The purpose of this module is to help you deepen your understanding and appreciation

for who you are as a person. Explore yourself through the discussion of the different
representations and conceptualizations of the self from various disciplinal perspectives.
This module contains different notions of the self from points-of-view of the various
philosophers across time and place.

Name…What is your name first identification of one’s self. Our parents decide to give us
name for different reasons. Some sought it after the name of our Supreme being, or
biblical basis, others from celebrities, politicians, historical people, events and the like.
How about you how did you get your first
name?_______________________________________________________________.

Our name represents who we are but that does not mean that we would turn out the way
we are named. It is only a signifier. We are the one to discover, shape, continuously learn
and develop who we are. Everyone is tasked to discover one’s self.
At the end of the week, the students should be able to:

Discuss the different representations and conceptualizations of the self from

various disciplinal perspectives.
 Philosophy is the study of fundamental knowledge, reality, and existence, especially in an academic discipline.
The Greeks were the ones who seriously questioned myths and moved away from them to understand reality and respond to perennial questions of curiosity,
including the question of the self. The following are discussions of different perspectives and understandings of the self-according to its prime moves. From
philosophers of the ancient times to the contemporary period.
 Knowing oneself is critical to being effective person as well as being successful in life, work, and relationships. Your personal identity influences
everything you do, and it changes and evolves over time.
Can one truly know the self? State and explain your answer. Choose a philosopher’s philosophy mentioned in this module as basis and be able to share a
personal story or interesting experience. You can talk about your family, career, or your goals and dreams.

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The history of philosophy is replete with men and women who inquired into the fundamental nature of the self. Along with the question of the primary substratum that defines
the multiplicity of things in the world, the inquiry on the self has preoccupied the earliest thinkers in the history of philosophy: the Greeks. The Greeks were the ones who
seriously questioned myths and moved away from them in attempting to understand reality and respond to perennial question of the self. The different perspectives and
views on the self can be best seen and understood by revisiting its prime movers and identity the most important conjectures made by philosophers from the ancient times to
the contemporary period.
Now, let us explore the concept of the “self” according to the philosophers discussed in this module. After doing so, explain how your concept is compatible with how they
conceived of the “self”.
1. Socrates
Do you agree that there is a difference between the body and the soul? Explain your answer.
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2. Plato
What happens to a person whose 3 components of the soul are imbalanced?
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3. St. Augustine, St. Thomas and Descartes

Do you agree with the statements about the self (body and soul) so far?
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4. Hume and Kant
Do you agree that everything start with perceptions and the mind regulates these impressions?
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5. Ryle
What does it mean to you on Ryle’s statement “what truly matters is the behavior that a person manifests in his day-to-day life”?
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6. Merleau-Ponty
Why is mind and body inseparable?
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 The aim of the Understanding the Self module series is to thus provide an objective overview of the evolving notion, construct, and experience of the Self,
without losing sight of the subjective value that makes these matters so vital to each of us. By enabling an interdisciplinary discourse among prominent experts in
various fields of contemporary science and the humanities, ranging from evolutionary psychology and neuroscience to philosophy and religion, this fourth part
seeks to analyze and foster deeper reflection and insight on the current concept and theories of the Self and their moral, ethical, and social implications in your
own insight.

Activity Who Am I

Do you truly know yourself?

Answer the following questions about yourself as fully and precisely as you can.
1. How would you characterize yourself? (Give 5 adjective that best describe you)
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2. What makes you stand out from the rest?
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3. What makes yourself special?
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4. What are you most interested in?
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5. What is important or really matters to you? Explain your answer.
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 VII. Self and
Module Evaluation

Rate your learning experience in using this module according to the following scale.

Put a star mark on your response.

____4 – I learned a lot from this module.

____3 – I learned just right.

____2 – I still need guidance on certain topics.

____1 – I did not understand anything.

VIII. References

Books & Websites:

Alata,Caslilb, Serafica & Pawilen (2018). Understanding the Self. Sampaloc, Manila: Rex Bookstore, Inc. (RBSI).

Jvorpiano (2019) GE Foundation Workplace Skills Program:Module One Understanding the Self. Participant Booklet.
Retrieved from
https://www.coursehero.com/file/42959242/Module-1-Understanding-Self-Participant-Booklet-v4pdf/

Del Rosario, Ronuel, L. (December 12, 2018.) Understanding the Self from Various Philosophical Perspective
Retrieved from
https://www.slideshare.net/shinpaiwa/understanding-the-self-lecture-1-philosophical-perspectives?qid=704304a1-451e-4db8-83fe-25abbcffe289&v=&b=&from_search=1

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