GEC1-Understanding the Self, 1st Semester – AY 2021-2022(MONDAY)

Submitted by: Hicban, Sophia Nicole N.

Submitted to: Ms. Ma. Kristina A. Rancudo – Instructor

Reflection:
PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION OF THE SELF

In the introduction of this lesson, there is this question that caught my attention until the end of the
class. “What is Self?” According to Aristotle, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of wisdom.” The other
one is “Do you really know yourself?” We start questioning ourselves once we really know ourselves.
Why do we do the things we do and why do others do what they do? These are questions each of us have
asked ourselves at one time or another. By not understanding our human nature, we are stuck in the mire of
our instinctual reactions which leads to our problems based on our conflicting points of view. There is no
choice for us when we allow ourselves to be controlled by them.

That is why our philosophers leave us a quotation on what they believed and explained to us why
we should know ourselves. We have Socrates, Plato, St. Augustine, St. Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, Kant,
Ryle, and Merleau-Ponty. First, we have Socrates, he said that “An unexamined life is not worth living.”
He believed that the love of wisdom was the most important pursuit more than anything else. And for me
he leaves this quote to us because his analysis of life in this manner spilled over into the lives of others,
causing them to begin their own examination, but he knew they would all die one day, as if to declare that
a life without philosophy is a life without meaning. Second is Plato, we all know that Plato was the greatest
student of Socrates, and he believes “in the existence of mind and soul.” St. Augustine said, “I am doubting,
Therefore I am.” St. Aquinas, said, “The soul is what makes us humans.” Descartes, also known as the
father of modern Philosophy and his famous quotation is “I think, therefore I am.” And believes that the
soul or mind is separated in human body. Hume, said that “The self is nothing but a bundle of impressions
and ideas.” And believes that There is no Self. Kant, said that “We all have an inner and an outer self which
together form our consciousness.” Ryle, said “I act, therefore I am.” and Merleau-Ponty, “Self is embodied
subjectivity.”
In this point, all their beliefs have a remarkable meaning and significant explanation, we cannot
judge others by their beliefs specially when we are not on the same beliefs. We need to accept nor respect
their own perception in life. Because there is no such thing as a perfect life and insights.

Always remember that when you want to know who you really are, be who you are and say what
you feel, because those who mind do not matter, and those who matter do not mind.

Knowledge can only come by seeing the truth that dwells within us

-St. Augustine