GEC 1

PREMID EXAMINATION

Name: Cloe Jean A. Alvarico Date: September 26, 2024

Section: BSN 1-C

Section 1: Philosophical Perspectives of the Self

Set 1: John Locke

Me: Sir John, you mentioned that a person’s mind is a blank slate or tabula rosa it is through
experiences that this blank slate is filled, and a personal identity is formed. How about those
children with cases of social isolation? Will their identity of themselves remain undeveloped?

John Locke: We must also take it into consideration that our mind or self cannot be found in
the soul nor the body but in consciousness. If the kid is curious, able to adapt to his or her
environment well, and brave enough to face such experiences then that kid will be able to
develop his sense of self identity despite having not much exposure to the community.

Me: Thank you Sir John, I learned so much from you.

John Locke: You’re Welcome

Set 2: Plato

Plato: The soul isn’t something we can see but rather understood by reason and thinking beyond
our physical needs. The soul is our real essence, and our body is just they’re for support.

Me: Sir, if the self is our soul, how sure are you that it exists? We don’t even see our soul
through our naked eyes, but we do only observe our brain and body.

Plato: You are right we may not see it but our ability to think beyond our minds is enough proof
that we do see higher truths that points to our soul.

Me: What about our body sir? Why not just say that it comes from the body rather than the soul
when basically everything that we are reflects on our body?

Plato: Our soul strives for nothing but the truth like justice, beauty and peace that goes way
beyond the world and because the body is imperfect and decays, we should also consider what
lies within our body, not just externally but internally as well.

Me: Thank you for this sir.

Set 3: Immanuel Kant

Immanuel Kant: Do you know that our self as the capability to organize our thoughts even
thought we can’t see, feel or touch it?
Me: We should also consider science sir; it stated that mind coms from physical processes, not
something unusual or weird sir.

Immanuel Kant: Our brain is important but ourselves is what allows us to connect those
physical processes or brain activities into an experience cause if we don’t our minds would be
disorganized and unconnected.

Me: How do we prove it Sir Kant? We can’t see or measure it.

Immanuel Kant: Its necessary for making sense of our experiences even though we can’t see it
physically but think about it as the “traffic enforcer” that makes way for us to experience
anything at all.

Section 2: The Self, Society, and Culture

(Podcast Attached)

The sense of self is intimately molded by sociological and cultural factors, serving as a
mirror that reflects our surroundings. Family dynamics shape fundamental views and values
from an early age. Bayanihan culture is an excellent illustration of how socioeconomic and
cultural forces form the sense of self in the Philippines. This ancient Filipino virtue stresses
communal spirit and mutual help, emphasizing the significance of working together for the
better.

Another example are calamities like as Typhoons Ondoy and Yolanda, the Filipinos
showed great perseverance and camaraderie. Volunteers from all backgrounds banded together
to give relief, support, and rehabilitation services. This communal effort supports the notion
that one's identity is linked to community and social duty, rather than just personal
accomplishment. These examples demonstrate how societal and cultural settings are tightly
woven into the fabric of our self-perception, resulting in identity as a complex interplay of
external influences and personal experiences.

Section 3: The Self as a Cognitive Construct

SELF MAP

Memory Thought Processes

Perceptions

Childhood
Reflections
Life Opinions
Goals
Experiences Self-Image
Changes
Moments Judgements
 This self-map depicts how memory, perception, mental processes, emotions, and social
factors interact to shape one's own identity. Under memory, I wrote childhood, life experiences
and moments that shaped me into a better person today by these memories I am reminded
always that life did not stop when you made a mistake and life is not a race and so as finding
your true self.

Furthermore, in perceptions I wrote opinions, self-image, and judgements. I believe that

in the process of finding our identity or true self we must also take into consideration the
perceptions of people within the society it could either be negative and positive. Lastly is
thought processes I added reflections, goals, and social changes. Setting goals helps people
define their identity by describing what they want to accomplish and current actions,
individuals gain insights into their values, beliefs, and motivations.