Midterms

• Who is considered the first thinker to focus on the human self?

  Socrates
• What does the motto "Know thyself" signify in Socrates' philosophy?

  It emphasizes living according to our nature.
• How can knowledge of oneself be attained according to Socrates?

  Through the Socratic method, which involves dialogue between the soul and itself.
• What are the two realms in Socrates' dualistic reality?

  The physical realm and the ideal realm.
• What characterizes the physical realm according to Socrates?

  It is changeable, transient, and imperfect.
• What does Socrates believe about the soul in relation to the body?

  The soul is unchanging and immortal, while the body is imperfect and mortal.
• Who is historically known as the father of the academy?

  Plato
• What is the significance of Plato's work "The Republic"?

  It discusses the idea of a Philosopher king who is virtuous and intelligent.
• According to Plato, what will a follower of truth and wisdom avoid?

  Temptation by vices.
• What are the three parts of the soul according to Plato?

  Appetitive soul, spirited soul, and rational soul.
• What does the appetitive soul represent?

  It is driven by desire and the need to satisfy oneself.
• What is the role of the spirited soul?


  It is the courageous and competitive part that seeks to right wrongs.
• What does the rational soul do?

  It thinks and plans for the future.
• Who is characterized as Christianity's first theologian?

  St. Augustine
• How did Augustine describe the body in relation to the soul?

  As a "snare," "cage," and "slave" to the soul.
• What did Augustine later view the body as?

  As the "spouse" of the soul, united but irreconcilably divided.
• What philosophical concept did Plotinus emphasize that influenced St. Augustine?

  The imperfection of the physical body.
• How did Augustine integrate Plato's philosophy with Christianity?

  By adapting Plato's dualistic universe to Christian beliefs.
• What did Plato's ultimate reality become in Augustine's philosophy?

  A transcendent God.
• How did Augustine transform Plato's vision of immortal souls?

  Into souls striving for union with God through faith and reason.
• What is the first principle in Descartes' theory of knowledge?

  "Cogito ergo sum" meaning "I think, therefore I am."
• What was Descartes' main objective in his philosophy?

  To understand our thinking process and reasoning.
• What does Descartes believe about questioning beliefs?


  One must be courageous enough to question things instead of accepting them by faith.
• How does Descartes view the relationship between self-identity and self-consciousness?

  They are mutually dependent on one another.
• What does Descartes believe about the physical body in relation to personal identity?

  The physical body is secondary to personal identity.
• What does Descartes believe happens to the soul after death?

  The soul continues to exist, seeking union with God’s infinite mind.
• How does Descartes explain the functioning of the body when the mind is not active?

  The body continues to function even if the mind is not thinking.
• What is the "intermingling" point of contact between the mind and body according to Descartes?

  The pineal gland.
• What are the characteristics of the self as a thinking entity according to Descartes?

  • Nonmaterial
  • Immortal
  • Conscious being
  • Independent of physical laws of the universe
• What are the characteristics of the self as a physical body according to Descartes?

  • Material
  • Mortal
  • Non-thinking entity
  • Fully governed by physical laws of nature
• What does Locke believe is the essence of the self?

  Conscious awareness of itself as a thinking, reasoning identity.
• According to Locke, what are the keys to understanding the self?

  Conscious awareness and memory of previous experiences.
• What happens when we are not consciously aware of ourselves according to Locke?

  We are simply unreflectively existing and cannot be sure of our identity.
• How does Locke differentiate between personal identity and the soul?

  Personal identity and the soul are two very different things.
• What does Kant believe is the starting point of all knowledge?

  All knowledge begins with sensations.
• How do our minds process sensory data according to Kant?

  Our minds actively sort, organize, relate, and synthesize the data.
• What does Kant mean by "a priori" organizing rules?

  They are rules we didn't have to learn; they are already installed in our intellectual operating systems.
• What does the phrase "unity of consciousness" refer to?

  It describes how thoughts and perceptions are bound together in one consciousness.
• What is Carl Rogers' view on human striving?

  Humans are always striving to be complete and perfect.
• How does Rogers define self-concept?

  As the person's thoughts and feelings about themselves.