Understanding The Self:

THE SELF ACCORDING TO THE

PHILISOPHERS
SOCRATES, PLATO AND THE
FEMINIST CRITISIM

Dennis Lee ● Jovan Calibang ● Albert Kyle Tagabe

“Know thyself” – Socrates
 Learning Outcomes:
• Demonstrate that my own concept of the self is like that of Socrates and
Plato.
• Give my reason why I disagree/agree with the feminist’s criticism about
Plato’s concept of the self.
Transforming Ideas of the Week
The perspective I have about the self more or less the same with the Ancient
Philosophers like Socrates and Plato.
 Focus Questions:
• Who exactly is your "self"? What are the qualities that define it?
• In what ways is it possible for you to "know" your self? How will I know
myself?
• What differentiates your particular self from all others?
• What is the relation of your self to your "body"?
• What do you mean when you say, "I don't feel like myself today" or when
you encourage someone else to "Just be yourself!"
 The cornerstone of Socrates' philosophy was the
Delphic Oracle's command to "Know thyself."

• If we are to fulfill Socrates' exhortation to

live an examined life, a life of purpose and
value, we must begin at the source of all
knowledge and significance our self.
What do you think influences your answers to
the focus questions?
• Your responses also likely reflected the cultural and
religious environment in which you were raised.
• Cultures that originated in Europe have tended to use a
common religious and philosophical framework for
understanding the "self" that was first introduced by
Socrates and Plato in ancient Greece.
 EXPLAIN YOUR ANSWERS TO THE FOCUS
QUESTIONS BY ANSWERING THE FOLLOWING
QUESTIONS:
Did your responses reflect the belief that your SELF:
• is a unique personal identity that remains the same over time?
• is synonymous with your "soul"?
• is a very different sort of thing from your "body"?
• can be understood by using your reasoning abilities?
• will continue to exist in some form after your body dies?
• is able to connect with other selves in some personal way?
 Socrates
First thinker in recorded history to focus the full power of reason on the
human self:
• who we are,
• who we should be, and
• who we will become.
• was convinced that in addition to our physical bodies, each person
possesses an immortal soul that survives beyond the death of the body.
 Socrates
• SO THEREFORE, where do you think
our church's forefathers got the idea that
the soul is immortal?
 Socrates – Reality is Dualistic
(Comprised of 2 realms)
First Realm
• changeable, transient, and imperfect, whereas
the other realm is unchanging, eternal,
immortal.
• The physical world in which we live-
comprised of all that we can see, hear, taste,
smell, and feel-belongs to the former realm.
• All aspects of our physical world are
continually changing, transforming
disappearing.
Second Realm
• the unchanging, eternal, perfect realm includes the
intellectual essences of the universe, concepts such
as truth, goodness, and beauty.
• examples of these ideal forms in the physical world.
• we might describe someone as truthful, good, or
beautiful. But these examples are always imperfect
and limited:
• ideal forms themselves that are perfect, unchanging,
and eternal.
 Role of Reason
• Reason is a potent tool that allows the soul to transcend the flaws of the physical
world and achieve a connection with the unchanging. These ideas notably
resemble aspects of contemporary Western thought. They include the idea of a
finite body (1st Realm), an immortal soul (2nd Realm), and a perfect, eternal
realm that the soul seeks to unite with for eternal happiness. These concepts form
the foundation of Western and some Eastern religions.
• On a secular level, these ideas align with modern views of the self. They propose
that the thinking, reasoning self and the physical body are fundamentally distinct
entities, with a complex and challenging relationship between them.
 PLATO
• Plato's perspective on the essence of the
self, or the soul, is characterized by a
commitment to viewing it as a unified,
unchanging, and immortal entity. Despite
his commitment, he acknowledges the
inherent complexities within this
viewpoint. In his dialogue "The
Symposium," Plato introduces the ideas of
the female philosopher Diotima.
 Diotima
• Diotima presents a contrasting perspective on the nature of
the self. She emphasizes that an individual remains the
same as long as they maintain the same form, suggesting
that a person might be considered the same in old age as
they were in infancy. However, Diotima points out the
paradox that while we label them as the same, every aspect
of them changes over time. She provides examples from
the physical body, such as hair, flesh, bones, and blood, to
highlight the constant process of transformation and
renewal that contradicts the notion of an unchanging self.
The Many Faces of Michael Jackson
 The Many Faces of Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson's evolving appearance over time resonates with Diotima's
view of the changing nature of the self. Diotima challenges the idea of an
unchanging self, highlighting the continuous transformation within
individuals. Similarly, Jackson's changing faces reflect the constant
evolution of his identity. Just as Diotima's examples of bodily changes
illustrate her point, Jackson's physical alterations demonstrate the ongoing
renewal she discusses. Despite his changing appearance, Jackson's core
identity as an artist remained consistent, echoing Diotima's notion that an
individual's essence endures amid transformations.
 Diotima
• Diotima observes that various aspects of a person's life are not
consistent throughout their existence. These include the body, desires,
pleasures, soul, manners, dispositions, thoughts, sufferings, and fears.
While some aspects grow and evolve, others fade away.
• The passage highlights that unlike gods, mortal beings cannot remain
constant through eternity. Instead, they leave room for new life as they
pass away. This concept leads to the understanding that all creatures
value their offspring, driven by a deep love and passion for immortality.
 Plato
• Plato elaborates on the soul (psyche) and introduces a three-part structure that
constitutes the self:
• 1. Reason: The divine essence enabling deep thinking, wise choices, and
understanding eternal truths.
• 2. Physical Appetite: Addresses biological needs like hunger, thirst, and
desire.
• 3. Spirit or Passion: Encompasses emotions such as love, anger, ambition, and
empathy.
 Plato
• These elements interact dynamically, sometimes
harmoniously and sometimes in conflict. Plato illustrates this
with the metaphor of a winged chariot in "Phaedrus." The
soul is the chariot guided by Reason, represented by a
charioteer, while two horses symbolize Spirit (white horse)
and Appetite (black horse). Conflict prompts Reason to
restore harmony by controlling these elements.
• Plato's concept underscores the interplay of Reason, Spirit,
and Appetite within ourselves, illustrating their dynamic
relationships through metaphors and vivid imagery.
 Plato
• Plato uses the metaphor of charioteers to convey his belief in the
pursuit of wisdom and genuine happiness. Successful
charioteers, who guide their chariots with skill, aligning the two
horses in harmony, attain wisdom and share in divine blessings.
• Conversely, charioteers who fail to control their horses
encounter personal and intellectual failure. Plato asserts that true
happiness relies on maintaining control of one's Reason over
their Spirits and Appetites. This inner balance ensures consistent
well-being and the achievement of wisdom.
 Plato
• Plato emphasizes several key imperatives for individuals:
1. Fulfilling basic needs like food, drink, and shelter, as well as primal instincts like
sex.
2. Exercising caution in practical matters, such as crossing roads, while preserving
one's individual identity.
3. Engaging in a pursuit of knowledge and, above all, seeking truth.
• These imperatives highlight a well-rounded approach to life, combining self-care,
practical awareness, and a dedicated quest for deeper understanding and truth.
 FEMINIST'S CRITICISM OF PLATO'S
CONCEPT OF THE SELF
• In the essay "Woman as Body" by
philosopher Elizabeth V. Spelman, a
feminist critique of Plato's concept of the
self is presented. Spelman argues that
Plato's perspective overemphasizes the
authority of reason while downplaying the
significance of the body and emotions.
 FEMINIST'S CRITICISM OF PLATO'S
CONCEPT OF THE SELF
• Barbara Richmond, a prominent figure in contemporary feminist
and African philosophies, also shares this criticism. They contend
that this view is problematic because traditional philosophers like
Plato tend to associate men with superior reasoning abilities,
relegating women to the "inferior" realms of physical reactions
and emotions. This critique highlights the gender bias present in
these traditional philosophical frameworks.
 End
Thank you for listening!