Descartes’ Meditations: What Is the “Self”?

For your first essay, you will explore definitions of the concept of “self.” Your goal is to define this word for yourself in a way that seems reasonable and critical,

and to explain and defend that definition thoughtfully and persuasively.

The structure of your essay will be fluid and flexible, meaning that rather than require you do one thing first, another second, etc., I want you to structure your

essay in a way that seems most logical and clear to you.

However, there are few requirements that I want to see covered in your essay:

•    Summarize how Descartes defines “I” or “self” in the second Meditation. Don’t just quote his answer; paraphrase WHY he defines the “self” that way. Devote at

least one well-developed paragraph to covering his answer. Quote the text and respond to this definition.
•    Research how other sources and thinkers define “I’ or “self.” Online dictionaries are a start, but also consider looking at encyclopediae, philosophical

dictionaries, and various on-line sources. Find at least three other sources, other than Descartes, to include in your paper somewhere. Pick ones you find interesting

or useful, whether to support your definition or for you to challenge or refute.
•    Part of defining what something IS is ruling out what something IS NOT. Much like how a scientist may rule out weak hypotheses in the search of a strong one,

explain how and why some things people may think their “selves” are, are in fact wrong or illogical or questionable, in your opinion. (See the list provided in class

for some possibilities.) In other words, arguing the self is notsomething or other  is itself productive, effective work for this paper, especially alongside your

eventual definition.
•    Define what YOU think the word “self” means. Use as many or as few sources as you want to, just so long as you clearly define this concept and explain WHY you

define it that way.This definition is not just an opinion; this definition is an argument you are making, so be sure to defend your claims at length.
•    Based on your definition, can you know whether someone other than “myself”” exists? Maybe “I” exist—but do OTHERS (you, he, they) exist too? How would you know

for sure?
•    Explore the implications of your definition of “I.” That is, if “self” is defined your way, how would that affect our perceptions of ourselves or how we treat

ourselves? How would it affect our knowledge of ourselves and of the world outside our “selves”? (Addressing this would make an excellent essay conclusion.)
•    If at any moment you wish to argue that something is UNKNOWN, in your opinion, you may do so, including the entire definition of “self” itself. However, show

WHY you think it is unknown exactly and explore the implications of that lack of knowledge. Be critical in your confusion, in other words. Don’t just say “I don’t

know” and walk away.
•    Consider what Socrates might say about your definition, someone intelligent, critical, and skeptical. Anticipate their objections, or better yet, find a source

from someone who seems to disagree with your definition. Present these possible objections, and either counter them thoughtfully or concede and compromise with

whatever claim you cannot refute.

There is no set length for this paper; write thoughtfully and naturally. However, due to the nature of this difficult subject, there’s a good chance this will be a

longer, more involved exploration. Neither “pad” your paper with more ideas than you really believe nor shorten your paper because you think I want it short. Write

what you have naturally and let it become the length it NEEDS to be to get your discussion down thoughtfully, clearly, and persuasively. Because this will probably be

longer than shorter, draft a little at a time over a long period of time.

The final draft of this paper is due Friday, September 26, by 12:00 pm (noon). You will email your final draft to pobrien@mtsac.edu. Instead of sending your essay as

an attachment, please copy and paste your essay into the body of your email. In the subject line of your email, please put the words “Final Draft” and your class day

and time (or reference number, your choice).

If your final draft is late by even one minute (12:01 pm or later), you will receive a zero on the essay and you will be dropped (see my syllabus). You may send the

final draft as soon as you wish. Otherwise, and I highly encourage you to send it as early as you reasonably can, giving yourself options and alternatives in case

anything goes wrong.