Jasmin M.

Hohmann BSBA-FM 1C
Understanding the Self
Reflection paper:
Upon watching the video presentation regarding the perspective of oneself from the various
philosophers, I have gained interesting insights that is beneficial in reflecting and analyzing the concept
of Philosophy and theories linked to it about ourselves such as 3 Components of Soul by Plato; The Self
has an immortal soul by St. Augustine; The Multilayered Self by Sigmund Freud as well as their
renounced lines such as “I act therefore, I am” by Gilbert Ryle. As a student, I am a lover of wisdom and I
am certain that I was once already and will always be curious about the deeper side or perspective about
my existence. In relation to this, I was already applying the concept of Philosophy wherein it is a science
of being in an ultimate reason, causes and principles acquired by the aim of human reasons. Moreover, I
was more engaged by Socrates’concept and his Socratic Method or the process of questioning. According
to him, the ultimate wisdom comes from knowing oneself and it is by our soul, which is a thinking and
willing subject as well as a responsible agent in knowing and acting rightly and wrongly.

Based on my self-reflection, I believe that in order to learn more about myself, I must live an
examined life. Fortunately, it is part of Socrates’ philosophical viewpoint. I must seek wisdom and lead a
virtuous life by exhibiting positive ideals and characteristics. My parents taught me to live a balanced and
quality life in order to respect myself more and to be aware about everything that happens around me and
in my surroundings. When I know myself, there is no doubt that I can know other people and have a
common understanding that is crucial in comprehending the essence of life that we are living, such as
truth, goodness, and beauty. We can live the best life and be the finest version if we first know ourselves
before anyone else. In addition to this, I strongly agree that one’s true self should not be identified with
one’s owns, social status, reputation end even with one’s body but rather knowledge, wisdom and virtue
because at the end of the day, it lives within us and it is what matters the most.

As a key takeaway, I should always take care of my soul which is my true self to attain good life by
being wise and virtuous at all times and to be a good example to others and have significant impact not
only in my own life but others too. After exploring and analyzing the different perspectives of the
philosophers, I became more aware of my true self as well the essence of life. It was a great learning
experience for me for the understanding and knowledge that I have attain in this lessons will always be
part of my life, perspective, personality, and what I will become in the future. With these, I can also share
my learnings and realizations to others and influence them in the beauty of understanding oneself.