SOCRATES

He believed in introspection and questioning one’s own beliefs and actions.

According to Socrates, understanding oneself involved examining one’s
thoughts, values, and actions through critical thinking and philosophical
inquiry. He emphasized the importance of seeking wisdom and moral
improvement as a path to a better understanding of the self. Socrates
famously said, “The unexamined life is not worth living”, suggesting that
true knowledge begins with self-awareness and understanding one’s
limitations and virtues. He believed that by questioning and examining our
beliefs, we could attain a deeper understanding of our true nature and
purpose in life. As the soul was considered the true essence or “self” and
the core of an individual’s identity. The pursuit of wisdom and the
understanding of one’s soul were integral to living a good life.

Plato
In Plato's philosophy, the concept of the "self" is intricately tied to his ideas about the
soul, knowledge, and reality. Plato believed that the self is more than just the physical
body; it encompasses an eternal and unchanging soul. The soul, for Plato, is the true
essence of a person and represents their higher, immortal self. Plato's understanding of
the self is deeply influenced by his theory of Forms or Ideas. He posited that the
material world is an imperfect copy or reflection of an eternal and unchanging realm of
Forms. The soul, prior to its embodiment in the physical world, had knowledge of these
Forms and therefore possesses innate knowledge. According to Plato, through
philosophical inquiry and dialectical reasoning, individuals can recollect this pre-existing
knowledge and achieve a deeper understanding of reality and their true selves. This
process of recollection, guided by reason and intellect, allows individuals to attain
wisdom and reach a higher state of enlightenment. In summary, Plato's concept of the
self centers on the eternal and unchanging soul, which holds innate knowledge of the
Forms and can attain true understanding through philosophical contemplation and
recollection.