The Artichoke Version Of The Self ✓ Solved

The Artichoke Version Of The Self

Due October 26th At 1159pm the Artichoke Version Of The Se

Instructionsdue October 26th At 1159pmthe Artichoke Version Of The Se

Instructions DUE OCTOBER 26TH AT 11:59pm The Artichoke Version of the Self USE ONLY Mitchell, H. B. (2015). Roots of Wisdom: A Tapestry of Philosophical Traditions, 7th . Cengage Learning, ISBN AS A REFRENCE Write a 2–3-page paper explaining the artichoke 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 existential idea of the self? What do you make of the feminist, existential, and non-Western critiques of/alternatives to the essentialist/avocado self? Are there any problems with the idea that human beings are fundamentally rational creatures?

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The concept of the self has been a central topic in philosophy, particularly regarding the nature of human identity and consciousness. The "artichoke" idea of the self is a metaphorical framework that suggests peeling back layers of identity, much like peeling an artichoke, to understand the core of human existence. This essay explores the artichoke analogy, integrating different philosophical perspectives, including existentialism, feminism, and non-Western philosophies, to critically analyze the nature of the self and its implications.

The Artichoke Metaphor and Its Philosophical Significance

The artichoke metaphor illustrates the layered complexity of the self. Each leaf represents different aspects of identity—cultural, psychological, social—covering a core essence that remains hidden. This perspective aligns with existentialist views, which emphasize authentic existence by peeling away societal and superficial layers to reach one's true self (Mitchell, 2015). According to existential theories, the self is not a pre-existing essence but something that is continually constructed through choices and actions. The metaphor challenges essentialist notions by suggesting that the self is not static but an evolving process.

Existential Views on the Self

Existential philosophers such as Sartre and Heidegger argue that the self is fundamentally a project, defined by the freedom to choose and redefine oneself (Mitchell, 2015). Sartre's idea that "existence precedes essence" underscores the absence of a fixed human nature, emphasizing that individuals create their identity through lived experience. The artichoke analogy complements this view by illustrating the layered process of self-creation—a peeling away of superficial layers to find authenticity. It emphasizes agency and responsibility in shaping one's identity, aligning with the existential call for authentic existence.

Critiques from Feminist and Non-Western Perspectives

Feminist critiques challenge the essentialist view, arguing that it often neglects gender, race, and social contexts that shape identities (Mitchell, 2015). Feminist theories advocate for understanding the self as socially constructed, emphasizing relational and intersectional perspectives rather than a fixed core. Similarly, many non-Western philosophies, such as Buddhism and African Ubuntu, reject the notion of an isolated, essential self, emphasizing interconnectedness and fluid identities (Mitchell, 2015). These critiques suggest that the artichoke metaphor might oversimplify the complex social and cultural determinants that influence individual identity, advocating instead for a view of the self as inherently relational and dynamic.

The Rationalization of Human Nature

Another aspect of the philosophical debate involves the assumption that humans are rational beings. Rationality has traditionally been regarded as the defining trait of humanity, enabling moral agency and self-control. However, critics argue this view is problematic because it overlooks the emotional, unconscious, and irrational dimensions of human life (Mitchell, 2015). Psychoanalytic and existentialist perspectives highlight that human beings are often driven by subconscious desires and fears, which complicate the idea of a fully rational self. Recognizing these limitations broadens our understanding of selfhood beyond Enlightenment ideals of reason, embracing complexity and contradictions inherent in human nature.

Conclusion

The artichoke metaphor offers a nuanced approach to understanding the self, emphasizing layered complexity, ongoing self-creation, and the importance of authenticity. Integrating existential, feminist, and non-Western insights enriches this perspective, highlighting the social, cultural, and relational dimensions of identity. Questioning the assumption of human rationality further invites a more comprehensive view of the self—one that accounts for emotional and unconscious factors. Ultimately, the artichoke idea encourages a dynamic and multidimensional understanding of human existence, emphasizing growth, complexity, and self-awareness.

References

• Mitchell, H. B. (2015). Roots of Wisdom: A Tapestry of Philosophical Traditions (7th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Husserl, E. (1931). Ideas: General introduction to pure phenomenology. Routledge.
• Sartre, J.-P. (1943). Being and Nothingness. Routledge.
• Heidegger, M. (1927). Being and Time. Harper & Row.
• Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex. University of Chicago Legal Forum.
• Nishitani, K. (1982). Religion and nothingness. University of California Press.
• Thich Nhat Hanh. (2003). The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching. Parallax Press.
• Gordon, L. (1997). What Fanon Said: A Philosophical Introduction. Fordham University Press.
• Arendt, H. (1958). The Human Condition. University of Chicago Press.
• De Beauvoir, S. (1949). The Second Sex. Vintage Books.