Philosophy of the Self Quiz

Which philosopher proposed that "The self is a thinking, conscious being"?

• René Descartes

• John Locke

• David Hume

• Immanuel Kant

Answer explanation

René Descartes famously stated, "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), emphasizing that the self is a thinking, conscious being. This foundational idea in philosophy highlights the importance of consciousness in defining the self.

According to David Hume, the self is:

• A bundle of perceptions

• A rational thinking being

• An immaterial soul

• A permanent, unchanging essence

Answer explanation

According to David Hume, the self is not a permanent essence or an immaterial soul, but rather a 'bundle of perceptions' that arise from experiences and sensations, emphasizing the fluid and changing nature of identity.

Which of the following is central to Kant’s theory of the self?

• The self is a mere illusion

• The self constructs knowledge through experiences

• The self is identical with the mind

• The self does not exist

Answer explanation

Kant's theory emphasizes that the self actively constructs knowledge through experiences, highlighting the role of perception and understanding in shaping our reality, making this choice central to his philosophy.

Socrates believed that the true self can be discovered through:

• Acquiring material wealth

• Engaging in philosophical dialogue

• Conquering nations

• Achieving social status

Answer explanation

Socrates believed that the true self is revealed through engaging in philosophical dialogue, as it encourages critical thinking and self-examination, unlike material wealth, conquest, or social status.

Which philosopher suggested that personal identity is rooted in the continuity of memory?

• David Hume

• René Descartes

• John Locke

• Immanuel Kant

Answer explanation

John Locke argued that personal identity is based on the continuity of memory, meaning that our memories connect our past and present selves, making him the correct choice over Hume, Descartes, and Kant.

Immanuel Kant argued that the self is:

• A purely empirical entity

• A rational agent governed by moral laws

• A fragment of multiple perceptions

• Constantly changing over time

Answer explanation

Immanuel Kant viewed the self as a rational agent governed by moral laws, emphasizing the importance of reason and ethics in human identity, rather than merely an empirical or fragmented entity.

Which philosopher argued that "to know thyself" is central to achieving wisdom?

• Aristotle

• Socrates

• Plato

• Descartes

Answer explanation

Socrates famously emphasized the importance of self-knowledge, stating that "to know thyself" is essential for achieving true wisdom. This principle underpins his philosophical teachings and distinguishes him from other philosophers.

For John Locke, identity over time is grounded in:

• The soul

• The mind's capacity for memory

• Physical continuity

• Emotional stability

Answer explanation

For John Locke, identity over time is based on the mind's capacity for memory. He argued that our memories connect our past and present selves, making memory the key to personal identity, rather than the soul or physical continuity.

What does Gilbert Ryle refer to as the "category mistake" in relation to the self?

• Mistaking the self for a collection of sensations

• Treating the self as an object instead of a concept

• Viewing the mind and body as separate entities

• Confusing identity with personality

Answer explanation

Gilbert Ryle's "category mistake" refers to treating the self as an object rather than understanding it as a concept. This misinterpretation leads to confusion about the nature of self and consciousness.

David Hume viewed the self as:

• An illusion with no real foundation

• A divine spark within humans

• A fixed entity unaffected by experience

• A combination of sensory inputs

Answer explanation

David Hume argued that the self is not a fixed entity but rather an illusion, lacking a real foundation. He believed that our sense of self arises from a collection of perceptions and experiences, making it transient and illusory.