Self in Different Philosophical Branches:

Metaphysics - The self has been seen as the starting point of inquiry (both in the empiricist and
rationalist traditions) or as the entity whose investigation is most deserving andchallenging (Socratic
philosophy).

Ethics and Philosophy - The self is the key concept to explain freedom of the will as well as individual
responsibility.

Self According to Different Philosophers:

Socrates - Self has two distinct parts. A physical body and a soul. Your physical body is imperfect and
bound to the earth. The soul on the other hand, is perfect and is an unchanging thing of beauty that
transcends death that goes on forever. Thus, it also holds our ability to reason.

Plato- The Self has three (3) parts. The reason, Physical appetite, and Passion. The reason is your logic
and ability to look at situations rationally. Your physical appetite is the collection of things that your
body naturally yearns for like water and food. This part of yourself is very strong for it helps you to
survive but cannot control your every action. The last of these parts is passion. Passion is the collection
of your emotions like love and anger.

Descartes- There are two parts of the Self. The mind and the body. The mind is an internal dynamic
thinking thing that has no shape or substance. It is responsible for all of our thoughts and feelings. The
body is simply a vessel for the mind and It is more material.

Kant- Self has two unified parts. The transcendental self and the empirical self

. Theempirical self organizes all of your experiences and sends input that makes it understandable.the
transcendental self analyzes these inputs, informs your thoughts and feelings on wat youhave perceived

Locke -

Self is singular and it is

one’s conscious

. A person is an intelligent being that is capable

of reason and can reflect on it’s past. A person considers itself samples at different points of

time and space. Since a person can think and reflect, it can have consciousness. Therefore, youcan be
conscious of your identity at different times and places. This consciousness of youridentity through time
is yourself.

All About Self:

Self-Concept – Picture or perception of yourself.

Self-esteem/Self-worth – refers to the extent to which we like, accept or approve of ourselves,or how
much we value ourselves.
Ideal Self – The way you would like to be.The Self can serve various social psychological functions;
having a self is not only knowingwhere your skin ends, but also how to get along with a group.