Comparing two different philosophers’ ideas on the self.
In this assignment, you will be asked to show that you can summarize and then compare two different philosophers’ ideas on the self. The issue of how we understand what the self is, and how it relates to our memory or our physical body and brain, is a recurring issue in philosophy.
This assignment supports the following unit objectives:
Compare and contrast a soul-based theory of the self (as illustrated by Descartes) with a psychological-based theory of the self (like that of Locke) and a skeptical view of the self (like that of Hume).
Articulate how memory relates to our definition of the self.
Articulate the identity theory of Locke.
Explain the connection between personhood and “consciousness” as articulated by Locke.
Compare Descartes and Locke’s views on personhood and guilt.
Sample Solution
Aristotle (384 – 322 BC) and Plato (c.428 – 347 BC) are two of history’s most significant philosophers. Socrates was also regarded as a renowned philosopher, and Plato was highly affected by his teachings as his pupil. Plato then became Aristotle’s teacher, who, despite being a long-term student, was able to identify many flaws in Plato’s views and became a harsh critic of his teacher. Despite his critiques, Aristotle was influenced by Plato, which makes their works, which address the same philosophical issues, clearly comparable. Plato and Aristotle both built their theories on four common beliefs:
