Lesson 1: Concepts and Perspectives of Self

Every person asks, "Who am I?" Understanding the self begins with defining what we mean by "self" and "identity." The self can refer to you as an individual: your thoughts, feelings, and personality. Identity includes the roles and labels we carry (like student, Filipino, friend) and how we see ourselves. Together, self and identity shape how you understand who you are.

Think of the self as having layers. At the core is personal identity (your own traits and beliefs), and around it is social identity (groups and roles you belong to). For example, you might describe yourself as a friendly daughter (personal identity) who is part of a particular barangay (social identity). These layers interact: your personal choices are influenced by social groups, and vice versa.

Different cultures and thinkers have different views of the self. In Western philosophy, the self is often seen as a separate individual with unique rights and goals. Think of ideas like "I think, therefore I am" (Descartes) or the Protestant emphasis on individual worth. In contrast, many Filipino and Asian traditions emphasize "kapwa" or shared identity. In this view, the self is closely linked to family, community, and relationships. For example, in Filipino culture, one's choices often reflect concern for family honor or community benefit.

Across disciplines, scholars ask: is the self one unified thing or many parts? Some suggest multiple selves: for instance, your online self vs. in-person self, or how you behave at home vs. with friends. Understanding these perspectives helps you see that self is partly what you think about yourself and partly how society and culture shape you.

Identity comes from many components. Some common factors include:

• Personal traits: qualities like kindness, intelligence, or creativity.
• Roles and labels: being a student, son/daughter, teammate, or member of a club. These are roles you perform.
• Cultural identity: language, religion, and traditions (e.g., Filipino, Catholic, Visayan).
• Experiences: life events, successes and failures (surviving an exam, joining a festival). These shape how you see yourself.

By reflecting on these components, you start to see the big picture of your self and identity. You might use a journal to list your roles and traits, or talk with friends about what defines you. This exploration is the first step in understanding who you are.

Ready to apply this? The practice set for this lesson includes exam-style questions and reflection exercises that build your understanding of self and identity — unlock it to start drilling.