24 Jan 2025

Understanding the Self

© 2018

Course Details Assessments

Modules Resources

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Module 1. Introduction to
Module 1. Understanding the Self

Introduction to
Module Objectives
Understanding To introduce the concept, definition, and
processes of self-understanding encompassing
the Self the scientific and philosophical explanations
about the Self and Identity. The module also
broadly introduces the factors that contribute to
one’s being and identity.

Your understanding of your inner self holds the meaning of your life

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Module 1. Introduction to Unit 2. What Philosophy Says

Unit 1. Social, Environmental, and other
about the Self
Understanding the Self Life Factors (S.E.L.F)
This unit highlights how classical
This module tackles the fundamental and modern philosophical models This unit introduces you to the journey of
concepts and principles of the Self. This covers defined the Self, the evolution of understanding the self. This will highlight the
the different factors that contribute to one’s these philosophical frameworks different factors (Social, Environmental,
being, the philosophical and theoretical from ancient to contemporary Biological, and other life factors) that contribute
explanations about the self across generations times, and the relevance of the to the development of the Self.
of philosophers and theorists, as well as the philosophy of the self to how the
explanations of different fields of sciences younger generation define their INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
about the self and identity. own sense of self.
At the end of this Unit, students are expected to
Unit 3. What Science Says demonstrate the following:
Unit 1. Social, Environmental, and other
Life Factors (S.E.L.F) about the Self
This unit discusses the different
This unit introduces you to the journey of
aspects of science and how they 1. Determine the different factors that contribute to one’s being.
understanding the self. This will highlight the
explain the concept of the Self. 2. Evaluate the impact of the different Factors of the Self according one’s self-appraisal.
different factors (Social, Environmental,
Natural science and social
Biological, and other life factors) that contribute 3. Synthesize the influence of the different Factors of the Self based on group assessment.
sciences encompass a number of
to the development of the Self.
disciplines that have deliberated
Click Here to Begin on the nature of the Self. Such
discourses will be tackled in this
section.

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Diagnostics
✔ Learning Checkpoint An Overview of Self/Identity
Do you AGREE or DISAGREE? The Self is one of the most interesting topics that people
talk about everyday. We may not be conscious about it
but every time we mention the ‘I’ e.g., I will go to school, I
hangout with my friends, I like to eat burger, we are
⮚ We can be whatever or whoever we want to be. talking about the self as “actors”. Further, we always
mention the ‘me’ as the object, e.g., tell me about it, give
me something, it makes me feel awesome. Noticeably,
⮚ Our tendencies are completely controllable. the Self composes both the I- as an actor and the Me- as
the object. Our interest about the self is even more
evident in the functional word variations of I and Me that
we use in our everyday language depending on our
⮚ We are what we are right now because we want to be like this. purpose (e.g., my, mine, myself, etc.).

Our consciousness of the existence of the Self has been

⮚ There are still many things that we haven’t discovered about ourselves. almost automatic or reflexive and we are almost unaware
that in our everyday lives we are constantly talking about
it.
⮚ Our parents (or family members) can only influence us while we are in the
growing up years.

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Issue No. 1.
Issues on Understanding the Self NATURE vs. NURTURE
Many scholars (i.e., theorists, scientists, philosophers) NATURE
While some insist that the self is predominantly a product
in different fields and across generations have Biological sciences which explain that our traits
of natural processes to which people are inherently
attempted to explain and thoroughly expound on are passed on to humanity from one generation
predisposed, some argue that the self is largely influenced
to another, and these transmitted traits served
several issues and controversies about the nature, and principally constructed by one’s social environments. as a blueprint of our self and make us predispose
existence, and dimensionality of self. The most to certain self-expressions (e.g., attitude,
prevalent among issues on self, are the issues on: behavior, tendencies, etc.). Here, the self is
being studied structurally and functionally, from
the molecular level to the entirety of human
NATURE vs. NURTURE physiological systems. Genetics for example
Uni vs. Multi contributed so much information about the
descriptions of the self. This field of biology
DIMENSIONALITIES primarily deals with the study of heredity
(transmission of traits and characteristics from
generation to another) as a process, as well as on
SELF vs. IDENTITY the characterizations (similarities and
differences) of organisms.

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Issue No. 1.
NATURE vs. NURTURE LET’S REFLECT : What is your stand on the issue?
NURTURE
While some insist that the self is predominantly a product Issue No. 1.
of natural processes to which people are inherently
Social Sciences argue though that the self should We are what we are right
predisposed, some argue that the self is largely influenced
be principally viewed as an outcome of various NATURE vs. NURTURE now because of….
nurturing factors in the context of one’s social
and principally constructed by one’s social environments. life. Social Sciences have provided manifold of
insights and explanations about the self both on NATURE NURTURE
the micro and macro level of one’s social life.
Different fields of social science stresses how
group life (formal and informal) affects
individuals’ behavior and attitude, and
emphasizes on the impact of various social
institutions to the self-construal of an individual.

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LET’S REFLECT : What is your stand on the issue? Issues on Understanding the Self
Many scholars (i.e., theorists, scientists, philosophers)
Issue No. 1. in different fields and across generations have
NATURE vs. NURTURE While arguments about attempted to explain and thoroughly expound on
the predominance of several issues and controversies about the nature,
either nature or existence, and dimensionality of self. The most
NATURE NURTURE nurture are still prevalent among issues on self, are the issues on:
unresolved, we could
settle for an eclectic
standpoint on this NATURE vs. NURTURE
issue. We can safely Uni vs. Multi
assume that our self DIMENSIONALITIES
is BOTH a product of
NATURE and NURTURE.
SELF vs. IDENTITY

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Issue No. 2. Issue No. 2.

SELF vs. IDENTITY SELF vs. IDENTITY
IDENTITY SELF
While some insist that the self is predominantly a product While some insist that the self is predominantly a product
Identity: Based on lexical definition, Identity Self: Based on lexical definition, Self (noun) is
of natural processes to which people are inherently (noun, iden·ti·ty\ī-ˈden-tə-tē, ə-, -ˈde-nə-\) of natural processes to which people are inherently “the person that someone normally or truly
predisposed, some argue that the self is largely influenced referred to “the qualities, beliefs, etc., that predisposed, some argue that the self is largely influenced is… or the entire person of an individual”.
and principally constructed by one’s social environment. make a particular person or group different and principally constructed by one’s social environment.
from others… or the distinguishing character
Self and Identity are topics that remain popular not only Self and Identity are topics that remain popular not only
or personality of an individual”
among psychologists (authors of psychology articles) but among psychologists (authors of psychology articles) but
also to other social scientist like sociologists, cultural also to other social scientist like sociologists, cultural
anthropologists, economists, among others. Noticeably, anthropologists, economists, among others. Noticeably,
the term self and identity in various literatures have the term self and identity in various literatures have
been loosely interchanged by many authors. For many, been loosely interchanged by many authors. For many,
there is a very thin conceptual and functional distinction there is a very thin conceptual and functional distinction
between the two concepts and many people perceive between the two concepts and many people perceive
them as synonymous. them as synonymous.

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LET’S REFLECT : What do you think, similar or different? LET’S REFLECT : What do you think, similar or different?
Issue No. 2. Issue No. 2.
SELF vs. IDENTITY I am my__________ SELF vs. IDENTITY
A comprehensive definition that underscores the
distinctions and overlap of self and identity was
given by Oyserman, Elmore, and Smith (pg. 69,
2012) which states that:

“Identities are the traits and characteristics, social

relations, roles, and social group memberships that
SELF IDENTITY define who one is. Identities can be focused on the
past-what used to be true of one, the present-what
is true of one now, or the future-the person one
expects or wishes to become, the person one feels
obligated to try to become, or the person one fears
one may become; together, identities make up
one's self-concept variously described as what
comes to mind when one thinks of oneself’.

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Issue No. 3.

Issues on Understanding the Self UNI vs. MULTI

Many scholars (i.e., theorists, scientists, philosophers) Dimensionality of the Self DIMENSIONALITIES OF SELF
in different fields and across generations have We are what we are right now not just because of a single Some people believe that the Self or
attempted to explain and thoroughly expound on factor. We are developed by many factors… Identity can be more accurately
several issues and controversies about the nature, depicted using a single factor or
existence, and dimensionality of self. The most aspect. For example, we often hear
prevalent among issues on self, are the issues on: people ask another to describe a
particular person using a number of
words. Can we really describe
NATURE vs. NURTURE someone using only a few words?
Uni vs. Multi
DIMENSIONALITIES
SELF vs. IDENTITY

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Issue No. 3. Issue No. 3.

UNI vs. MULTI UNI vs. MULTI
Dimensionality of the Self DIMENSIONALITIES OF SELF Dimensionality of the Self DIMENSIONALITIES OF SELF
We are what we are right now not just because of a single You now being are asked to We are what we are right now not just because of a single My Best friend is _______________
factor. We are developed by many factors… describe a particular person using factor. We are developed by many factors…
only one word (e.g., Your Best How will you categorize this
Friend), how will you describe description in terms of aspect of the
him/her? self?
a. Physical
My Best Friend is: b. Emotional
c. Social
__________________________ d. Intellectual
e. Spiritual

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Issue No. 3.
UNI vs. MULTI LET’S REFLECT : Do you think it’s fair to describe a person
Dimensionality of Self DIMENSIONALITIES OF THE SELF using only a few words?
We are what we are right now not just because of a single Many people tend to provide Issue No. 3.
factor. We are developed by many factors…
Physical Description… UNI vs. MULTI Our Self cannot be singly
Dimensionality of the Self represented by a certain trait
Physical Appearance – Refers to how we
physically present our self to other people. because our Self/Identity is
Though we can consider that the physical
appearance is just a surface description that we
composed of multidimensional
can use to describe a person, this dimension of aspects and that we are a
the Self tends to be very critical for some
practical purposes (e.g., easy recall, creating PRODUCT of multidimensional
impression, making judgement, etc. ) . FACTORS.

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Multidimensionality of the Self Multidimensionality of the Self

Social Factor of the Self

Refers to the influences of significant people in a person’s
life. This particularly includes the social groups where and
Society individual identifies oneself. Social factors are strong
Heredity
foundations of one’s being. The characteristics that we
acquired from the influences of the social groups where
we interact with during the growing up years are
integrated to form our identity, or our uniqueness and
similarities with others.
▪ Family
▪ Peer Groups
▪ Organizations
▪ And other significant people in a person’s life (e.g.,
teacher, role-model, relatives, etc.)

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Multidimensionality of the Self Multidimensionality of the Self

Environmental Factor of the Self Hereditary Factor of the Self

Broadly includes the physical and communal elements present in Heredity is a biological process by which certain traits and
our everyday surrounding, and is invariably dealt with by characteristics are passed on from one generation to
individuals in a specific geographic region or area. This is not another. This factor compared with the two previously
only about the physical properties of the surrounding (i.e., discussed factors can be depicted as the non-negotiable
climate and temperature, forms of land, etc.) but this factor
factor. If one has the choice whether or not to adopt the
principally includes the larger society or community and the
expectations and norms operating in that particular locality or influence of social groups and to change (improve) one’s
place. environment, heredity as a factor of one’s being and
identity is relatively fixed and permanent.
For example: • Physical Attributes (e.g., height, complexion, color of
A person who grew up in a city, where competitiveness and eyes, etc.)
resiliency are needed in order to survive would tend to adapt in • Some Cognitive Traits (e.g., I.Q)
to that kind of environment by consciously strengthening certain • Some other Personal Characteristics
traits and skills that will manifest competitiveness (e.g.,
communicative, intellective, etc.). In the process, the harnessed
characteristics become an integral part of one’s Self or Identity.

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Multidimensionality of the Self Multidimensionality of the Self

Person-Volition Factor of the Self Things to Ponder About

The most controversial factor of the Self or Identity. This We have learned that our Self or Identity is a product of
refers to the inclination of a person to form and construct both nature and nurture, and an outcome of various
a specific identity, which will set him apart or unique factors (multidimensionality).
compared with others. Such factor emanates from within
the mentality of an individual, but also brought about by
the aggregated social-life experiences. Social scientists • If we are a product of both nature and nurture, which
(e.g., sociologist) may refer to this type of person as between the two contributed more to our Self-
deviant and non-conformist. But being one is not development?
necessarily negative, in fact, some of the people of this
type turned in to trend-setters, discoverers and inventors • How do the different factors (of the self) interact in the
development of the self or identity?

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Module 1. Introduction to Unit 2. What Philosophy Says

Unit 2. What Philosophy Says About the
about the Self
Understanding the Self Self
This unit highlights how classical and
This module tackles the fundamental modern philosophical models defined This unit highlights how classical and modern
concepts and principles of the Self. This covers the Self, the evolution of these philosophical models defined the Self, the
the different factors that contribute to one’s philosophical frameworks from evolution of these philosophical frameworks from
being, the philosophical and theoretical ancient to contemporary times, and ancient to contemporary times, and the relevance
explanations about the self across generations the relevance of the philosophy of the of the philosophy of the self to how the millennial
of philosophers and theorists, as well as the self to how the younger generation generation define their own sense of self.
explanations of different fields of sciences define their own sense of self. INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
about the self and identity.
At the end of this Unit, students are expected to
demonstrate the following:
Unit 1. Social, Environmental, and other
Unit 3. What Science Says about
Life Factors (S.E.L.F)
the Self
This unit introduces you to the journey of This unit discusses the different
understanding the self. This will highlight the aspects of science and how they
1. Define and explain the different philosophical standpoints about the Self.
different factors (Social, Environmental, explain the concept of the Self. 2. Trace and explain how philosophical models have transformed from classical to contemporary times.
Biological, and other life factors) that contribute Natural science and social sciences
to the development of the Self. encompass a number of disciplines 3. Synthesize and evaluate the different perspectives of the Self.
that have deliberated on the nature
of the Self. Such discourses will be
4. Analyse the relevance of various philosophical standpoints to their sense of the Self.
tackled in this section.

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Diagnostics
✔ Learning Checkpoint The Philosophy of the Self
Do you AGREE or DISAGREE? The Self has been defined as “as a unified being, essentially
connected to consciousness, awareness, and agency (or, at
least, with the faculty of rational choice) “. Different
philosophers have come up with more specific characteristics
⮚ Different Philosophers hold the same views about the Self. of the Self, and over time, these meanings have transformed
from pure abstractions to explanations that hold scientific
evidences.
⮚ Philosophers have used empirical and rational lens in explaining the self.

⮚ Philosophy of the Self as explained by modern philosophers are more

relevant than the standpoint of ancient philosophers.

⮚ Philosophical views of the self are useful guide to a better life.

⮚ Philosophy of the self should only be studied by older individuals and not
for younger generations.

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The Philosophy of the Self The Philosophy of the Self

The ancient philosophy of self can be traced back from the
ancient Greek aphorism (one of 147 aphorisms prominently It was Plato, Socrates’ prized student who thoroughly expound
inscribed in the temple of Apollo at Delphi), “know thyself” on Socrates ideas of self. Plato’s conceptualization of the Self
(Greek: γνῶθι σεαυτόν, transliterated: gnōthi seauton). was profoundly introduced in his dialogue Phaedrus, which
has been a popular text for many decades in the subject of
• The aphorism (or principle) was used by Socrates as his Philosophy. The main idea in this dialogue is about truth-
guiding principle that he passed on to his students. Since seeking, and that the truth can be can be distinguished in two
Socrates as a guru preferred to engage his students in forms: the metaphysical realm (mind) and the physical world
endless discussion, it is said that he had never written (body). Plato suggested that the existence or the truth about
down any of his ideas but instead untiringly discussed the human self is fundamentally an intellectual entity whose
concepts and principles with his students. Socrates nature exists independent from the physical world. Plato
believed that the real self is not the physical body, but bifurcated the truth or reality into two: the “ontos” (ideal), the
rather the psyche (or soul). He further posited that the ultimate reality which tend to be permanent and spiritual, and
appearance of the body is inferior to its functions. the “phenomena” which refers to the manifestation of the
ideal. In contrast with ontos, phenomena is imperfect,
impermanent and inferior to the latter.

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The Philosophy of the Self The Philosophy of the Self

Philosophy of the self has been defined through two distinct
Plato’s idea of truth about the human self was even more philosophical lens:
expounded and formalized by his prized student, Aristotle.
While Plato emphasized the separation of ideal and Empiricism - derives explanations of the self from sensory and
phenomenal existence (or being), Aristotle suggested that the bodily responses. We know things because we have
ideal is subsumed in the phenomena. Aristotle called ideal as experienced it through our bodily senses.
“essence” and the phenomena as “matter”. He also
emphasized that the two co-exist and are co-dependent, the Rationalism - there is innate knowledge; they differ in that
essence provides meaning and purpose to the matter, and the they choose different objects of innate knowledge.
matter provides substance and solidity to essence. Rationalism explains self from the standpoint of what is “ideal”
and the “truth”, not rooted in what is felt by the senses nor
our body.

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Philosopher Orientation Philosophy Description

The Philosophy of the Self Philosophy of the Self

What are the different philosophical views of the Self? Classical Antiquity
There is abundance in literature that highlights the
Socrates Idealism Socratic ∙ Knowledge is the personification of good
similarities and contrasting standpoints of the self. Philosophy while Ignorance is that of evil.
Socrates and Plato have explained the Self from a ∙ Self-knowledge is the ultimate virtue. As the
theoretical and logical orientation; Aristotle was an ultimate virtue, it will lead to ultimate
empiricist, deriving views of the self from physical and happiness.
Plato Idealism Dualism ∙ Moral virtue is rooted in the intellect and
scientific underpinnings. St. Augustine adopted the and leads to happiness.
views of Plato and infused it to his religious philosophy. Idealism ∙ Wisdom and knowledge leads to virtue
John Locke, David Hume, and Immanuel Kant were which will lead to happiness.
empiricist philosophers; Rene Descartes was a
Aristotle Empiricist Aristotelian ∙ Ideal is found inside the phenomena and the
dominant rational philosopher during the Middle Ages. Philosophy universals inside the particulars.
Among contemporary philosophers, majority are ∙ Ideals are ESSENCE.
empiricists: Gilbert Ryle, Patricia Churchland, and ∙ Phenomena is MATTER.
Maurice Merleau-Ponty have incorporated biological ∙ Matter has no form. Essence has no mass.
∙ Matter and Essence need each other.
and neuroscience in their philosophies.

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Philosopher Orientation Philosophy Description

Philosophy of the Self Philosophy of the Self
Renaissance
Descartes Rationalist Mind-body ∙ “I think, therefore, I am.”
Philosopher Orientation Philosophy Description Dualism ∙ The mind and soul can exist without the body.
∙ Establishing the distinction of soul from the body can
Middle Agess make people believe in the afterlife and the soul’s
immortality.
∙ All knowledge leads to God. Locke Empiricist Theory of ∙ It is in consciousness alone that identity exists, not
∙ Only the pure in heart can see God. Personal on the body and soul.
Identity ∙ There is a distinction between man and person.
St. Augustine Platonism Neoplatonism ∙ Love of God, faith in Him and ∙ The soul may change, but consciousness remains
Understanding of his Gospel will intact.
ultimately lead to Happiness. Hume Empiricist Skeptical ∙ All knowledge passes through the senses.
Philosophy ∙ Separate ideas can be joined in the mind.
∙ There is no self, only a bundle of perceptions.
Kant Rationalist Metaphysics ∙ Reason is the final authority of morality.
/ Empiricist of the Self ∙ There is the inner self and outer self;
∙ The inner self includes rational reasoning and
psychological state.
∙ The outer self includes the body and physical mind,
where representation occurs.

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Philosophy of the Self Philosopher Orientation Philosophy Description

Philosophy of the Self Things to Ponder About
We have seen how philosophy of the self has evolved
Modern Times
from ancient to modern times. From conceptual
Ryle Empiricist The Concept of ∙ “I act, therefore, I am.”
Mind
hypotheses of the self, modern times have seen the self
∙ The mind is not the seat of self.
∙ It is not a separate, parallel thing to our physical from scientific and biological standpoints.
body.
∙ The mind is a category mistake, brought about
⮚ Do you agree with what these philosophers have concluded
by habitual use. The only way it can affect the
other is through the external world. about the self?
Churchland Empiricist Neurophilosop ∙ A fully matured neuroscience will eliminate the ⮚ Do you see how their explanations of the self apply to you
hy need for beliefs since “they are not real.”
in the present?
∙ The physical brain gives us a sense of self.
Merleau- Existentialism Phenomenolog ∙ Both empiricism and intellectualism are flawed ⮚ If you are to choose one particular philosophy of the Self,
Ponty Empiricist y of Perception in nature. what would it be and why?
∙ “We are our bodies.”
∙ Our bodily experiences do not detach the
subject/object, mind/body, rational/irrational.

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Module 1. Introduction to Understanding the Self Module 1. Introduction to Unit 2. What Philosophy Says
Unit 2. What Philosophy Says About the Self about the Self
Understanding the Self
This unit highlights how classical
This module tackles the fundamental
Module Assessment concepts and principles of the Self. This covers
and modern philosophical models
defined the Self, the evolution of
Check your workbook: the different factors that contribute to one’s these philosophical frameworks
being, the philosophical and theoretical from ancient to contemporary
• Exercise No. 1 . How Do I See My Self (pg. 16)
explanations about the self across generations times, and the relevance of the
• Exercise No. 2. How Do I See My Self and Others (pg. 17) of philosophers and theorists, as well as the philosophy of the self to how the
explanations of different fields of sciences younger generation define their
about the self and identity. own sense of self.
Assignment No. 2 Unit 1. Social, Environmental, and other Unit 3. What Science Says
Metacognitive Reading Report (pg. 18) Life Factors (S.E.L.F) about the Self
Readings: This unit discusses the different
This unit introduces you to the journey of
aspects of science and how they
• Chafee, J. (2013) Who are you? Consciousness, Identity and the Self. In the understanding the self. This will highlight the
explain the concept of the Self.
different factors (Social, Environmental,
Philosopher’s Way: Thinking Critically about Profound Ideas. Pearson. 106-169 Natural science and social
Biological, and other life factors) that contribute
• Mahdi, M (1962). Alfarabi’s Philosophy of Plato and Aristotle. sciences encompass a number of
to the development of the Self.
• Speaks, J (2006). Ryle’s behaviorist view of the mind. disciplines that have deliberated
on the nature of the Self. Such
discourses will be tackled in this
section.

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Unit 3. What Science Says About the Self Diagnostics

This unit discusses the different fields of science
and how they explain the concept of Self. Natural ✔ Learning Checkpoint
science and social sciences encompass a number
of disciplines that have deliberated on the nature Do you AGREE or DISAGREE?
of Self. Such discourses will be tackled in this
section.
⮚ Philosophy and Science share the same views about the Self.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this Unit, students are expected to

demonstrate the following:
⮚ Science encompasses biological evolution of self.

⮚ Science explains how environments and contexts shape the self.

1. Define and explain the different scientific standpoints about the Self.
2. Synthesize and evaluate the different scientific perspectives of Self.
⮚ Science makes use of systematic methodologies in conceptualizing the self.
3. Come up with a comprehensive definition of self according to scientific outlooks.

⮚ The physical aspect of the self is the only scientific standpoint that matters.

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The Science of the Self Biological Science

Science has invested much of its efforts in understanding Science has made sufficient advances in explaining human
world phenomena, but none more so than in explaining beings in the biological context. Beginning with the tenets
how human beings have evolved from its basic life forms to of Aristotle and his scientific approach to the study of
its more complex make-up today. Science has been lexically human experience, to the Natural Selection within the
defined as “the intellectual and practical activity Evolutionary theory of Charles Darwin, human
encompassing the systematic study of the structure and development, individuality, and inevitably the Self, has been
behavior of the physical and natural world through defined, analyzed, and explained according to specific
observation and experiment.” Thus, attempts to explain mechanisms.
Self have been made from the perspective of scientific
methods. Further, scientific approaches to the study of the The human body has been explained from a number of
Self is of two-fold: physical sciences and social sciences. scientific standpoints. From a biological perspective,
The former focuses on biological factors that make up the genetics has been studied extensively by scientists and
human body, the underlying growth and maturational doctors on how genes from both parents contribute to the
mechanisms of people, and environmental influences that characteristics of their offspring.
contribute to human development, central focus of which is
the Self. On the other hand, social sciences is concerned The study of the human body from a physical perspective
with institutions, society, and interpersonal relationships of has paved the way for a fuller understanding of the self, as
people living within society. consciousness, deemed to be a fundamental core of the
self, is influenced by inner dynamics and environments.

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Biological Science Biological Science

New breakthroughs in the understanding of the self has
resulted in the emergence of new scientific fields of study: PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY
NEUROPHILOSOPHY and PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY. Psychoneuroimmunology draws its assumptions from how
our immune systems function, similar to the shaping of self.
NEUROPHILOSOPHY Our body is made up of nucleotides, and its composition
The study of Neurophilosophy is attributed to Paul and make up our DNA. In the context of our immune system,
Patricia Churchland. Neurophilosophy is concerned with the our human bodies “reject” foreign matter that can harm
association of the brain and the mind; in order to our bodies and build up on the existing molecules, leading
understand the workings of the human mind, we must first to a healthy bodily system. However, there times when
understand the brain, its functions, and wave activity. They foreign matter that enters our system can be helpful for our
further argued that philosophical notions of free will, bodily maintenance and thus, becomes a permanent fixture
common sense, and conscientiousness, we must be able to within the body. In the context of the self, individuals
explain it in the context of neuroscience as advances in this capitalize on their innate attributes and are likely to reject
field seemingly converge with how people think, feel, and environmental factors seen to be harmful to the body and
behave. In the context of the self, our consciousness, their well-being. In discovering our self, we are likely to
worldviews, beliefs, and other human attributes are imbibe external experiences that are seen to be helpful to
distinctly connected to our brain physiology and us and reject those that we do not like or those we do not
functioning. derive pleasure from.

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Social Sciences Social Sciences

Whereas physical science has devoted much Psychology is one of the most popular social
sciences, defined as “the study of human behavior”. A
of its time to understanding the physical number of theoretical perspectives have been introduced
nature of people, social science is concerned within this field of interest to explain the “self”.
with human functioning in the context of Psychology has contributed a lot in the study of the self as
society and social institutions. Psychology, a theoretical construct. In fact, the development of the so
called Science of Self is significantly rooted from various
sociology, anthropology, politics, and
psychological theories and principles. In many
economics are some of the social sciences psychological theories (e.g., social and personality
that have contributed much to the study of psychology), the term self has been used as a predicate of
the Self. several psychological constructs (e.g., self-awareness,
self-construal, self-esteem, self-efficacy, self-regulation,
etc.). Such usages of the term indicate not only an
acceptance of its existence but also signify its importance
in characterizing human psychological and personal
attributes.

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Social Sciences Social Sciences

Sociology is the study of collective Anthropology is the “science of
behavior of people within society and human beings; especially the study of
focuses on social problems encountered human beings and their ancestors
by people. It does not see the individual through time and space and in relation
on his own, but rather, how social to physical character, environmental
institutions and his social relationships and social relations, and culture.” In the
within society create an impact on his context of studying the self,
thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It anthropology provides the lens of the
provides tools for understanding human developmental advancements society
experience and how society shapes the has made and how it has impacted
person and vice versa. generations who existed within that
society.

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Social Sciences Social Sciences

Political Science is concerned with Economics is “concerned chiefly with
participation of individuals in establishing a description and analysis of the production,
government and making political choices. It distribution, and consumption of goods and
is not about political affiliations but rather, services". Nature of goods, how we
the factors involved in how one arrives at manufacture them, how we share in its
his political choices and behavior. In consumption, our state of finances and
studying self, how an individual participates purchasing power, and its equitable
in government, his ideologies and distribution to society shapes our self through
advocacies, are significant contributors to valuation of products and services that society
his selfhood. has to offer. Our economic activities have
shaped our value system, and sense of self.

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Science of the Self Things to Ponder About

In this unit, we have outlined the impact of the sciences to our
self- discovery and self-understanding.

⮚ Do our physical bodies define who we are?

⮚ Do our societal identities change?
⮚ To what extent does society shape our self and
identity?

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