MORALES, IVY T.

BSBA 1C
UNDERTANDING THE SELF SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

ELABORATE QUESTION 1

We have seen how philosophy of the self has evolved from ancient to
modern times. From conceptual hypotheses of the self, modern times have seen
the self from scientific and biological standpoints.

Do you agree with what these philosophers have concluded about the
self? Why?

Yes, I agree with what philosophers concluded about self since they are
all philosophers that study the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and
existence. Each of them formulated crucial information about self, and each of
them expounded the work of other. The idea that Philosophers’ concluded
about self can be use or can be applied by any individual. It has something to
do about improving our own self, accepting who and what we are and even
knowing the things that can lead us to feel peace of mind and happiness.

ELABORATE QUESTION 2

We have seen how philosophy of the self has evolved from ancient to
modern times. From conceptual hypotheses of the self, modern times have seen
the self from scientific and biological standpoints.

Do you see how their explanations of the self apply to you in the present?
How?

Yes, because as Socrates stated, self-knowledge is the ultimate virtue

and as an ultimate virtue it will lead to ultimate happiness. Knowing and
accepting yourself can lead you to the real happiness you’re looking for. For us
to experience the ultimate happiness it is necessary to understanding our own
self or our own motive. As for what Rene Descartes explanation on self, the
only thing one can’t be doubt is the existence of self. This perception is
applicable for me in my current situation, we can’t question our self for what
we are today thus we should be grateful for everything.
EVALUATE QUESTION

If you are to choose three particular philosophies of the self that you find
applicable to you, what would it be and why? Elaborate your answer using the
main concepts of the philosophical school of thought that you choose.

IDEALISM

First, I choose Socrates’ view on the knowledge is the personification of

good while ignorance is that of evil. Socrates wants to express that the cause of
all evil is ignorance. This quote is really meaningful because lack of knowledge
or information can sometimes lead to unpleasant outcome. Since Idealism
pertains to the view that mind is the most basic reality and that the physical
world exists only as an appearance to or expression of mind. Therefore, our
physical world that exists comes from the decision we made.

EMPIRICISM

Second, the rational nature of the self is to lead a good, flourishing, and
fulfilling life by Philosopher Aristotle. I choose this because it is very common
for us as an individual to lead our life in such a healthy and fulfilling way. The
Empiricism school of thought stresses the fundamental role of experience. This
explains that experience is the ultimate source of our concepts and knowledge.
Therefore, based on our own experience we can lead a good, flourishing and
fulfilling life.

RATIONALISM

Lastly, I choose Rene Descartes’ belief on the body is a machine attached

to the mind. I, myself can relate to this because of the fact that our body do
whatever we think to do. Our body is the machine and the controller is our
mind. Rationalism explains the self from the standpoint of what is “ideal” and
the “truth”, not rooted on what is felt by neither the senses nor our body. Our
body only work or create a certain thing because we think so and we believe
that is the truth. We didn’t work based on what our senses felt.