UNDERSTANDING YOURSELF US 101

W ITH IMMA NUE L KA NT, R E NE DE S CA RTE S A ND JO HN LOCK E

RENE DESCARTES: I THINK, THEREFORE I AM
Descartes states that the self is a thinking
entity distinct from the body.
As Descartes
His first famous principle was
explained it, "we
"Cogito, ergo sum," which means
cannot doubt of our
“I think, therefore I am." existence while we
Although the mind and the body are doubt."
independent from each other and serve
their own function, man must use his own
mind and thinking abilities to investigate,
analyze, experiment, and develop himself.
JOHN LOCKE: PERSONAL IDENTITY
John Locke holds that personal identity (the
self) is a matter of psychological continuity.
For him, personal identity is founded on
consciousness (memory), and not on the
substance of either the soul or the body. "depends on
consciousness, not on
Personal identity is the concept about
oneself that evolves over the course of an substance"
individual's life. It may include aspects of
life that man has no control over, such as
where he grew up or the color of his skin,
as well as the choices he makes, like how he
spends his time and what he believes.