Module 1

• Socrates: Engaged in systematic questioning about the self, believing that knowing oneself is
the true task of a philosopher. He emphasized the dual nature of man: body (imperfect and
impermanent) and soul (perfect and permanent). He asserted that the unexamined self is not
worth living.

• Plato: Supported Socrates' idea of dualism (body and soul) and introduced three components
of the soul: rational (reason and intellect), spirited (emotions), and appetitive (base desires).
Justice is attained when these parts work harmoniously.

• Augustine: Believed that man has a dual nature, with one part dwelling in the world and the
other yearning for the Divine. The body is mortal, while the soul seeks eternal bliss in
communion with God. The goal is to achieve this communion through virtuous living.

• Aquinas: Stated that man is composed of matter (body) and form (soul). The soul is the
essence that animates the body, making a human person what he is.

• Descartes: Defined the human person as having a body and a mind. He emphasized doubt and
concluded that the only indubitable truth is the existence of the self: "I think, therefore, I am."
The self is composed of the mind (thinking) and the body (extension).

• Hume: An empiricist who believed knowledge comes from sensory experiences. The self is a
bundle of impressions and ideas, with no fixed unity but a collection of different perceptions.

• Kant: Argued that the mind organizes impressions from the external world. Time and space
are mental constructs. The self is essential for organizing experiences and is the seat of
knowledge acquisition.

• Ryle: Denied the concept of an internal, non-physical self. He believed the self is just a term
used to refer to a person's behaviors and actions, not an entity to analyze.

• Merleau-Ponty: Argued that mind and body are inseparable. All experiences are embodied
experiences, and thoughts, emotions, and bodily experiences are intertwined.
Module 2

Definition and Characteristics of the Self

• The Self: Commonly defined as "separate, self-contained, independent, consistent,

unitary, and private."
o Separate: Distinct from other selves, unique identity.
o Self-contained and Independent: Can exist on its own.
o Consistent: Traits, characteristics, tendencies, and potentialities remain stable.
o Unitary: Center of all experiences and thoughts.
o Private: Internal sorting of information, feelings, emotions, and thoughts.
• Dynamic Nature: The Self is ever-changing and influenced by external reality, leading
to self-understanding and adaptation.

Social Constructivist Perspective

• Relationship with External Reality: The Self is in constant interaction with external
reality.
• Merged View: The Self and social context are intertwined and inseparable.
• Adaptability: The Self adjusts to its circumstances and context.

The Self and Culture

• Marcel Mauss: Identified two faces of the self:

o Moi: Basic identity, biological givenness.
o Personne: Social concepts and identity shaped by society.
• Language: Affects self-perception and identity (e.g., gender-neutral terms in Filipino
culture).

Development of the Social World

• Active Participation: Individuals actively shape their self through interactions and
language.
• Mead and Vygotsky: Emphasized language acquisition and social interaction in
cognitive and emotional development.
o Mead: Internalization of values, norms, and social beliefs through role-play and
language.
o Vygotsky: Internalizes real-life dialogues and social interactions.

Self in Families

• Sociological Perspective: Family influences self-development through resources and

upbringing.
• Learning by Imitation: Language and behavior are learned through family interaction.
• Conscious and Unconscious Internalization: Family shapes selfhood significantly.
Gender and the Self

• Gender as an Aspect of the Self: Subject to change and development.

• Societal Influence: Society often imposes gender identities.
• Self-Expression: Importance of allowing individuals to express and live their identity.
• Impact on Self-Perception: Gender partly determines self-view and world interaction.

Key Points

• Self: Defined by distinct characteristics but is dynamic and influenced by external reality.
• Social Constructivism: Highlights the interdependent relationship between self and
social context.
• Cultural Influence: Language and societal norms play significant roles in shaping the
self.
• Family: Fundamental in self-development through imitation and internalization of
behaviors and values.
• Gender: A crucial and evolving aspect of selfhood, influenced by societal expectations
and personal expression.

Module 3

Definitions and Theories of Self

• Self: Sense of personal identity and who we are as individuals (Jhangiani and Tarry
2014).
• William James: Conceptualized the self with two aspects:
o "I": The thinking, acting, and feeling self.
o "Me": Physical characteristics and psychological capabilities.
• Carl Rogers: Similar terms in his theory of personality:
o "I": The one who acts and decides.
o "Me": What you think or feel about yourself.
• Identity: Composed of personal characteristics, social roles, responsibilities, and
affiliations.
• Self-Concept: What comes to mind when you are asked about who you are.
• Self-Schema: Organized system or collection of knowledge about who we are.

Theories of the Self

• Sigmund Freud: Interaction between the Id, Ego, and Superego influences self, mental
processes, and behavior.
• Symbolic Interaction (G.H. Mead): The self is created and developed through human
interaction.
 o Reasons self and identity are social products:
1. We do not create ourselves out of nothing.
2. We need others to affirm and reinforce who we think we are.
3. Our values are influenced by social and historical context.

Self-Awareness and Types of Self

• Self-Awareness: Awareness of one's self-concept, nature, weaknesses, and abilities.

o Private Self: Internal standards and private thoughts and feelings.
o Public Self: Public image aimed at presenting oneself well to others.
o Self-Schema:
▪ Actual Self: Who we are at the moment.
▪ Ideal Self: Who we would like to be.
▪ Ought Self: Who we think we should be.

Impact of Self-Awareness

• Positive or Negative: Depending on circumstances and subsequent actions.

• Self-Consciousness: Excessive concern about being observed and criticized.
• Deindividuation: Loss of individual self-awareness in groups.

Self-Esteem and Social Comparison

• Self-Esteem: Positive or negative perception of oneself.

• Social Comparison Theory: Learn about ourselves by comparing with others.
o Downward Social Comparison: Comparing with those worse off to boost self-
esteem.
o Upward Social Comparison: Comparing with those better off, can be motivating
or lower self-esteem.

Self-Evaluation Maintenance Theory

• Threatened by Others' Success: Especially if they are close to us.

o Reactions:
1. Distance from the person or redefine the relationship.
2. Reconsider the importance of the skill in question.
3. Strengthen resolve to improve oneself.

Narcissism and Self-Esteem

• Narcissism: Overly high self-esteem, self-admiration, and self-centeredness.

• High Self-Esteem: Can lead to a good personality but can also result in dismissive
behaviors and bullying.
• Research by Baumeister, Smart, and Boden (1996): Programs to boost self-esteem
should reward good behavior and achievements, not just to make children feel better.
Key Points

• Self, Identity, and Self-Concept: Are mental constructs influenced by society and
culture.
• The Frontal Lobe: Associated with processes concerning the self.
• Social Interaction: Vital in creating self-concept and multiple overlapping social
identities.
• Self-Awareness: Important for understanding one's self-concept and guiding behavior.
• Self-Esteem: Influenced by social comparisons and can impact behavior and
relationships.

Module 4

Cultural Influence on Self-Perception

• Eastern vs. Western Dichotomy:

o Eastern: Asia
o Western: Europe and North America
• Proximity leads to commonalities; however, regional differences exist within countries
like the Philippines.

Eastern Philosophies:

1. Confucianism:
o Ethical conduct based on relationships.
o Focus on harmonious social life.
o Identity intertwined with community status and identity.
o Self-cultivation is the ultimate goal, leading to a "subdued self" for societal good.
2. Taoism:
o Philosophy of living in harmony with the Tao (universe).
o Emphasizes a simple, balanced life and selflessness.
o The self is part of the universe, promoting openness, acceptance of change, and
harmony.
3. Buddhism:
o Views the self as an illusion causing suffering.
o Goal is to forget the self and its cravings to eliminate suffering.

Western Perspective:

• Recognizes the role of environment and society but focuses on the individual self.
• Emphasizes self-comparison, self-esteem, and self-development.
• Views the world in dualities: distinct individuals vs. others.
Cultural Differences in Self-Perception:

• Self-description:
o Americans: Personal attributes.
o Asians: Social roles and positive traits from social situations.
• Self-evaluation:
o Americans: Highlight personal achievements.
o Asians: Maintain low profile to avoid disrupting social relations.
• Cultural Values:
o Western Culture (Individualistic):
▪ Focus on the individual.
▪ Emphasis on equality, fair competition, and protecting the individual.
o Asian Culture (Collectivistic):
▪ Focus on the group and social relations.
▪ Emphasis on hierarchy, harmony, and order.

Philippine Context:

• Colonization experience influences cultural similarities and differences with Asian

neighbors.
• Social media, migration, and intermarriages can blur or highlight cultural perceptions.

Conclusion:

• Conflict is inevitable in diversity, but understanding different cultural perspectives can

lead to peace.
Module 5

Genetic and Embryonic Development

• Sex Chromosomes: Define male or female and secondary sex characteristics.

• Gonad Development: Begins around the 8th week of embryonic development.
• Intersex Conditions:
1. Pseudohermaphrodites: Mismatched reproductive structures and gonads.
2. Hermaphrodites: Possess both ovarian and testicular tissues.
3. Cryptorchidism: Male testes do not descend; requires surgery.
4. Phimosis: Narrowing of the foreskin and misplaced urethral openings.

Puberty and Reproductive Health

• Puberty: Ages 10-15; reproductive organs mature and become functional.

• Common Reproductive Infections:
o Escherichia coli: Spread through the digestive tract.
o STDs: Syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, and yeast infections.
o Male Inflammatory Conditions: Prostatitis, urethritis, epididymitis, and
orchiditis.

Reproductive Cancers

• Females: Breast and cervical cancer.

• Males: Prostate cancer.

Sexual Health and Behavior

• Erogenous Zones: Mouth, breasts, genitals, and anus.

• Human Sexual Behavior:
1. Solitary Behavior: Self-stimulation leading to sexual climax.
2. Socio-Sexual Behavior: Includes heterosexual and homosexual behavior, petting,
and coitus.

Phases of Sexual Response

1. Excitement Phase: Increased pulse, blood pressure, and genital fluids.

2. Plateau Phase: Brief duration leading to orgasm.
3. Sexual Climax: Intense pleasure, rapid pulse, and ejaculation.
4. Resolution Phase: Return to normal physiological state.

Nervous System Factors

• Role: Transmission of sensory messages and muscle response.

• Key Brain Areas: Hypothalamus and limbic system.
• Reflex Sexual Response: Mediated by the lower spinal cord.
Sexual Problems

1. Physiological: Genital abnormalities, infections, and cardiovascular issues.

2. Psychological: Inhibitions, maladaptive attitudes, and sexual myths.
3. Premature Emission: Due to tension in sexually deprived males.
4. Erectile and Ejaculatory Impotence: Psychological and physical inability.
5. Vaginismus: Painful pelvic muscle spasm during penetration.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

• AIDS: Caused by HIV, affecting the immune system.

• Chlamydia: Most common in adolescents and young adults.
• Gonorrhea and Syphilis: Increased rates among young adults.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Most common in US adults.
• Herpes Simplex Virus: Causes painful genital lesions.
• Trichomonas Vaginalis: Protozoal infection affecting health outcomes.

Contraception Methods

1. Natural Methods:
o Abstinence: Refraining from sexual intercourse.
o Calendar Method: Avoiding coitus during fertile periods.
o Basal Body Temperature: Monitoring temperature changes.
o Cervical Mucus Method: Observing changes in cervical mucus.
o Symptothermal Method: Combining BBT and cervical mucus methods.
o Ovulation Detection: Using kits to predict ovulation.
o Coitus Interruptus: Withdrawal before ejaculation.
2. Artificial Methods:
o Oral Contraceptives: Pills with synthetic hormones.
o Transdermal Patch: Weekly hormone patch.
o Vaginal Ring: Inserted for 3 weeks.
o Subdermal Implants: Hormone implants under the skin.
o Hormonal Injections: Every 12 weeks.
o Intrauterine Device (IUD): Prevents fertilization.
o Chemical Barriers: Spermicide.
o Diaphragm and Cervical Cap: Barrier methods.
o Male and Female Condoms: Prevent sperm entry.
o Surgical Methods: Vasectomy and tubal ligation.
Module 6

The Material Self

• Belk (1988): "We regard our possessions as parts of our selves. We are what we have and
what we possess."
o Direct Link: Self-identity is closely connected to our possessions.
o Material Self: A significant aspect of our self, reflecting our desires and identity.

William James' Components of the Self (Principles of Psychology, 1890)

1. Constituents: Material self, social self, spiritual self, pure ego.

2. Self-Feelings: Emotions and feelings aroused by the constituents.
3. Self-Seeking and Self-Preservation: Actions prompted by self-feelings.

• Material Self: Includes body, clothes, immediate family, and home.

o Body: The innermost part; we invest heavily to ensure it functions well.
o Clothes: Influenced by Herman Lotze's "Philosophy of Dress"; essential for self-
expression and affects attitudes and behavior.
o Immediate Family: Parents and siblings are crucial; their actions and statuses
affect us deeply.
o Home: An extension of self, the earliest nest of selfhood, where personal identity
is deeply connected.
• Investment and Identity: The more we invest in something, the more it becomes a part
of our identity.
o James: "A man's self is the sum total of all of what he can call his." Possessions
become an extension of the self.

Belk's Concept of Possessions and Self-Identity

• Material Possessions: Gain higher value if they are associated with:

o Happiness: Using possessions to find joy.
o Significant Events: Associating items with important life events.
o Accomplishments: Linking possessions to achievements.
o Relationships: Connecting items to significant people in our lives.

Key Points

• Material Self: A crucial aspect of our identity, influenced by our body, clothes, family,
and home.
• William James: Emphasized the components of the self and their influence on self-
feelings and actions.
• Investment in Possessions: Enhances their value and integrates them into our identity.
• Belk's Perspective: Possessions are regarded as extensions of the self, reflecting our
identity through their connections to happiness, events, accomplishments, and
relationships.