The Problem of Self as a Philosophic Question

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
References

Introduction

The problem of determining human nature has always been topical. Individuals have always tried to determine the nature of their selves and find their places in the world. For this reason, the question of self is one of the fundamental ideas in both Western and Eastern philosophies. Thinkers have tried to describe how individuals exist in this world, interact with others, and evolve. As a result, numerous perspectives on the concept of self emerged. However, it is impossible to select the most applicable or correct one because of the relativity of the problem. Every person can have his/her vision of self and his/her nature. It arises from the experience, knowledge, and peculiarities of past interactions. Speaking about my position on the question, I think that Aristotle and the avocado view on human nature might help to describe my beliefs.

Discussion

As has already been mentioned, human nature is a complex phenomenon. It implies the idea of self as one of the core components impacting peoples individuality, their character, and their interaction with the world. For instance, Aristotle is one of the outstanding ancient Greek thinkers who discussed the concept of self. His view implies that every human being has a soul, which cannot be separated from the body (Sihvola, 2008). Moreover, he defines the soul as a principle of life-impacting all choices and causing people to live (Sihvola, 2008). At the same time, it is a unique substance that differs among individuals, and it is impossible to find two identical ones (Mitchell, 2019). In other words, following Aristotles view, a persons existence is influenced by a specific abstract substance existing somewhere within. This self, or soul, determines who the person is and how he/she lives.

Aristotles vision is one of the first attempts to delve into the peculiarities of peoples nature and explain it. At the same time, his definition of the concept of self coincides with my one. I agree that every individual has a particular inner substance or soul that can be viewed as a principle of his/her life impacting all interactions (Gertler, 2021). From my own experience, I can say that my actions are always motivated by my views and values, which are evolving with me. At the same time, I refuse to make some choices, even if they might seem as beneficial because of my beliefs. It means that the idea of a soul as self offered by Aristotle is the closest to me. Every living creature might have a certain code of behavior deeply rooted in his/her conscience and functioning as the major guide.

Moreover, as a supporter of Aristotles idea of self, I accept the avocado view of self. It assumes that every person has a unique inner core that remains unchanged and can be discovered when all outer skin is peeled (Mitchell, 2019). From the religious perspective, it can also be viewed as the soul, a unique and valuable concept. For me, it means that human beings might be impacted by external factors, such as environment, upbringing, and people surrounding them; however, the influence of all these forces is mediated by the inner core. In other words, the choices I make impact my evolution as an individual and the formation of my personality. However, all these decisions arise from a set of inner values that should be considered part of my core.

Moreover, I believe that other demographic characteristics, such as gender, class, culture, or orientation, are essential characteristics impacting a persons self. I assume that my personality is formed under the impact of values peculiar to my culture, my perspective on relations with other people, and my class. It means that my core evolves under the impact of these aspects and acquires new features because of their strong impact. They also affect my judgments, attitudes, and responses to specific stressors. It is impossible to disregard external factors and their influence on every individual (Gertler, 2021). For this reason, my soul, or self, resonate with the external environment and responds by forming specific features and concepts in my mentality. For this reason, the factors mentioned above are critical for the development of every individual and the formation of his/her inner core.

Conclusion

Altogether, the problem of self, its definition, formation, and development have always been an important philosophic question. Thinkers have tried to offer their views on the problem and discuss it using their views. Aristotle was among the outstanding philosophers who offered the definition of self as a concept inseparable from the body and impacting all individuals actions. This definition coincides with my own one, as I believe every person has a core or soul that affects his/her choices and daily interactions. The environment and other factors are also important; however, their impact is mediated by the inner substance making individuals behave in a specific way. For this reason, the avocado view of self is more attractive to me. Every human being is unique, and these differences come from the unusual peculiarities of the inner core that evolves and determines who we are.

References

Gertler, B. (2021). Self-knowledge. In E. Zalta (Ed.), The Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy. Web.

Mitchell, H.B. (2019). Roots of wisdom: A tapestry of philosophical traditions (8^th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Sihvola, J. (2008). Aristotle on the individuality of self. In P. Remes & J. Sihvola (Eds.), Ancient philosophy of the self (pp. 125-138). Springer.

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The Problem of Self as a Philosophic Question

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