Topic#1 Philosophical2 Perspectives-Protean

PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES
OF THE SELF
(PROTEAN)
Which one is a Cabbage?
You may have more than 1 answer.
A B C
Which one is a Cabbage?
You may have more than 1 answer.
A B C
PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES OF THE SELF
OUTLINE
B. The Protean View
1. Oriental Philosophy
- Hinduism and atman
- Buddhism and anatman
- Taoism
2. The African Model
3. Postmodernism
- The Protean Self
- Neuro-science and the Self
The Protean View

Named after Proteus – the shape –shifter
of Greek mythology who can change
forms, depending on the situation
“Protean” = something extremely

flexible or ever-changing.
The Protean View

Like an artichoke or cabbage, as the
layers are removed, one finds there is
no central core.
The self is made up of layers.

The Protean View (Artichoke view)
• This idea says that humans are many layers that function at
various times in life
• Life is such that we need to be able to react in many
different ways
• This is consistent with the idea that there are no moral

absolutes or certain truth
Existentialism
- emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice
- humans define their own meaning in life
- man is able to make rational decisions
despite his existence in an irrational universe
• We have no fixed essence as human beings
• We live in the moment and create our own selves moment
by moment
• As we choose our path, we are accountable for our choices
• “You create a self for yourself.” (Mitchell)
• “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.”
(From “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley – 19th cent.)
Non-Western Views of Self
Hinduism – an “avocado” view
• There is a core within each of us
• The “atman” – in Hinduism, the Self or soul, which endures
successive reincarnation
- expression of the divine or ultimate reality
- carrier of “karma”
• “karma” -the spiritual principle of cause and
effect where intent and actions of an
individual (cause) influence the future of that
individual (effect).

Buddhism – an “artichoke” view
• Advocates the impermanence of everything
• “anatman” – the idea that there is no permanent, separate,
individual, ego-self
• We are a collection of various elements called
‘skandhas”temporarily united • form,
• feeling / sensation,
• perception,
• impulse/volition,
• consciousness
• Buddhism – an “artichoke” view
• At death these disperse and are united with other skandhas
(“reincarnation”)
• When we die, we actually continue in many forms
• Everything is dependent on everything else
• Enlightenment – the Buddhist term for the realization that
comes from seeing the world as it actually is
-is recognizing that happiness is in your own hands
• Nirvana is “blowing out” the flame (desire) of the false self
• The Four Noble Truths
- Life is suffering (continual change)
- Desire (ego) causes suffering
- Ending desire (ego) ends suffering
- Following the Noble Eightfold Path ends desire
TAOISM
Chinese five element view of self
• “Tao” - the way or the path;
• Taoism - living in harmony with the Tao
• People are made of five elements (Mitchell, 138f)
• As long as these elements are in harmony, we are healthy
• Ch’i flows through us (rather than blood). This is the energy
of the life force.
• Acupuncture tries to eliminate any obstructions of the ch’i
flowing through us
TAOISM
• Conscious living in accordance with your true nature, with
nature itself, balancing your desires and needs, finding
peace and strength in yourself and harmony with your
environment.
• Tao is indefinable, each person can discover the Tao on
their own terms
• Here & now: how to live a pleasant life, without
unnecessary commotion or distress
• Taoism is to simply accept oneself, live life and discover who
you are
African Model
• “In the world all things are two and two” (Tanzanian
proverb)
• This means that everything is a fusion of opposites that
forms a unity but remains separate; similar to yin/yang
• A person is born into a culture or social group that is the
source of his/her being
• Community is extremely important
• A person becomes a fully realized person through
a life lived well in support of a community
African Model
• Western culture usually starts with the individual in
understanding the world
• Nonwestern cultures do not begin with the individual
• Nature community
What Are We Doing Here?
NonWestern views
• African – purpose of life is creativity
• Children, relationships
• Taoism – the meaning of life is found in aligning oneself
with the wisdom of nature
• Buddhism – the meaning of life is to reach enlightenment –
seeing what actually is
• This means not needing to be reborn (Nirvana)

Western Views
Rationalism and Religious Essentialism
• Assumes the uniqueness of human nature
• Judaic-Christian view– humans share in the divine
nature (made in the image of God)
• Greek – exalts the power of human reason
• Both traditions say humans have a separate and
essential self that defines us and makes us who
and what we are.

Western Views
• Permanent existence of a self that is unique to

each individual
• Some say it is eternal

Western Views
Postmodernism
• James Hillman (psychologist) argues that each
is born with an innate character that calls us to
what we are meant to be
• As we get older we become more ourselves
• Our final years have an important purpose: the
fulfillment and confirmation of our own
character
Neuroscience & the Self

The self is memory.
- Our mind, its contents, and the organization of
those contents are key for understanding what
the self is.
- losing one's memory leads to irrevocable changes
in one's personality, behavior, and ability to
achieve goals

Western Views
• Maybe our purpose in life is to grow
into a conscious old age and share the
wisdom we have acquired for the
good of society. (Mitchell)
• Do we have a clearer view of

ourselves?
• Do we find our existence meaningful?
• If we do, then how deep and how wide
have we shared our meaningful life
with others?
• Only you and I can measure it.

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PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES

The Protean View

“Protean” = something extremely

The Protean View

The self is made up of layers.

• This is consistent with the idea that there are no moral

Non-Western Views of Self

What Are We Doing Here?

What Are We Doing Here?

• Permanent existence of a self that is unique to

What Are We Doing Here?

Neuroscience & the Self

What Are We Doing Here?

• Do we have a clearer view of

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