How do various philosophical perspectives approach the idea of the self?

Various philosophical perspectives have approached the self from various angles. Philosophers have been trying to understand and define what constitutes the self for centuries. Some argue that the self is a purely physical entity, while others take it to be something more ethereal. Below are some of the different philosophical perspectives on the concept of self:

• Lockean/ Cartesian self: This view holds that the self is a purely mental entity that is discontinuous from the world around it. According to this view, the self is a non-material substance, which is capable of introspection, and that can control the body.
• Buddhist/ Eastern self: This perspective posits that the self is an illusion, and that we do not possess any independent and unchanging self. According to this view, the self is merely an amalgam of transient elements that are constantly changing.
• Hegelian self: Here, the self is viewed as a rational being that is a product of social and historical circumstances. According to this view, the self is socially and historically constructed, and it is always in a state of becoming.

These are just a few of the various perspectives of the self that exist. It is clear that the question of what constitutes the self continues to fascinate philosophers to this day.

There are many different philosophical perspectives on the self, each with its own unique approach to the concept. Some of the most common perspectives include:

• Dualism: Dualism is the view that the self is composed of two distinct substances: the body and the soul. The body is the physical part of the self, while the soul is the non-physical part. Dualism is often associated with the philosopher René Descartes, who argued that the self is a thinking thing that exists independently of the body.
• Monism: Monism is the view that the self is composed of only one substance. There are two main types of monism: materialism and idealism. Materialism is the view that the self is identical to the body. Idealism is the view that the self is identical to the mind.
• Narrative selfhood: Narrative selfhood is the view that the self is a story that we tell ourselves about who we are. This story is constantly being revised and updated as we experience new things and grow as individuals. Narrative selfhood is often associated with the philosopher William James, who argued that the self is a "stream of consciousness" that is constantly changing.
• Relational selfhood: Relational selfhood is the view that the self is defined by its relationships to others. We are who we are because of the people we interact with and the roles we play in society. Relational selfhood is often associated with the philosopher Martin Buber, who argued that the self is fundamentally relational.

These are just a few of the many different philosophical perspectives on the self. Each perspective offers a unique way of understanding this complex concept.