POINTERS IN GE 101

• Augustine argued that time is a mental construct, experienced through memory, present experience, and
expectation of the future.
• Augustine argues that our understanding of time is derived from our consciousness and memory, as they shape
our perception of past, present, and future.
• Hume posited that what we consider the self is simply a collection of transient perceptions and experiences.
• Hume claims that the self is not a single entity but rather a collection of transient perceptions and impressions.
• What is the essence of a dog? This question reflects Socratic inquiry, focusing on understanding the
fundamental nature of concepts rather than practical outcomes.
• What is justice? This question aligns with Socratic inquiry, emphasizing self-knowledge and understanding
fundamental concepts to navigate life effectively.
• Who am I? Socrates emphasized self-inquiry and understanding one's identity as crucial for addressing life's
complexities.
• Descartes emphasized the act of thinking as proof of one's existence, asserting that self-awareness is
foundational to identity.
• Descartes concludes that the very act of doubt implies a thinking self, leading to his famous statement, "I
think, therefore I am."
• Plato posits that physical objects are imperfect representations of abstract ideal forms, which are the true
essence of things.
• For Plato, the essence or ideal form of a concept is more real than its physical manifestations.
• Locke's concept of tabula rasa suggests that individuals start as blank slates, with their identities formed
through experiences.
• Locke asserted that personal identity is maintained through continuity of consciousness, regardless of physical
changes.
• Locke emphasizes that personal identity is rooted in memory and consciousness, rather than the physical
substance of the body or soul.
• Plato believed that physical objects are imperfect copies of their ideal forms, thus the physical dog is not the
true essence of "dog."
• Hume believed that the self is contingent upon perceptions; without them, there is no awareness or identity.
• Churchland posits that the self is fundamentally tied to brain functions, emphasizing that to understand the
self, one must study the brain's biology.
• Ryle argues against the dualist view, suggesting that the mind is understood through observable actions rather
than as a separate substance.
• Merleau-Ponty argues that consciousness cannot be separated from the body and that our subjectivity is
experienced through our physical being.
• Kant asserts that empirical self-consciousness relates to personal experiences while transcendental
apperception involves the underlying concepts that unify those experiences.
• Mead argues that the self is developed through social interactions and the meanings we derive from them, not
through biological factors or introspection.
• Mead used Genie’s case to show that lack of social interaction prevented the development of herself, even
though her physical body was normal.
• The "I" represents the immediate, unsocialized responses of the individual, reflecting creativity and
individuality.
• The "Me" incorporates the attitudes and expectations of society, allowing individuals to understand their
behavior from a social perspective.
• The "generalized other" reflects how individuals see themselves through the collective viewpoint of their
community, shaping their identity.
• Cooley posits that the self develops based on our perceptions of how we appear to others and their judgments
of that appearance.
• Cooley's process emphasizes imagining how one appears to others, considering their judgments, and
developing a self-concept based on that feedback.
• The private self involves an individual's own understanding and evaluation of their characteristics and
behaviors.
• The public self reflects how individuals believe they are viewed by society, whereas the private self is more
about personal beliefs and traits.
• The collective self-arises from the individual's identification with and roles in various social groups,
influencing their self-concept through shared attributes.
• Group membership serves as a source of pride and boosts self-esteem through a sense of belonging and
identification with the in-group.
• An out-group is the social group to which a person does not belong, often associated with feelings of
competition or opposition.
• Multiphrenia highlights the multiple voices and identities individuals adopt based on their various social roles
and contexts.
• Impression management involves regulating information during social interactions to influence how others
perceive us.
• The front stage is where social actors present themselves in accordance with societal norms and the
expectations of their audience.
• The saturated self-embodies a multitude of influences and identities, often leading to a fragmented sense of
self.
• Social media provides platforms for users to curate and display idealized representations of themselves,
contributing to multiple self-conceptions.
• The self-in-relation concept emphasizes that individuals are influenced by their interactions and the cultural
contexts they inhabit.
• Social comparison involves assessing the in-group’s status and qualities in relation to out-groups, often
leading to discrimination to enhance self-image.
• Technology facilitates ongoing interactions and exposure to diverse voices and identities, contributing to the
complexity of the saturated self.
• Celebrating diverse cultural events promotes understanding and connection, enhancing relational identity
among employees.
• Conflicting values can create uncertainty about one's identity, leading to confusion.
• Sharing personal experiences helps build connections, enhancing relational identity among students.
• The pressure to conform versus personal beliefs exemplifies an identity struggle.
• This perspective emphasizes the importance of community in shaping identity, aligning with the collective
self.
• Teaching about different cultures helps students understand and appreciate their cultural identities.
• Participation in elections signifies engagement and connection to one’s nation, demonstrating national
identity.
• Disagreements about traditions can create tension regarding identity within the family context.
• The national anthem is a tangible symbol of a nation and contributes to the shared identity of its citizens.
• Adapting behavior based on the audience illustrates the dynamics of the dialogical self.
• Cultural identity is influenced by various external factors, including society, community, and culture.
• Engaging different viewpoints reflects the dialogical nature of the self, where various perspectives are shared.
• Feeling lost in one’s identity after relocation indicates an identity crisis, often caused by cultural dislocation.
• The real self refers to your authentic feelings and self-awareness, reflecting how you perceive your abilities in
the moment.
• The discrepancy between how you see yourself (real self) and how you wish to be perceived (ideal self) is
evident in your doubt.
• The false self is shaped by external expectations, prompting behavior that aligns with societal norms rather
than true feelings.
• The relational self is concerned with how you define yourself in relation to others and your roles in those
relationships.
• Your desire to be an author represents your ideal self, while self-doubt reflects a gap between your real self
and ideal self.
• Self-reflection involves examining how your actions and decisions impact others, a key aspect of human
agency.
 • Acting confident despite feeling insecure reflects the dynamic between your true self and the false self you
present to others.
• The categorical self involves identifying oneself based on specific traits and characteristics, such as age and
hobbies.
• Your social self is shaped by how others view you and how that affects your identity and roles in group
dynamics.
• Reflecting on past decisions shows how you evaluate and understand your personal growth and identity over
time.
• Feeling accomplished relates directly to your self-worth and how you value yourself based on your
achievements.
• Acting in a way that does not align with your true feelings to meet expectations represents the false self.
• Self-reactiveness involves regulating your behavior based on anticipated reactions from others.
• The dialogical self recognizes that individuals may express different facets of their identity depending on
context and relationships.
• Struggles with feeling worthy highlight challenges with self-worth, affecting how you value your
achievements.
• Using labels to categorize yourself illustrates the categorical self, where identity is defined by specific traits or
roles.
• Comparing your current self to your envisioned future self-highlights the concept of the ideal self.
• Leaning on friends showcases your relational self and the importance of connections in shaping your identity.
• Striving to balance different aspects of life involves self-reactiveness, as you adjust behaviors based on your
needs and circumstances.
• Individualistic cultures emphasize personal traits and individual accomplishments.
• Individualistic cultures emphasize personal identity and self-expression.
• Collectivistic cultures prioritize group roles and relationships over personal attributes.
• Collectivism. This description emphasizes social roles and responsibilities.
• Collectivistic cultures prioritize group welfare over individual desires.
• Collectivistic cultures emphasize conformity and group harmony.
• Collectivistic cultures emphasize societal and familial obligations over personal desires.
• Collectivism. This reflects a strong emphasis on group identity and belonging.
• The real self is how one genuinely feels and identifies, as opposed to societal expectations.
• Buddhism teaches that the self is an illusion and a result of changing experiences.
• Buddhism argues against the notion of a permanent self, emphasizing impermanence.
• Confucianism emphasizes the importance of social roles and relationships in defining identity.
• Confucianism posits that identity is largely derived from one's social relationships.
• The false self conforms to societal norms at the expense of genuine self-expression.
• Individualistic cultures encourage personal ambition and self-fulfillment.
• Human agency involves intentional action and decision-making.
• Taoism emphasizes the connection of the self with the universe and the natural order.
• The concept of 'anatta' emphasizes the lack of a permanent self.
• Discrepancies between the real and ideal selves impact one’s overall self-concept.
• The subdued self aligns with the Confucian emphasis on social obligations

“Good luck on your exam. Just remember, every multiple-choice question is just a chance for

you to pick C and be right 33% of the time.”