UNDERSTANDING THE SELF ANTHROPOLOGICAL VIEW OF SELF

In the Philippines,
LESSON 1 PHILOSOPHICAL VIEW OF SELF  Territory
 Language
a. SOCRATES (KNOW THYSELF) It is salient part of the culture and ultimately has a tremendous
- Every human person is dualistic, that is, he is composed of two effect in our crafting of the self.
important aspects of his personhood. - Every human is composed If one finds himself born in a particular culture, one definitely
tries to fit in a particular mold. If a self is born into a particular
of body and soul.
society or culture, the self will have to adjust according to its
Body Soul exposure.
Imperfect Perfect
Imperfect aspect Permanent What is Self?
It is commonly defined by the following characteristics: (Stevens
b. Plato (The IDEAL Self, The REAL Self) 1996)
-He emphasized that justice in the human person can only be Separate – it is meant that the self is distinct from other selves.
attained if the three parts of the soul are working harmoniously Self-contained and Independent – because in itself it can exist.
with one another. Its distinctness allows it be self-contained with its own thoughts,
Three Components of the Soul characteristics and volition.
1. Rational Soul (REASON) - forged by reason and intellect has Consistent – means that a particular self’s traits, characteristics,
to govern the affairs of the human person. tendencies and potentialities are more or less the same.
2. Spirited Soul (HONOR) -This pertains to emotional part of the Unitary – self is unitary in that it is the center of all experiences
soul. Even being called as “hot-blooded part.” This is a part in us and thoughts that run through a certain person. It is like the chief
that loves to face and overcome great challenges. It is command post in an individual where all processes, emotions
represented by heart. and thoughts converge.
3. Appetitive Soul (DESIRE) - All pertains to our desires for Private - each person sorts out information, feelings and
pleasures, comforts, physical satisfactions and bodily ease. In the emotions, and thought processes within the self. The whole
structure of the human body, this is represented by belly and process is never accessible to anyone but the self.
genitals. What we need to understand in this lesson is the essential
relationship or relationship between the self and external
Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas Augustine reality.
- Man is a bifurcated in nature. - Man dwells in the world and is
imperfect and continuously yearns to be with the Divine and the SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIVISM is a sociological theory of knowledge
other capable of reaching immortality according to which human development is socially situated and
Aquinas - Man’s body is part of matter. - The soul is what knowledge is constructed through interaction with others.
animates the body; it is what makes us humans. “The SELF is capable of morphing and fitting itself into any
circumstances it finds itself in.”
• Matter or hyle- it refers to the “common stuff that makes up Culture - is all aspects of life, the totality of meanings, ideas and
everything in the universe.” Man’s body is part of matter. beliefs shared by individuals within a group of people. Culture is
• Form or Morphe – refers to the “essence of a substance or learned, it includes language, values, norms, customs.
thing.” It is what it makes what it is.
THE SELF AND THE CULTURE
RENE DESCARTES (FATHER OF MODERN PHILOSOPHY) I
THINK THEREFORE, I AM. (COGITO ERGO SUM) Marcel Mauss ((French Anthropologist)
He imagined of the human person as having a body and a mind. - Every self has two faces, personne and moi.
He claimed that there is so much that we should doubt. HE also a. Moi refers to a person’s sense of who he is, his body and his
believed that a human person is a combination of two distinct basic identity, his biological givenness. It is a person’s basic
entities: identity.
Cogito ______________ Extenza b. Personne, is composed of the social concepts of what it means
to be who he is. Has much to do with what it means to live in a
DAVID HUME - THE SELF IS A BUNDLE, THEORY OF MIND particular institutions, a particular family, a particular religion, a
The self is nothing like what his predecessors thought of it. The particular nationality, and how to behave given expectations and
self is nothing else but a bundle of impressions: influences by others.
Categorized Into Two Impressions - are the basic objects of our
experience or sensation. THE SELF AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOCIAL WORLD
Ideas - copies of impressions.
George Herbert Mead, a sociologist from the late 1800s, is well
EMMANUEL KANT (RESPECT FOR SELF) known for his theory of the social self, which includes the
Thinking of the self is a mere combination of impressions. concepts of 'self,' 'me,' and 'I.'
The self is not just what gives one his personality It is also the Mead's work focuses on the way in which the self is
seat of knowledge acquisition developed.
JOHN LOCKE (PERSONAL IDENTITY) - personal identity
depends on consciousness, not on substance’ nor on the soul. He SELF IN FAMILIES
suggest that the self is” a thinking intelligent being, that has Human Persons learn the ways of living and therefore their
reason and reflection, and can consider itself as itself. And selfhood by being in a family. Without a family, biologically and
continues to define personal identity simply as “ the sameness of sociologically, a person may not even survive or become a human
a rational being.” So as long as one is the same self, the same person.
rational being, one as the same personal identity.
FAMILY person is able to internalize the perspective of others and
- the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents develop an understanding of how others feel about themselves
rearing their children. and others in a variety of social situations.
GENDER Games develop self by allowing individuals to understand and
– "Gender refers to the socially constructed characteristics of adhere to the rules of the activity. Self is developed by
women and men, such as norms, roles, and relationships of and understanding that there are rules in which one must abide by in
between groups of women and men. It varies from society to order to win the game or be successful at an activity
society and can be changed." (WHO)
Gender identity - is the extent to which one identifies with their TWO SIDES OF SELF: ME & I
sex assigned at birth. In many Western cultures, individuals who According to Mead's theory, the self has two sides or phases: 'me'
identify with a role that is different from their biological sex are and 'I.'
called transgender. The 'me' is considered the socialized aspect of the individual.
Sex - refers to physical or physiological differences between The 'me' represents learned behaviors, attitudes, and
male, female, and intersex bodies, including both primary sex expectations of others and of society. This is sometimes referred
characteristics (the reproductive system) and secondary sex to as the generalized other. The 'me' is considered a phase of the
characteristics (such as breasts and facial hair) self that is in the past. The 'me' has been developed by the
Human sexuality - refers to people’s sexual interest in and knowledge of society and social interactions that the individual
attraction to others, as well as their capacity to have erotic has gained.
experiences and responses. Sexuality - People’s sexual interest in The 'I', therefore, can be considered the present and future
and attraction to others; their capacity to have erotic experiences phase of the self. The 'I' represents the individual's identity
and responses. based on response to the 'me.' The 'I' says, 'Okay. Society says I
Gender and Self The gendered self is then shaped within a should behave and socially interact one way, and I think I should
particular context of time and space. The sense of self is that is act the same (or perhaps different),' and that notion becomes
being taught makes sure that an individual fits in a particular self.
environment. This is dangerous ad detrimental in the goal of The 'me' and the 'I' have a didactic relationship, like a system of
truly finding one’s self, determination, ad growth of the self. checks and balances. The 'me' exercises societal control over
Gender has to be personally discovered and asserted and not one's self. The 'me' is what prevents someone from breaking the
dictated by culture and the society rules or boundaries of societal expectations. The 'I' allows the
individual to still express creativity and individualism and
The gendered self is then shaped within a particular context of understand when to possibly bend and stretch the rules that
time and space. The sense of self is that is being taught makes sure govern social interactions. The 'I' and the 'me' make up the self
that an individual fits in a particular environment. This is
dangerous ad detrimental in the goal of truly finding one’s self, LEV VYGOTSKY ON HIS SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT THEORY
determination, ad growth of the self. Gender has to be personally He believed that social interaction plays a critical role in
discovered and asserted and not dictated by culture and the children's learning. Through such social interactions, children go
society. through a continuous process of learning. Vygotsky noted,
however, that culture profoundly influences this process.
THE SELF AS A PRODUCT OF MODERN SOCIETY AMONG Imitation, guided learning, and collaborative learning all play a
OTHER CONSTRUCT critical part in his theory.
The role of culture and social interactions are imperative to
G.H. MEAD AND THE SOCIAL SELF cognitive development, according to psychologist, Lev Vygotsky

GEORGE HERBERT MEAD, a sociologist from the late 1800s, is Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory, or SDT, introduced
well known for his theory of the social self, which includes the Two Major Principles:
concepts of 'self,' 'me,' and 'I.' Mead's work focuses on the way in 1. Cognitive development is limited up to a certain extent or
which the self is developed. within a certain range, at any given age of the individual;
2. An individual’s full cognitive development requires social
Mead's theory of the social self is based on the perspective that interaction.
the self emerges from social interactions, such as observing and These principles are encapsulated in three theories or
interacting with others, responding to others' opinions about themes:
oneself, and internalizing external opinions and internal feelings 3. Social Interaction
about oneself. The social aspect of self is an important distinction 4. The More Knowledgeable Other (MKO)
because other sociologists and psychologists of Mead's time felt 5. Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).
that the self was based on biological factors and inherited traits.
According to Mead, the self is not there from birth, but it is MEAD AND VYGOTSKY
developed over time from social experiences and activities. a. The way that human persons develop is with the use of
language acquisition and interaction with others.
DEVELOPMENT OF SELF b. The way that we process information is normally a form of an
According to Mead, three activities develop the self: language, internal dialogue in our head.
play, and games. c. Treat the human mind as something that is made constituted
Language develops self by allowing individuals to respond to through language as experienced in the external world and as
each other through symbols, gestures, words, and sounds. encountered in dialogs with others.
Language conveys others' attitudes and opinions toward a There are three reasons why self and identity are social
subject or the person. Emotions, such as anger, happiness, and products. (Oyserman, Emore, and Smith 2012):
confusion, are conveyed through language. a. We do not create ourselves out of nothing.
Play develops self by allowing individuals to take on different b. Whether we like to admit it or not, we actually need others to
roles, pretend, and express expectation of others. Play develops affirm ad reinforce who we think we are.
one's self-consciousness through roleplaying. During role-play, a
c. What we think is important to us may also have been different stages of growth, making the conflict at each stage
influences nu what is important in our social or historical context. psychosexual.

Social interaction and group affiliation are vital factors in ERIK HOMBURGER ERIKSON – The Psychosocial Stages Of
creating our self- concept especially in the aspect of providing us Self-Development
with our social identity or our perception of who we are based on
our membership to certain groups (Jhangiani and Tarry 2014). Erik H. Erikson was a German-American developmental
Carver and Scheier (1981) identified two types of self that psychologist and psychoanalyst known for his theory on
we can be aware of: psychological development of human being.
1. Private self or your internal standards and private thoughts
and feelings Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development
2.The public self or your public image commonly geared toward
having a good presentation of yourself to others (Hogg and 1. Trust vs. Mistrust (Psychosocial Crisis)
Vaughan 2010) Basic Virtue: Hope
Age: 0-1 1/2
PSYCHOLOGICAL VIEW OF SELF First stage: This stage begins at birth continues to approximately
SIGMUND FREUD – The Psychoanalytic Theory Of Self Sigmund 18 months of age. During this stage, the infant is uncertain about
Freud - was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of the world in which they live and looks towards their primary
psychoanalysis. caregiver for stability and consistency of care.
PSYCHOANALYSIS - a system of psychological theory and 2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
therapy which aims to treat mental disorders by investigating the Basic Virtue: Will
interaction of conscious and unconscious elements in the mind Age: 1 ½ - 3
and bringing repressed fears and conflicts into the conscious Second stage: This stage occurs between the ages of 18 months
mind by techniques such as dream interpretation and free to approximately 3 years. According to Erikson, children at this
association. stage are focused on developing a sense of personal control over
Freud believed that the mind is made of three level parts: physical skills and a sense of independence.
PRECONSCIOUS mind consists of anything that could potentially 3. Initiative vs. Guilt
be brought into the conscious mind. Basic Virtue: Purpose
CONSCIOUS MIND contains all the thoughts, memoires. Feelings Age: 3-5
and wishes we are aware at any given moment. Third stage: Initiative versus guilt is the third stage of Erik
UNCONSCIOUS MIND is a reservoir of feelings, thoughts, urges, Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. During the
and memories that are outside of our conscious awareness. The initiative versus guilt stage, children assert themselves more
unconscious contains contents that are unacceptable or frequently.
unpleasant, such as feelings of pain, anxiety, or conflict. 4. Industry vs. Inferiority
PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY - is a method of investigating and Basic Virtue: Competency
treating personality disorders and is used in psychotherapy. Age: 5-12
Included in this theory is the idea that things that happen to Fourth stage: Involving industry (competence) vs. inferiority
people during childhood can contribute to the way they later occurs during childhood between the ages of five and twelve.
function as adults. 5. Identity vs. Role Confusion
Basic Virtue: Fidelity
THREE FUNDAMENTAL STRUCTURES OF THE HUMAN MIND Age: 12-18
Fifth stage: It occurs during adolescence, from about 12-18
Id is the primitive and instinctive component of personality. years. During this stage, adolescents search for a sense of self and
Superego is concerned with social rules and morals—similar to personal identity, through an intense exploration of personal
what many people call their “conscience” or their “moral values, beliefs, and goals.
compass.” 6. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Ego is the rational, pragmatic part of our personality. It’s what Basic Virtue: Love
Freud considered to be the “self,” and its job is to balance the Age: 18-40
demands of the id and superego in the practical context of reality. Sixth stage: This stage takes place during young adulthood
between the ages of approximately 18 to 40 yrs.
“Conflict within the mind, according to Freud, the job of the 7. Generativity vs. Stagnation
ego is to balance the aggressive/pleasure-seeking drives of Basic Virtue: Care
the id with the moral control of the superego.” Age: 40-65
Generativity versus stagnation is the seventh of eight stages of
Freud believed that the id, ego, and superego are in constant Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This stage
conflict and that adult personality and behavior are rooted in the takes place during middle adulthood (ages 40 to 65 yrs.).
results of these internal struggles throughout childhood. He 8. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
believed that a person who has a strong ego has a healthy Basic Virtue: Wisdom
personality and that imbalances in this system can lead to Age: 65+
neurosis (what we now think of as anxiety and depression) and Ego integrity versus despair is the eighth and final stage of Erik
unhealthy behaviors. Erikson’s stage theory of psychosocial development. This stage
Freud stressed that the first five years of life are crucial to the begins at approximately age 65 and ends at death.
formation of adult personality. The id must be controlled in order WILLIAM JAMES – THE SELF AS A COGNITIVE CONSTRUCT
to satisfy social demands; this sets up a conflict between William James, a renowned American psychologist.
frustrated wishes and social norms. The theory of the self: divided in two categories
The ego and superego develop in order to exercise this control "I" is the self that knows who they are and what they have done
and direct the need for gratification into socially acceptable in their life. The "I" part of self was the thinking self and cannot
channels. Gratification centers in different areas of the body at be divided.
"Me" can be thought of as a separate object or individual a person 5. Chance factor: Both ovum and sperm before fertilization
refers to when describing their personal experiences. contains 23 pairs of chromosomes each. At the time of
conception, the genes in the chromosomes of the sperm, pair the
Three Components of Self (Empirical self) genes of ovum and determines the potential characteristics and
Material self : Body, family, and all things owned qualities of the off spring.
Social self: Self known by others; many social selves
Spiritual self : State of consciousness, one’s own subjective Human Development is a lifelong process of physical,
reality behavioral, cognitive, and emotional growth and change. In the
The self as a knower is the awareness of one’s empirical self. early stages of life—from babyhood to childhood, childhood to
He was among the first to examine self-esteem. adolescence, and adolescence to adulthood—enormous changes
take place. Throughout the process, each person develops
Self -esteem as how we view our self-image, and whether or not attitudes and values that guide choices, relationships, and
we approve of it. The idea of self-esteem is defined by our understanding.
concepts and how well we like ourselves. It also links in with our STAGES OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
inner values which define our ego that was mentioned before.
The self-image is further described as being our social roles, body Development Stage Age
image, and personality traits. Pre-natal period Conception to birth
Infancy Birth to end of the second week
The ideal self is a person's concept of what the perfect person Babyhood End of the second week to end of the
should be, as well as what they see as their full potential (usually second year
a potential that cannot be achieved). This ideal self may be close Early Childhood Two to six years
to a person's self-image, which would mean that this person has a Later Childhood Six to ten or Twelve years
high self-esteem. The greater the difference between someone’s Puberty or Preadolescence Twelve to thirteen or fourteen years
self-image and ideal self, the lower the resulting self-esteem. Early Adulthood Eighteen to Forty years
Middle Age Forty years
In the attempt to increase or maintain self-esteem, some people Old Age or Senescence Sixty years to death
become narcissistic. Narcissism is a ‘trait characterized overly
high self-esteem, self-admiration, and selfcentered”. (Jhangiani Regulation of Physical Growth
and Tarry 2014) The process of physical growth is a complex one, influenced by
genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Genes offer a
THE PHYSICAL SELF: HEREDITY AND ENVIRONMENT potential range for achieving physical size and shape, and the
Physical and Growth, Development Maturation environment partly determines the eventual growth within that
Heredity is the passing on of traits/genes from parents to their range.
offspring, either through asexual reproduction or sexual
reproduction, the offspring cells or organisms acquire the genetic Unfavorable environmental conditions, such as nutrition,
information of their parents. Genes are the instruction that make negative psychological and social experiences, and pollutants, can
you YOU. start to affect growth adversely from shortly after the moment of
conception, and continue throughout the life span.
Through the genes hereditary potentials like physical, mental,
social, emotional, and moral traits are passed to generations. Effects of harmful environmental conditions on growth seem
to be dependent on the severity and duration of the problem, as
Environment is the sum total of the forces experiences that a well as the age at which it occurs..
person undergoes from conception to old age. It also include
family, friends, school,, nutrition, and other agencies one is in There are certain factors that have well-documented effects on
contact with. physical growth, including nutrition, social and environmental
status, psychological stress, and pollutants.
MECHANISM OF HEREDITY:
Effects of poor nutrition can be experienced at all stages of
1. Mating: Mating is the 1st step for reproduction. The union of development, including during the prenatal growth, infancy and
male sperm with female ovum the results is zygote (it is the early childhood represent the periods during which the
fertilized egg cell). developing child’s system is unusually sensitive to malnutrition
2. Growth: It involves repeated division of the fertilized cell or Nutrition
zygote. Adequate nutrition is of fundamental importance to physical
3. Chromosomes: Every woman and man receives 23 growth and development.
chromosomes from each parent or 46 in all. (Chromosomes are
structures within cells that contain a person's genes.) Social and Economic Status
4. Genes: Each chromosome consists of small particles Children from poorer families are generally shorter and lighter
numbering 40 to 100 which are called genes. (Humans have than their peers in higher-income families.
about 20,000 to 23,000 genes.) Psychological Stress
There is considerable evidence that extreme stress can slow
In biology, a gene is a sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA physical growth and development..
that encodes the synthesis of a gene product, either RNA or
protein.(Wikipedia) Pollutants
Physical growth is sensitive to several pollutants, including lead,
A gene is the basic physical and functional unit of heredity. air pollution, certain organic compounds, and tobacco smoke.
(https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/basics/gene)
The gonads of the human begin to form until about the eighth
week of embryonic development. During this stage the
embryonic reproductive structures of males and females are alike HUMAN SEXUAL BEHAVIOR - defined as any activity-
and are said to be in the indifferent stage. The formation of male solitary, between two persons, or in a group- that induces
or female structure depends on the presence of testosterone. sexual arousal (Gebhard, P.H. 2017).
Two Major Factors
Gonad is a reproductive gland that produces germ cells 1. The inherited sexual response patterns that have evolved
(gametes): an ovary or testis. as a means of ensuring reproduction and that become part of
Testosterone is the key male sex hormone that regulates each individual’s genetic inheritance.
fertility, muscle mass, fat distribution, and red blood cell 2. The degree of restraint or other types influence exerted on
production. the individual by society in the expression of his sexuality.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGAN TYPES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR

Male Solitary Behavior - Involving one individual

Penis - Main organ involved in sexual intercourse. This organ is - Self-gratification means self-stimulation that leads to
composed of erectile tissue, connective tissue, and skin. sexual arousal and generally, sexual climax.
Testes - Male primary reproductive structures that produce male Sociosexual Behavior - Involving more than one person
gametes (sperm) and sex hormones. - Geneally divided into herosexual behavior (male with
Scrotum - External pouch of skin that contains the testes. female) and homosexual behavior (male with male or
Urethra - Tube that extends from the urinary bladder through the female with female).
penis. -
Seminal Vesicles - Glands that produce fluid to nurture and PHYSIOLOGY OF HUMAN SEXUAL RESPONSE
provide energy for sperm cells. Sexual response follows a pattern of sequential stages or
Prostate Gland - Gland that produces a milky, alkaline fluid phases when sexual activity is continued.
which increases sperm motility.
1. Excitement Phase – these symptoms of arousal
Female eventually increase to a near maximal physiological level
Uterus - Muscular internal organ that houses and nurtures that leads to the next stage.
female gametes after fertilization. 2. Plateau Phase – it is generally of brief duration. If
Fallopian tubes - Uterine tubes which transport egg cells from stimulation is continued orgasm usually occurs.
the ovaries to the uterus. 3. Sexual Climax – it is a marked of feeling of abrupt,
Ovaries - Female primary reproductive structures that produce intense, pleasure. A rapid increase in pulse rate and blood
gametes and sex hormones. There is one ovary on each side of pressure.
the uterus. 4. Resolution Phase – it is the last stage that refers to the
Labia majora - Larger lip-like external structures that cover and return to a normal or subnormal physiologic stage
protect sexual structures.
Labia minora - Smaller lip-like external structures found inside SEXUAL PROBLEMS: THREE CATEGORIES
the labia majora. They provide protection for the clitoris and for 1. Physiological Problems – abnormal development but
the urethra and vaginal openings. can be resolved through medications or surgery.
Clitoris - Sensitive sexual organ located in front of the vaginal 2. Psychological Problems - they are usually caused by
opening. social induced inhibitions, maladaptive attitudes, ignorance
Vagina - Fibrous, muscular canal leading from the cervix and sexual myths held by society.
(opening of the uterus) to the external portion of the genital 3. Social in origin – it is associated with ideas of
canal. contamination or with memories of traumatic experiences.
DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM (Ejaculatory impotence and Vaginismus)
Infections are the common problems associated with
reproductive system in adults. Vaginal infections are more SEXUAL TRANSMITTED DISEASES
common in young and elderly women and in those whose
resistance to diseases is low. STDs are infections transmitted from an infected person to
an uninfected person through sexual contact. It is a global
Female – The usual infections include those caused by problem STD’s and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Viruses)
Escherichia coli and sexually transmitted diseases (Syphilis, are associated with biological interactions because both
Gonorrhea, Herpes virus, and Yeast (a type of fungus). infections may occur in the same populations.
Male - The most common inflammatory conditions areProstatitis,
Urethritis, Epididymitis, STD and Orchiditis. HIV - (Human Immunodeficiency Viruses) is a virus that
A neoplasm is an abnormal growth of cells, also known as a attacks cells that help the body fight infection
tumor. Neoplastic diseases are conditions that cause tumor
growth — both benign and malignant. AIDS - Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a chronic,
potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human
- Tumors of the breast and cervix are the most common immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
reproductive cancers for adult females
- Prostate cancer is a widespread problem in adult The virus attacks the immune system making the individual
males. more prone to the infections and other diseases. The virus
Erogenous Zones – refers to parts of the body that are usually targets the T-cells (CD4 cells are white blood cells
primarily receptive and increase sexual arousal when touch that fight infection and play an important role in your
in a sexual manner. immune system) of the immune system, which serve as the
Commonly erogenous zones are the; Mouth, Breasts, regulators of the immune system.
Genitals and Anus
Sexual orientation is an enduring pattern of romantic or 2. Extracorporeal Self (Extent to which possessions in
sexual attraction (or a combination of these) to persons of general are part of Extended Self) – based outside the living
the opposite sex or gender, the same sex or gender, or to body.
both sexes or more than one gender.
Sexual orientation is a protected characteristic relating to a Economic self-sufficiency is the ability of individuals and
person's sexual orientation towards people of: families to maintain sufficient income to consistently meet
1. The same sex as him or her (the person is a gay man or a their basic needs – including food, housing, utilities, health
lesbian). care, transportation, taxes, dependent care, and clothing –
2. The opposite sex from him or her (the person is with no or minimal financial assistance or subsidies from
heterosexual). private or public organizations.
3. Both sexes (the person is bisexual).
THE SPIRITUAL SELF
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL METHODS OF Spiritual Self is one of the constituents of the “self”
CONTRACEPTION according to William James. It is the most intimate, inner
subjective part self. It is the most intimate version of the self
Natural Method - the natural planning methods do not because of the satisfaction experiences when thinking of
involve any chemical or foreign body introduction into the one’s ability to argue and discriminate, of one’s moral
human body. sensibility and conscience, and of our unconquerable will
(James 1890) is purer than all other sentiments of
Abstinence, Calendar Method, Basal Body Temperature, satisfaction. (Green 1997)
Cervical Mucus Method, Symptothermal Method , Ovulation Religion
Detection and Coitus Interruptus Religion is a set of cultural beliefs and practices that usually
includes some or all of basic characteristics. (Rebecca Stein,
Artificial Methods - the process used to prevent pregnancy 2011)
and plan for the birth of children at the most optimum time.
1. A belief of anthropomorphic supernatural being, such as
Oral Contraceptives, Transdermal Patch, Vaginal ring, spirit and gods.
Subdermal Implants, Hormonal Injections, Intrauterine 2. A focus on the sacred supernatural, where sacred refers to
Device, Chemical Barriers, Diaphragm, Cervical Cap, Male a feeling of reverence and awe.
Condoms, Female Condoms and Surgical Methods 3. The presence of supernatural power or energy that is
found on supernatural beings. As well as physical beings and
THE MATERIAL AND ECONOMICAL SELF objects.
Understanding the self can examined through its different 4. The performance of ritual activities that involves the
components. ( William James) manipulation of sacred object to communicate to
supernatural beings and or to influence or control events
1. Constituents 5. The articulation of worldview and moral codes through
2. The feelings and emotions they arouse – self-feelings narratives and other means.
3. The actions to which they prompt – self-seeking and self- 6. Provide the creation and maintenance of social bonds and
preservation mechanism of social control within a community; provide
explanation for unknown and sense of control for
The material self, according to James primarily is about our individuals
bodies, clothes, immediate family, and home. We are deeply
affected by these things because we have put much “When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the
investment of our self to them. moon, my soul expands in the worship of the creator.” -
Mahatma Gandhi
The innermost part of our material self is our body.
Clothing is an essential part of the material self-according to Ritual is the performance of ceremonial acts prescribed by a
James. tradition or sacred law (Britannica 2017).
Our immediate family is another great important part of our
self. Ritual is specific, observable mode of behavior exhibited by
The fourth component is home, home is where our heart is. all known societies. It is thus possible to view ritual as a way
of defining or describing humans.
“A man’s Self is the sum total of all that he CAN call his, not
only his body and his psychic powers, but his clothes and his The three (3) fundamental characteristics of rituals
house, his wife and children, his ancestors and friends, his according to Penner (Britannica 2017)
reputation and works, his lands, and yacht and bank- 1. A feeling or emotion of respect, awe, fascination, or dread
account. All these things give him the same emotions. If they in relation to the sacred.
wax and prosper, he feels triumphant; if they dwindle and 2. Dependence upon a belief system that is usually expressed
die away, he feels cast down,-not necessarily in the same in the language of myth
degree for each thing, but in much the same way for all.” 3. Is symbolic in relation to its reference.
William James (1890).
Two Subclasses of the Material Self The self can be described as a ritual being who exhibits a
1. Bodily Self - a person speaks of my arms and legs. These striking parallel between their ritual and verbal behavior.
entities are clearly an intimate part of who we are. The parts Just as language is a system of symbols that is based upon
of our body. But sense of self is not limited to our bodies. It arbitrary rules. Participation to rituals is expressions
includes people, pets, possessions, places, and products of religious beliefs.
our labor.
SOME RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND PRACTICES
 incarnation is always dependent on how the previous life
Siddhārtha Gautama or Siddhattha Gotama in Pali, also was lived.
called the Gautama Buddha, the Shakyamuni Buddha or
simply the Buddha. Hindu prince, Siddartha Gautama. Islam is an Arabic word which means "surrender,
Buddha = enlightened one. submission, commitment and peace." Islam can be defined
as a path to attain complete peace through voluntary
Believes that life is not a bed of roses. Instead, there are submission to the divine will. “Allah" is simply the Arabic
suffering, pain, and frustrations. The Buddha’s teachings word for God. He is the same universal God worshipped by
emphasize the correct way to live through the eight-fold- people of all faiths. The word "Allah" is sometimes preferred
path and meditation so that one might reach Nirvana. over God because it is neither masculine nor feminine. Also,
there is no plural for "Allah."
The first sermon ever given by this enlightened man was
that of the Four Noble Truths, a central theme to Buddhist Five Pillars of Islam
worship. And follow the The Eight Fold Path [the correct These are guides for daily life for putting the beliefs of
way to live). Muslims into practice:
1-Dukkha, the nature of suffering ( to live is to suffer) . Shahadah (declaration of faith)
2-Tahna, desire for private fulfillment ( suffering cause by 2. Salat (ritual prayer)
desire) 3. Zakah (alms tax)
3-the overcoming of Tahna (suffering can be overcome) 4. Sawm (fasting)
4-The Eightfold Path ( the solution to suffering) 5. Hajj (pilgrimage)

Acquiring wisdom is by studying Buddha’s teaching, the JUDAISM

Dharma. Through the reflection of Dharma, Buddhists can There are some 14.6 million Jews in the world. Anyone born
achieve a deeper understanding of life. Buddhists believe in to a Jewish mother is Jewish. Some six million Jews were
non-violence principle. killed during the holocaust. The Jews are still waiting for
their Messiah. Jews are only allowed to eat food that is
BUDDHISTS Believe In Karma deemed Kosher.

Karma is the belief that every act has a consequence later on The main beliefs of Judaism are Monotheism, Identity, and
in life. It’s not certain when, but every genuinely good covenant (love of God). Judaism tells that God wants people
intention will get good karma, and every evil act will get bad to be compassionate and do what is just. Furthermore,
karma. according to the Jewish faith, there is only one God and
humans are made in his image. Jews also believe that the
CHRISTIANITY IS THE WORLD’S LARGEST RELIGION Messiah will come and unite all the world’s people to serve
God.
There are more than 2.4 billion Christians worldwide, which
makes Christianity the largest religion in the world. FINDING AND CREATING MEANING OF LIFE by DR.
Holy Script: The Bible VIKTOR E. FRANKL
Founder: Jesus of Nazareth Dr. Viktor E. Frankl who is considered the Father of
Logotherapy. The main belief of LOGOTHERAPY is that
This is one of the three Abrahamic religions, and it is based ‘man’s primary motivational force is to search for meaning.
on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Christians believe in the Logotherapy aids individual to find personal meaning of life,
holy trinity which consists of the God the Father (Creator) , whatever life situation they may be.
God the Son (Savior), and God the Holy Spirit ( Sustainer)—
as “one God in three Divine Persons”. Eternal life after death Basic Concepts of Franklian Psychology
will be achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is,
1. Life has meaning under all circumstances
God the Son, who came into flesh, to spread the Good News
of Salvation. That anyone who believes in Him will be saved 2. Main motivation for living is our will to find
and have eternal life. The Holy Bible is a selection of books, meaning in life
which divided into two, The Old Testament and the New 3. Freedom to find meaning
Testament.
Franklian Psychology aims to :
CHRISTIANITY Has 10 Commandments 1. Become aware of spiritual resources
2. Make conscious spiritual resources
Hinduism the world’s third largest religion, Hinduism has 3. Use” defiant power of the human spirit” and
no specific origin. It is polytheistic, characterized by wrathful
gods, based around a caste system and primarily practiced in stand up against adversity
India.
- According to the Viktor Frankl Institute of
Hindus believe that the levels in this caste system are
reflective of actions in previous lives, and that once a person
Logotherapy, it uses the philosophy of optimism in
reaches untouchable status they may then be able to attain a the face of tragedy, where people are capable of
union with God. Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of “turning suffering into human achievement and
birth, death and rebirth, governed by Karma. accomplishment deriving from guilt of opportunity
Karma is a concept where the reincarnated life will depend to change oneself for the better and deriving from
on how the past life was spent. Hindus believe that the soul life’s transitory and incentive to take responsible
passes through the cycle of successive lives and its next action.
Logotherapy Assumptions
1. The human being is an entity consisting of body
mind and spirit
2. Life has meaning under all circumstances even
the most miserable
3. People have a will to meaning
4. People have freedom under all circumstances to
activate the will to find meaning
5. Life has a demand quality to which people must
respond if decisions are to be meaningful
6. The individual is unique.

Frankl’s Source of Meaning

Three possible sources of the meaning of life;
1. Purposeful Work – your future goal
2. Courage to Face of Difficulty – to recognize
suffering, pain, and death as part of life and to have
courage to face it
3. Love – your love keep you fight for life.

“The ultimate factor to find meaning of life is

love.” Viktor Frankl