Write an essay on the philosophical perspective of the self.
Consider the following in writing your essay.
1. Explain how each philosophy of the self impacts your self-understanding.
2. Which philosophy relates to your own belief?
3. What is your own philosophy of the self?
4. What is the importance of having a philosophy of the self?
5. Describe who you are, the meaning of your life, the purpose of your existence, and how to achieve a happy and successful life.
6. Which of your characteristics can you contribute to your happiness and success?
Answer (1)
The question of the self is one of the oldest and most meaningful topics in philosophy. Different philosophers have tried to explain what the "self" really means—whether it’s the mind, the soul, our actions, or even just a social construct. Thinking about these ideas has helped me reflect on who I am, what my life means, and what I truly value. One philosophy of the self that stands out is the idea of the soul or mind as the true self, which we see in thinkers like Plato and Descartes. Plato believed the soul is eternal and more real than the physical body, while Descartes famously said, "I think, therefore I am." This made me realize that our thoughts, beliefs, and inner experiences might be more important in shaping who we are than how we look or what we own. It reminds me that even when I change on the outside—like getting older or learning new things—there’s a deeper part of me that stays the same. Another view comes from David Hume, who believed that the self is just a collection of experiences. According to him, there is no permanent "self" but only a stream of memories, feelings, and sensations. At first, this felt a bit uncomfortable. If there's no stable self, who am I really? But thinking about it more, I realized this view also helps explain why people can grow and change. I am not the same person I was five years ago, and that's okay. It shows that I’m always evolving based on what I go through. There’s also the existentialist perspective, especially from philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre, who believed that we create ourselves through our choices. He argued that we are not born with a fixed identity—we become who we are through our actions. This really connects with my own beliefs. I don’t think we’re born with a set purpose. I think we give our life meaning by the way we live it and by the goals we set. For me, this is empowering. It means I have the freedom and responsibility to shape my future. If I were to describe my own philosophy of the self, I’d say it’s a mix of existentialism and a little bit of essentialism. I believe that I have a core self—maybe made up of my values and personality—but I also believe I can change and grow based on my choices and the experiences I go through. I think that the self is something we discover and create at the same time. Having a philosophy of the self is important because it helps guide how we live. If I didn’t think about who I am or what I believe in, I might just go through life without direction. Knowing myself helps me make decisions that match my values and avoid getting lost in other people’s expectations. So, who am I? I think I am someone who is constantly learning. I’m someone who values kindness, honesty, and curiosity. I believe the meaning of my life isn’t something I can just find out from others—it’s something I’m still discovering through what I do and how I treat others. My purpose, at least for now, is to become the best version of myself, to help others when I can, and to leave something good behind. To live a happy and successful life, I believe I need to stay true to my values, keep setting goals, and not be afraid of failure. Success isn’t just about money or achievements. It’s about feeling fulfilled, staying mentally and emotionally healthy, and having good relationships with others. Some of my characteristics that help me stay on that path are my perseverance, my empathy, and my ability to reflect. I try not to give up easily, I care deeply about others, and I spend time thinking about my actions and learning from them. These traits keep me grounded and help me grow. In the end, thinking about the self is really just thinking about life. It’s not about having all the answers, but about asking the right questions and being open to change. That’s what I try to do every day[tex].[/tex]
