Thine Own Self

penned the phrase “cogito ergo sum”, Western thought has been obsessed with the notion of the self and its significance. At the core of one’s self is his identity -- his absolute consistency with himself, which “derives its distinction from what it is not” (Bennet, Grossburg, and Morris 173). An inherent faith in the validity of this identity is vital, lest we become vulnerable to descending into an abyss of self-doubt and total nihilism. Yet with the introduction of multicultural society…

In psychology, the animalist theory is one that defines why people exist as human beings (Schechtman, 2010). It is the concept that makes an individual a living being as opposed to an object. For instance, an animalist psychologist may argue that angels existed as humans before they took another form (Geddes, 2013). This argument does not change their perception towards the animalism concept. Personal identity is the differentiation that an individual has towards their character. They believe…

Interaction looks at how the self is the mediator between role expectations and individual behavior (Walker and Lynn 2000). The self and identity are the line between social institution and individual’s beliefs and behaviors. There is a loose fit between role expectation and performance of the role. To create a self and role internalization is an essential part of interpersonal social relations. One theorist, states that role expectation are internalized into the self-concept through commitment.…

Flexibility of your beliefs, alignments, and interest are the only ways to be truly authentic. No one should be ascribed a definition. The human spirt is simply too intertwined with others and with the world to limit its itself. However, at a specific moment people can take up an identity. The Encyclopedia of Language and Linguist states that “identities are how we represent who we are to ourselves and others and how we interpret who others are” (Joseph 2006). More importantly, a flexible…

be in place prior to the occurrence of the concept” (p.167). In analyzing self confidence, many antecedents quickly become apparent. Prior to the presence of self confidence, a specific role, external stimuli, emotions, and self esteem all must be present (as cited in Perry, 2011). Furthermore, either internal or external support must be present (as cited in White, 2009). For example, internal support could be personal self encouragement while external support could be encouragement from other…

Self expansion is simply put as starting a new relationship in hopes that it will lead to a period or a lifetime of self discovery. This is often found the most beneficial in a committed relationship wherein the two people tend to seek new adventures together. Though Miller would counter in his writing of Intimate Relationships, that self expansion however positive has it own set of drawbacks that are not always apparent at the start of the relationship. He goes so far as to state that “ Once a…

of woman, discussing its effects, and predicting a change in contemporary views, he stressed the importance of woman's realization of this believed inferiority. Woman should no longer be seen as the shadow of man, but a person in herself, with her own triumphs and…

and diagnosed her with manic-depressive and bipolar disorder. In To the Lighthouse, Virginia Woolf’s applies psychological concepts, such as unconscious motives, oedipus complex, and the stream of consciousness, to give us greater insight into her own ways of thinking, so that we can be more tolerant of those with mental illness. Throughout the novel it becomes abundantly clear that Woolf has unconsciously made Mrs. and Mr. Ramsay her parents. Upon beginning the novel we are led to believe that…

Relationshipis the bondage in which the Indian society prevails. Githa Hariharan being an Indian women writer has written many novels and short stories. In all her novels she deals with the theme of social, political issues. She also deals with problems faced by women in Indian society. One another theme is relationship. In all her novels, she deals with some kind of relationship. In the novel The Ghosts of Vasu Master Hariharan deals with the relationship between a teacher and a student. She…

How humans approach factors within their environment is significant to how they view it. When discussing how a child interacts with sociable robots, Turkle states that “His attitude is pragmatic. If something that seems to have a self is before him, he deals with the aspect … most relevant to the context” (Turkle 463). When presented with physical or conceptual factors of the sociable robot, it was natural for the child to act pragmatically. Whatever is sensible or “relevant” to…