UNDERSTANDING THE SELF - BLOG

Chapter 2 on the philosophical perspective on the self provides a range of perspectives on the self, including contemporary existentialist and social theories and ancient notions of the soul.  Philosophers have argued about whether the self is a collection of shifting experiences or a single, unchanging entity.   Plato and Socrates:      In ancient philosophy, the soul and the self were frequently associated. Plato highlighted the idea of the soul, which is everlasting and separate from the body, in response to Socrates's famous dictum, "Know thyself." Aristotle:      Contrary to Plato, Aristotle viewed the self in more practical terms, focusing on the individual's body and mind, and saw personal identity as something rooted in both rationality and physicality. René Descartes      René  Descartes viewed the self as a thinking subject, distinct from the physical body. Descartes' well-known remark that " I think, therefore I...

  In Chapter 3 on the sociological perspective of the self, it is emphasized how necessary social interactions, cultural influences, and societal expectations are in forming an individual's identity. The Social Construction of the Self      The sociological approach contends that social interactions shape the self, in contrast to the philosophical perspective, which concentrates on internal mental processes. Our identity is formed in a social setting, and our self-perception is influenced by how others see us. George Herbert Mead’s Theory of the Self      Mead's conception of the " social self " serves as the basis to comprehending the sociological perspective. He argued that the ego is not innate but rather develops via social interactions. The process begins in childhood through games, play, and imitation, where people adopt roles and discover the perspectives of others. The "I" and "Me": Mead distinguished two components of the self: The " ...

Chapter 3, on the anthropological perspective on the self, emphasizes the importance of cultural norms and societal structures in shaping one's identity.  It explores the difference between individuality and collectivism, as well as the influence of practices, community, and globalization on how people identify themselves. Anthropologists emphasize that the self is not universal, but rather varies by culture. Cultural ideas, traditions, and practices shape how people perceive themselves and their social roles. Self and Social Identity      The self is not viewed as an independent, autonomous entity, but rather as interdependent with others. Family, community, and society all influence a person's perception of self. Collectivism vs. Individualism      Individualism is emphasized in some cultures, particularly in Western countries, in which the self is viewed as an autonomous and self-sufficient entity. In contrast, many non-Western cultures place an em...

Chapter 4 on the psychological perspective of the self focuses on the mental processes that shape self-awareness, self-esteem, and identity. It talks about how culture and life phases affect one's self-concept and emphasizes the importance of socialization, cognitive processes, and social comparison in the formation of the self. The self is seen from a psychological perspective as a dynamic entity that is influenced by social, emotional, and cognitive processes. It focuses on how people perceive and evaluate themselves, as well as how these views affect behavior. Self-Concept Refers to the collection of beliefs and ideas one holds about themselves. It includes aspects like physical appearance, personality traits, abilities, and social roles. This concept is influenced by personal experiences, social feedback, and cognitive processes. Self-Esteem The evaluative aspect of the self. It reflects how individuals feel about their worth and value. High self-esteem is linked to positive ou...