Understanding the Self

MODULE 1: Introduction to Understanding the Self

This module tackles the fundamental concepts and principles of the self. It covers the different
factors that contribute to one’s being, the philosophical and theoretical perspectives about the
self across generations, as well as the explanations of different fields of sciences about the self
and identity.

Section 1: Social, Environmental, and other Life Factors (S.E.L.F.)

 Nature vs. Nurture
 Nature differs from Nurture, since in Nature, a person develops his/her
characteristics biologically (something that has developed starting from the birth of the
child), while in Nurture, a person develops his/her characteristics through the external
factors, such as the environment and the society (family, friends, relatives, etc.).
 Identity vs. Self
 Identity, also, differs from Self, as what the readings say, Identities are “qualities,
characteristics, beliefs, opinions, etc., that make a person unique from others.” These is
what is distinguishable by others, or what they perceive to us through our actions. Self, on
the other had, is the “person of himself/herself,” meaning, it is what the others didn’t see in
you, because this is personal character; this is what makes up a person.
 Dimensionalities of the Self/Identity
 There are 4 different dimensionalities of self, namely social factor, environmental
factor, hereditary factor, and person-volition factor. Social factors are the factors in the
development of a person which includes all the person around us, like our family
members, relatives, friends, teachers or professors, and even strangers, that might create an
impression to you or affects your actions and thoughts in life. Environmental factors are
the factors in the development of a person that includes the environmental structure,
events, and such, which might give an impact on how a person could grow in all the
aspects of his/her life. Hereditary factors are the factors in the development of the person
that includes biological changes and events, such as growth in height, puberty (growing of
pubic hair, deeper voices for male, broadening of hips and start of menstruation for female,
etc.) that usually affects the physical characteristics of a person. Lastly, the Person-
volition factors are the inclination of a person creates a social construct which sets him
apart to others.

Section 2: What Philosophy says about the Self

 Self – it is defined to as “a unified being, essentially connected to consciousness,
awareness, and agency (or, at least, with the faculty of rational choice).
 Classical Antiquity
 Through Greek times:

 Greek philosophy was started by Socrates, with

his aphorism/principle of “know thyself,” which is also
inscribed in the temple of Apollo at Delphi.

 Socrates believed that the real self is not the

physical body, but rather the psyche, or the soul.
  Plato, a student of Socrates, also studied and explained
Thoroughly what is the true essence of self, which is then
founded by his mentor. Plato suggested that the
“self is fundamentally an intellectual entity whose nature
exists independent from physical world.”

 Furthermore, Aristotle, student of Plato, explained

thoroughly how we could see the essence of self.
Aristotle suggested that the ideal is subsumed in the
 phenomena. Aristotle called the ideal as essence, and
the phenomena as the matter. He emphasized that these
2 co-exist, and is dependent with one another.

Two lens of Philosophy of Self in Greek Times:

 Rationalism – explains self from the standpoint of what is ideal and true, and what not is
rooted with senses.
 Empiricism – according to it, there is no such thing as innate knowledge; all knowledge
are derived from experience – through five senses or what is perceived by our brain.

Towards Modern Philosophy

 St. Augustine incorporated the views of Plato to his religious philosophy.

 John Locke, David Hume, and Immanuel Kant were empiricist’s philosophers.

 Rène Descartes was a dominant rational philosopher during the Middle Ages.

Contemporary philosophers have incorporated science to their theories in the light of the
technological advancements that they have been exposed to.

Majority of contemporary philosopher were empiricists:

 Gilbert Ryle, Patricia Churchland, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty have

incorporated biological and neuroscience in their philosophies.

Section 3: What Science says about the Self

Natural and social sciences encompass a number of disciplines that have deliberated on and
explained the concept and nature of the self.

Biological/Physiological Sciences

 Neurophilosophy (attributed to Paul and Patricia Churchland) is concerned with the

association of the brain and the mind.
 Psychoneuroimmunology describes the shaping of the self as similar to how the human
immune system functions.

Social Sciences

 Psychology defined as the study of human behavior, sees the self as a theoretical

construct.
 Psychoanalysis (proposed by Sigmund Freud) focuses on the “unconscious” as a core
element of the self.
 Behaviorism maintains that the study of behavior should be made from an
observable and measurable perspective.
 Social Cognitive Theory considers behavior as a function of the environment and
internal attributes.
 Humanistic Perspective draws its assumptions from the observed criticisms of
psychoanalysis and behaviorism. It believes that every individual has the ability to reach
self-actualization and transcendence, and that each person is inherently good or possesses
something that is good.
 Sociology is the study of the collective behavior of people within the society and focuses
on social problems encountered by individuals.
 Anthropology is the study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space
and in relation to physical character, environmental and social relations, and culture.
 Political Science (PolSci) is concerned with the participation of individuals in
establishing a government and making politicl choices.
 Economics describes and analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of
goods and services.