Philo Perspectives about the Self (not for sharing)

Summary

This lecture explores various philosophical perspectives on the nature of the self, starting with Socrates, who emphasized the importance of self-examination. It covers the dualistic views of philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and Augustine, who believed in the separation of body and soul. The lecture also discusses Rene Descartes' concept of the mind, David Hume's idea of the self as a bundle of experiences, and Immanuel Kant's view of the self as the organizer of impressions. Finally, it touches on modern perspectives from Gilbert Ryle and Maurice Merleau-Ponty, who offer alternative views on the self.

Takeaways

• 📚 The lecture focuses on various philosophical perspectives on the self, primarily based on 'Understanding the Self' by Allah Sleeps Rafika Pawilen.
• 🎥 The lecture is supplemented by a TED Talk titled 'Who Am I? A Philosophical Inquiry,' which students are expected to watch.
• 🔍 Socrates is regarded as the first philosopher to systematically question the nature of the self, with his famous idea 'to know oneself.'
• 🧠 Plato, a student of Socrates, introduced the idea of the self having a dualistic nature, composed of body and soul, and divided the soul into three components: rational, spirited, and appetitive.
• 💡 Thomas Aquinas shared similar beliefs, referring to the body as 'hyle' (matter) and the soul as 'morphe' (form), emphasizing the soul as the essence of humanity.
• 🙏 Augustine of Hippo focused on the soul’s eternal nature, stressing that true fulfillment comes through communion with the divine.
• 🧩 René Descartes proposed that the mind and body are separate entities, asserting the famous statement 'I think, therefore I am.'
• 🌪️ David Hume rejected the idea of a coherent self, claiming that the self is merely a bundle of experiences and perceptions.
• 🧠 Immanuel Kant disagreed with Hume, arguing that the mind organizes impressions, and the self is essential for understanding and knowledge acquisition.
• 🌍 Maurice Merleau-Ponty offered a more integrated view of the self, proposing that the body, mind, and emotions are intertwined, leading to a holistic understanding of selfhood.

Q & A

What is the main topic of this lecture?

The lecture focuses on various philosophical perspectives about the nature of the self, particularly within the context of a philosophical inquiry.

Which video was recommended for students to watch before this lecture?

The lecturer recommended a TED Talk video titled 'Who Am I? A Philosophical Inquiry.'

What is one of the key learning outcomes for students after this lecture?

One key learning outcome is that students should be familiar with different philosophies about the self.

Who was the first philosopher to systematically question the true nature of the self?

Socrates was the first philosopher to systematically question the true nature of the self.

How did Plato divide the soul, according to his philosophy?

Plato divided the soul into three components: the rational soul (responsible for reason and intellect), the spirited soul (responsible for emotions), and the appetitive soul (responsible for basic desires).

What was Thomas Aquinas' view on the dualistic nature of the self?

Thomas Aquinas believed in the dualistic nature of the self, referring to the two parts as 'haile' (matter) and 'morphe' (form), with the soul being the essence that animates the body.

How did Augustine of Hippo perceive the soul?

Augustine of Hippo believed that the soul is eternal and can survive even after death, while the body is imperfect and tied to the physical world.

What was René Descartes' famous statement regarding the self?

René Descartes is famous for his statement 'I think, therefore I am,' asserting that the ability to think is proof of the existence of the self.

How did David Hume describe the self?

David Hume believed that the self is merely a collection of experiences, a 'bundle of different perceptions' that are constantly changing.

What is Maurice Merleau-Ponty's view on the relationship between the body and the self?

Maurice Merleau-Ponty viewed the self as an embodied experience, where the body, thoughts, emotions, and experiences are interconnected and inseparable.