Frankl’s philosophy emphasizes
optimism even in difficult
Judaism times, suggesting that
-​ Core Belief: Belief in the God of individuals can turn suffering
Abraham, who delivered the into accomplishment and
Hebrews from Egypt. The Torah growth.
serves as the religious and moral
guide.
Key Practices
-​ The Jewish Sabbath begins
Friday at sunset, when families
gather for the Shabbat meal.

Major Celebrations
Rosh HaShanah: Jewish New Year.
Yom Kippur: Day of Atonement.
Pesach (Passover): Celebrates the
Hebrews’ liberation from slavery.

Logotherapy (Viktor Frankl’s Theory)

-​ Definition: Logotherapy is a
psychotherapy introduced by
Dr. Viktor Frankl. Its central
belief is that the search for
meaning is the primary
motivator in life.

Ways to Find Meaning

-​ Creating or Doing a Work:
Finding purpose through
achievements.
-​ Experiencing Someone or
Something: Relationships and
experiences that bring meaning.