UNDERSTANDING THE SELF: THE PHILOSOPHICAL VIEW OF THE SELF

An overview of the course SS031, focusing on the fundamental philosophical question 'Who am I?' and the module's main objectives regarding the nature of the self.

Discussion of Socrates' emphasis on the examination of the self and the soul, followed by Plato's dichotomy between the transitory material body and the permanent soul existing in the world of ideas.

Exploration of Saint Augustine's Christianized view of the soul as an image of God, and Rene Descartes' rationalist perspective establishing the self as a thinking, non-physical entity.

Analysis of John Locke's memory theory of identity versus David Hume's skeptical empiricism, which argues that the 'self' is merely a bundle of constantly changing perceptions.

An overview of Immanuel Kant's defense of the rational self, Freud's tripartite division (Id, Ego, Super-ego), Gilbert Ryle's linguistic critique, and Paul Churchland's eliminative materialism focusing on the brain.

A comprehensive summary comparing the various philosophical positions discussed, ranging from immortal soul concepts to materialist and subjective experiential views of the self.