Week 2: Do I Have a Core Essence?
The purpose of this discussion assignment is to reflect upon your understanding of different historical and philosophical approaches to the self. After completing your readings, write a 3 minimum-page paper explaining the avocado/essentialist idea of the self. Remember to explain specific theories with supporting citations from the textbook and online lectures. As you develop your response, you might find some of the following questions to be relevant:
- What is the core essence human beings are said to share?
- What are some of the differences/similarities between the avocado and artichoke views of the self?
- What is the relationship between human and divine nature?
Reading:
From your course textbook, Roots of Wisdom: A Tapestry of Philosophical Traditions:
Human Nature. Who or What Are We, and What Are We Doing Here?
- Philosophy and Ultimate Reality. Is There an Ultimate Reality?