MODULE 1

GE 1: UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

 UTS
OUTCOMES
 Explain the concept of the
self from various
philosophical concepts.
 Develop an understanding
about the different
philosophical orientation
about the self.
 Conduct a reflective
thought in interpreting the
development of one’s self
in the context of
philosophy
“Knowing yourself is
the beginning of all
wisdom.”
-Aristotle
DISCUSSION
Who am I?
PHILOSOPHICAL
CONCEPT OF THE SELF
OVERVIEW
 This episode focuses on the betterment of understand towards
integrated concept of the self in the field of Philosophy
CONTENT
 Philosophy
 Ancient Philosophy/Philosophers
 Medieval Philosophy/Philosophers
 Modern Philosophy/Philosopher
 Contemporary Philosophy/Philosopher
RESOURCES
REFERENCES (Refer to the syllabus for detailed information.)
 A, C, O, R, T, V, Z, D.D, H.H, I.I, J.J, K.K
READINGS
 Magalona, et al., Understanding the Self: Developing Life
Skill, in: Mindahpers Co., Inc., Recoletos cor., Cabildo Streets,
Intramuros, Manila (pgs. 15-21)
 Demollos, et al. (2019) Understanding the Self, In: Dr.
Bernadette Bobis-Enriquez (ed) Jimczyville Publications, #16
Concha St., Tinajeros, Malabon City (pgs 11-29)
 Cuevo, et al (2018) Understanding the Self in: St, Andrew
Publishing House., Plaridel, Bulacan (pgs. 2-8)
 Tamban et al (2019) Understanding the Self in: St. Andrew
Publishing House., Plaridel, Bulacan (pgs. 4-11)
VIDEO CLIPS
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHwVyplU3Pg

This is the most basic question we often
encounter when we study the fundamentals of
Humanities and Philosophy. For Centuries,
people throughout the history tried to give a
logical answer to this vital question.
What is Philosophy?
The word Philosophy came from the Greek word
“Philos” which means Love and “Sophia” which
means Wisdom. Philosophy is the love for
wisdom. It is the study of the basic or
fundamental principles of life, knowledge,
reality, existence, morality, human nature, etc.,
through the use of logic and reason.
As an academic discipline, it does not provide
ultimate answers, despite the ultimate nature of
philosophical ideas. It opens the minds of people
and encourages individuals to ask questions and
to seek answers for themselves.
ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY
(1000 BC to 500 AD)
Cosmo-centric is the view point of knowledge
and studies during this era.
There is a fundamental principle/thing that
underlies everything else, including the human
self
Pre- Socratic
 Thales
 Anaximenes
 Heraclitus
 Anaximander
 Democritus
 Anaxagoras
 Pythagoras
The Ancient Triumvirate
Socrates
Didn’t write anything, but his
ideas were echoed by his
student, Plato, in his Dialogues.
“Know thyself.” “An
unexamined life is not worth
living.”
Our souls (self) strive for wisdom and
perfection, and reason is the soul’s tool to
achieve such state.
The soul is a unified, indissoluble, immortal
entity that remains the same over time, and that
is in the very likeness of the divine.
Each
person has
an
immortal
soul that
surpasses
the death of
the body.
(Dualistic reality=body & soul)
Two Aspects of Reality:
 Physical world - changeable, transient, and
imperfect; (World of Senses/Matter)
 Spiritual world - unchanging, eternal,
perfect; (The World of Ideas/Form)
Plato
These are in a dynamic relationship with each
other: in agreement or in conflict. But it is the
responsibility of the Reason to restore harmony
among the three.
Harmony: Justice in the individual, social and
political levels.
3-part soul/self (psyche):
 Reason - the divine essence that lets us think
deeply (wisdom), make wise choices and
achieve a true understanding of eternal
truths.
 Physical Appetite - accounts for the basic
biological needs such as hunger, thirst and
sexual desire
 Spirit/Passion - accounts for the basic
emotions such as love, anger, ambition,
aggressiveness, empathy
Aristotle
The self consists of matter
and form; matter is in a
continuous process of
developing and becoming.
The process of completion is
through experiences as
knowledge is acquired
through the senses (and this knowledge is true).
But this self comes from a First Cause, the
source of all changes although unchangeable in
itself.
The goal of the human self is reached in
happiness through moderation or balance of
things.
Utilizes a Theo-centric view. From the scientific
investigation on nature and search for happiness
to the question of life and salvation in another
realm, in a better world (cf. afterlife)
Influence from ancient thought: The (human)
self endures through time. Rather imposing than
informing, because it was trying to aim at
paganism and barbarism.
There was an aim to merge philosophy and
religion (Christian, Jewish, Muslim)
Saint Augustine
Integrates Platonic ideas with
the tenets of Christianity
Platonic Realm of Idea/Forms:
the Christian philosophy of a
transcendent God; the self
strives to achieve union with
God through faith and reason.
The finite, temporary world of Plato becomes a
proving ground for our eternal destinies: such
that the human person becomes whole with both
body and soul (more unified view).

MODERN PHILOSOPHY
The Post-Aristotelians (14th century to the early 20th century)
Maintains the dualism between body and soul. Utilizes an anthropocentric view where studies
More ethical in their ideas (moral norms are centered on the human person
attainment of happiness) Thinkers began to reject the scholastics’
Zeno (medieval thinkers) excessive reliance on
authority. Period of radical social, political and
Stoicism - apathy or indifference to pleasure.
intellectual developments.
Aristippus
Genuine knowledge has to be based on
Hedonism - “Eat, drink and be happy, for independent rational inquiry and real world
tomorrow, you will die.” experimentation, rather than dependent on
Epicurus knowledge handed down by authorities.

Epicureanism - moderate pleasure

René Descartes

MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY
(500 AD to 1350)
 A rationalist who is famous
for his statement, “Cogito
ergo sum.” – “I think,
therefore, I am.”
Human identity is self-
awareness. The Self is a
thinking thing. It can exist
independently of the body but doesn’t deny the
association of the body to the self.
Dualism: thinking (spiritual) self vs. physical
body. The spiritual self (governed by the laws of
reason and God’s will) surpasses the physical
self (governed by the laws of nature). Yet the
intimate connection between the soul and the
body is undeniable (pineal gland)
John Locke
An Empiricist. Knowledge
originates in our direct sense
experience.
Reason plays a subsequent
role in figuring out the
significance of our sense
experience and in reaching
intelligent conclusions.
The self is not necessarily embedded in a single
substance or soul, but exists in space and time.
Every aspect of the physical body is integrated
with personal identity. The body changes. The
physical self changes. But the self endures
because of memory.
Conscious awareness and memory of previous
experiences are the keys to understanding the
self.
David Hume
An Empiricist, Skeptic,
Nihilist who claims that
there is no self!
The self is a “bundle or
collection of different
perceptions, which succeed each other in an
inconceivable rapidity, and are in perpetual flux
and movement.”
Empiricism
 Impressions – basic sensations of
experiences
 Ideas – copies of our impressions
 Impressions form a fleeting stream of
sensation
 No constant and invariable self that exists as
a unified identity over the course of life.
Immanuel Kant
Contests Hume’s idea by alluding to the primary
experience of the world that is not a
disconnected stream of sensations.
A priori concepts: fundamental organizing rules
or principles built into the architecture of the
mind, which categorize, organize and synthesize
sense data into the familiar fabric of our lives,
bounded by space and time.
 They are innate.
 Unity of consciousness that makes the world
intelligible
The self actively organizes all the sensations and
thoughts into a picture that makes sense to each
one of us. WE CONSTRUCT THE SELF!
The self is not an object located in the
consciousness, but rather, it is a subject, an
organizing principle that makes a unified and
intelligible experience possible.
The self exists independently of and transcends
experiences. The self is a transcendental
unifying principle of consciousness
There is an Inner and Outer Self.
Sigmund Freud
 Founded the psychoanalytic
school of psychology
The SELF is
multi-tiered/multi-layered:
 Conscious (governed by
the reality principle; at this
level, behavior and
experience are organized in ways that are
rational, practical and appropriate to the
social environment.)
 Preconscious
 Unconscious (contains the basic instinctual
drives including sexuality, aggressiveness,
and self-destruction; traumatic memories;
unfulfilled wishes and childhood fantasies;
thoughts and feelings that would be
considered socially taboo.)
Gilbert Ryle
A Physicalist who is known
for his famous statement
“The ghost in the machine.”
Behaviorism: No more
dichotomy by denying the
inner selves, immortal souls,
states of consciousness, or
unconscious entities
The self is defined in terms of behavior that is
presented to the world.
The self is a pattern of behavior, the tendency or
disposition for a person to behave in a certain
way in certain circumstances.
Paul Churhland
A Physicalist
Eliminative Materialism:
grounded in neuroscience
“Nothing but matter exists.”
The mind/self is the brain.
CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHY
(Late 19th century)
The era of political and industrial revolution.
Scientific advancements and growth of
materialism. More humanist as a response to the
so-called alienation of the human person.
Embodied Subjectivity
Both Husserl and Merleau-Ponty agree that our
living body is a natural synthesis of mind and
biology.
Phenomenological approach: describe the
phenomena of the lived experience (reducing
biases) by describing what your immediate
responses are—physically, emotionally,
cognitively.
Edmund Husserl
The father of Phenomenology.
We experience our self as a unity in which the
mental and physical are seamlessly woven
together.
Maurice Merleau Ponty
“Lived body”
An entity that can never be
objectified or known in a
completely objective sort of
way, as opposed to the “body
as object” of the dualists.
“There is no duality of
substance but a dialectic of living being in its
biological milieu.”
ACTIVITY 4

4.1 DIRECTION: Elaborate on your relevant insights about the following philosophical statements: (Put
your answer on the answer sheet provided.)
1. “Know thyself”
2. “I think, therefore I am”
3. “Nothing but matter exist”
4. “We are a ghost in the machine”
5. “An unexamined life is not worth living.”

4.2 DIRECTION: Comparative analysis. Write the name of the philosophies/Philosophers (not less than
5), State their concept of the self and write an analysis based on their definitions.

Name of Philosopher Meaning of the Self

Analysis:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________
 4.3 DIRECTION: Watch the Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHwVyplU3Pg) entitled
“Who Am I”. Write your reaction to the video briefly and comprehensively.

JOURNAL ENTRY NO. 1

Direction: Essay Writing about, “Myself.” Tell something about yourself, your characteristics,
hobbies, and goals in life.

RUBRICS

SCORING RUBRICS
(for Activity 4.1, 4.2, 4.3)
Criterion Description Point
Required Components Response includes all components and meets or exceeds all
requirements indicated in the instructions. Each question or part
4
of the assignment is addressed thoroughly. All attachments
and/or additional documents are included, as required.
Response includes all components and meets all requirements
indicated in the instructions. Each question or part of the
3
assignment is addressed. All attachments and/or additional
documents are included, as required.
Response is missing some components and/or does not fully
meet the requirements indicated in the instructions. Some
questions or parts of the assignment are not addressed. Some 2
attachments and additional documents, if required, are missing
or unsuitable for the purpose of the assignment.
Response excludes essential components and/or does not
address the requirements indicated in the instructions. Many
0-1
parts of the assignment are addressed minimally, inadequately,
and/or not at all.
Required Components – Possible Total Points 4
Structure Writing is clear, concise, and well organized with excellent
sentence/paragraph construction. Thoughts are expressed in a
4
coherent and logical manner. There are no more than three
spelling, grammar, or syntax errors per page of writing.
Writing is mostly clear, concise, and well organized with good
sentence/paragraph construction. Thoughts are expressed in a
3
coherent and logical manner. There are no more than five
spelling, grammar, or syntax errors per page of writing.
Writing is unclear and/or disorganized. Thoughts are not
expressed in a logical manner. There are more than five 2
spelling, grammar, or syntax errors per page of writing.
Writing is unclear and disorganized. Thoughts ramble and make
little sense. There are numerous spelling, grammar, or syntax 1
errors throughout the response.
 Structure – Possible Total Points 4
Content Response demonstrates an in-depth reflection on, and
personalization of, the theories, concepts, and/or strategies
presented in the course. Viewpoints and interpretations are 6-7
insightful and well supported. Clear, detailed examples are
provided, as applicable.
Response demonstrates a general reflection on, and
personalization of, the theories, concepts, and/or strategies
4-5
presented in the course. Viewpoints and interpretations are
supported. Appropriate examples are provided, as applicable.
Response demonstrates a minimal reflection on, and
personalization of, the theories, concepts, and/or strategies
presented in the course. Viewpoints and interpretations are
2-3
unsupported or supported with flawed arguments. Examples,
when applicable, are not provided or are irrelevant to the
assignment.
Response demonstrates a lack of reflection on, or
personalization of, the theories, concepts, and/or strategies
presented in the course materials to date. Viewpoints and 0-1
interpretations are missing, inappropriate, and/or unsupported.
Examples, when applicable, are not provided.
Content – Possible Total Points 7

Overall Points 15

MODULE SUBMISSION SCORING RUBRICS

Criterion Description Point

Time Management The module was turned in before or on time. 5
(Submitted the module on The module was turned in one day late. 4
time.) The module was turned in two days late. 3
The module was turned in three days late. 2
The module was turned in more than three days late 0-1
Content – Possible Total Points 5

Overall Points 5

JOURNAL RUBRICS

CRITERION DESCRIPTION POINT

Content Reflection demonstrates a high degree of critical thinking in
Reflection applying, analyzing, and evaluating key course concepts and
theories from readings, lectures, media, discussions
4
activities, and/or assignments. Insightful and relevant
connections made through contextual explanations,
inferences, and examples.
Reflection demonstrates some degree of critical thinking in
applying, analyzing, and/or evaluating key course concepts
and theories from readings, lectures, media, discussions 3
activities, and/or assignments. Connections made through
explanations, inferences, and/or examples.
Reflection demonstrates limited critical thinking in applying,
analyzing, and/or evaluating key course concepts and 2
 theories from readings, lectures, media, discussions,
activities, and/or assignments Minimal connections made
through explanations, inferences, and/or examples.
Reflection lacks critical thinking. Superficial connections are
made with key course concepts and course materials, 1
activities, and/or assignments
Evidence of Critical Thinking – Possible Total Point 4
Personal Growth Conveys strong evidence of reflection on own work with a
personal response to the self-assessment questions posed.
Demonstrates significant personal growth and awareness of
deeper meaning through inferences made, examples, well 6-7
developed insights, and substantial depth in perceptions and
challenges. Synthesizes current experience into future
implications.
Conveys evidence of reflection on own work with a personal
response to the self-assessment questions posed.
Demonstrates satisfactory personal growth and awareness
4-5
through some inferences made, examples, insights, and
challenges. Some thought of the future implications of
current experience.
Conveys limited evidence of reflection on own work in
response to the self-assessment questions posed.
Demonstrates less than adequate personal growth and
awareness through few or simplistic inferences made, 2-3
examples, insights, and/or challenges that are not well
developed. Minimal thought of the future implications of
current experience.
Conveys inadequate evidence of reflection on own work in
response to the self-assessment questions posed. Personal
growth and awareness are not evident and/or demonstrates
0-1
a neutral experience with negligible personal impact. Lacks
enough inferences, examples, personal insights and
challenges, and/or future implications are overlooked.
Personal Growth – Possible Total Score 7
Structure Writing is clear, concise, and well organized with excellent
sentence/paragraph construction. Thoughts are expressed in
4
a coherent and logical manner. There are no more than
three spelling, grammar, or syntax errors per page of writing.
Writing is mostly clear, concise, and well organized with
good sentence/paragraph construction. Thoughts are
expressed in a coherent and logical manner. There are no 3
more than five spelling, grammar, or syntax errors per page
of writing.
Writing is unclear and/or disorganized. Thoughts are not
expressed in a logical manner. There are more than five 2
spelling, grammar, or syntax errors per page of writing.
Writing is unclear and disorganized. Thoughts ramble and
make little sense. There are numerous spelling, grammar, or 1
syntax errors throughout the response.
Structure – Possible Total Score 4

Overall Score 15