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• Philosophy is defined as the attitude of the mind that studies the first cause or the highest principles of all things by natural light of reason
• Self usually refers to the concept of the individual self, or the unique identity of a person
• The concept of self in philosophy examines the idea of the self at a conceptual level
• There are different ideas on what constitutes self, including the self being an activity, the self being independent of the senses, the bundle theory of the self, the self as a narrative center of gravity, and the self as a linguistic or social construct rather than a physical entity
• Understanding the self in philosophy provides a framework for self-exploration, personal growth, ethical decision-making, and existential reflection
• Socrates' background was far from aristocratic, with his father being a stonemason and his mother a midwife
• Socrates was a Greek philosopher and the main source of Western thought
• Socrates believed that the "self" exists in two parts: the physical, tangible aspect that is mortal and constantly changing, and the soul, which he believed to be immortal
• Socrates held the belief that during our earthly existence, when both body and soul are connected, we experience life, and this unified entity represents our "self" within the physical realm
• Upon death, the body remains in the physical realm while the soul journeys to the ideal realm, endowing the soul with immortality
• Socrates marked a turning point in Athenian history
• Socrates' teachings inspired generations of philosophers, shaping the course of Western thought
• The Socratic Method continues to be a cornerstone of education and critical thinking
• True wisdom lies not in blind acceptance, but in the courage to question, to challenge, and to embark on a lifelong journey of self-discovery
• Socrates' teachings focused heavily on concepts like virtue, knowledge, and the good life
• Socrates argued that a virtuous life, guided by reason and justice, was the key to happiness
• Socrates challenged conventional notions of morality, urging individuals to think beyond societal norms and examine their own motivations and actions
• Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher, made significant contributions to Western philosophy
• Plato believed that reality is divided into two parts: the ideal and the phenomena
• Plato's writings often feature dialogues, with Socrates as a central character, conveying philosophical ideas through engaging conversations
• Plato claimed that there are three parts of the soul: the Appetitive part, the Spiritual part, and the Rational or Logical part
• The balance of these three components varies from person to person
• Appetitive Part:

  • Drives man to experience thirst, hunger, and other physical wants
  • Cannot resist appetites, including those for food, power, and sex
• Spiritual Part:

  • Makes man assert abomination and anger
  • Seat of emotions such as anger, fear, hatred, and jealousy
  • Associated with the desire to do good and to be good, enabling courage and passionate principle
• Rational Part:

  • Seat of reasoning
  • Loves logic, thought, and rational learning
  • Equated with the temperament associated with Athenians
  • When dominant, the person can distinguish well between fantasy and reality
  • Wise and able to make just decisions
• Aristotle made significant advances in fields such as logic, biology, politics, ethics, and metaphysics
• Aristotle's sensitive soul is associated with sensory perception, desire, and mobility
• The Tripartite Division of the Soul:

  • Nutritive Soul (Vegetative): Responsible for basic biological functions such as growth, nutrition, and reproduction
  • Rational Soul: Unique to humans, responsible for reasoning, intellect, and higher cognitive functions
• Aristotle rejected dualism and argued for a holistic view where the soul and body are intimately connected
• Aristotle's concept of actualization of potentiality is crucial in understanding the self
• Aristotle's teleological perspective emphasizes that everything in nature has a purpose or end (telos)
• Ethical virtues according to Aristotle are not innate but acquired through habituation and education
• Self-reflection and contemplation enable self-awareness and introspection according to Aristotle
• Aristotle presents a comprehensive theory of the self that emphasizes the teleological essence of human existence, the actualization of potentiality, and the union of body and spirit
• According to Aristotle's philosophy, the self is a dynamic being with a deliberate direction toward self-improvement, and cultivating virtue is essential for a happy and fulfilling existence