Conscience et inconscient - Philosophie - Terminale

Changes and Identity

In this section, the speaker reflects on personal changes and questions the concept of identity.

Changes in Life

• The speaker asks if others have noticed the changes they have gone through.

• They mention that change is constant due to the passage of time, affecting not only their physical appearance but also their character and opinions.

Questioning Identity

• The speaker ponders if there is something within them that resists these changes.

• They express difficulty in answering the question "Who am I?" as it is complex and multi-faceted.

• The section concludes with an introduction to a new topic, "Consciousness."

Understanding Consciousness

This section introduces the concept of consciousness and its role in self-representation.

Definition of Consciousness

• Consciousness is described as the ability to represent oneself and the external world.

• It allows individuals to engage with both their surroundings and introspection.

Importance of Unconscious Mind

• The unconscious mind, proposed by Freud, influences individuals without their awareness.

• It explains phenomena such as slips of the tongue (lapsus) or dreams that cannot be fully explained by consciousness alone.

Problem Statement

• The video poses the question: Is there an exact answer to "Who am I?"

Social Identity vs. Personal Identity

This section explores social identity and its limitations in defining one's true self.

Social Identity

• Living in society assigns individuals specific identities based on factors like birthdate, name, gender, nationality, etc. These are known as social identities.

Insufficiency of Social Identity

• Social identity alone does not provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual's true self.

• It is insufficient for truly knowing someone or defining one's deep identity.

Personal Identity

• People often question their personal identity beyond social labels.

• Examples include feeling mature at a young age, questioning sexual orientation, or feeling disconnected from an unsuitable job.

Seeking Inner Truth

• Individuals strive to align their social and personal identities to find a deeper truth within themselves.

Descartes' Perspective on Self

This section explores René Descartes' perspective on self and consciousness.

"I Think, Therefore I Am"

• René Descartes famously stated, "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am).

• This implies that even if one is unsure of their true self, they can be certain of their existence as a thinking entity.

Consciousness as Self-Knowledge

• According to Descartes, humans know themselves through consciousness.

• The only certainty lies in being conscious of one's thoughts and existence.

Equivalence of Consciousness and Self

• Descartes equates human self-knowledge with consciousness.

Limitations of Consciousness

This section raises questions about the sufficiency of consciousness in defining personal identity.

Insufficient Answer?

• While consciousness defines human beings, it may not fully answer the question "Who am I?"

Beyond Consciousness

• The speaker wonders if personal identity can be reduced solely to consciousness.

Revealing the Unconscious

• Lapsus (slips of the tongue) are mentioned as examples where unconscious thoughts are revealed despite conscious intentions.

Status of the Unconscious

• The video prompts reflection on the role of the unconscious mind in shaping one's identity.

Does consciousness equal psyche?

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of consciousness and its relationship to the psyche. They mention Descartes' view that consciousness is equivalent to the psyche and how we have an imaginary connection with ourselves. Freud's perspective is also mentioned, stating that consciousness is only a surface effect of the unconscious mind.

• According to Descartes, consciousness equals psyche.

• When we refer to ourselves as "I" or "me," we believe we have transparent self-awareness.

• Freud agrees with Descartes and states that self-awareness does not answer the question of "Who am I?"

• Consciousness is merely a surface effect of the unconscious mind.

• We coexist with another entity within us, which Freud refers to as the unconscious mind.

The three instances of the psyche

This section explores Freud's theory on the three instances of the psyche: Id, Ego, and Superego. Each instance has a distinct role in determining our conscious thoughts and behaviors.

• Freud distinguishes three instances of the psyche: Id, Ego, and Superego.

• The Id constantly seeks to satisfy sexual and aggressive impulses unconsciously.

• It gives rise to our most hidden thoughts.

• The Superego acts as an internalized authority figure influenced by parental and societal norms.

• Its role is to prevent Id's impulses from being realized.

• The Ego serves as a mediator between the demands of the Id and restrictions imposed by the Superego.

• It adapts Id's impulses to societal rules through a process called sublimation.

Unconscious influence on identity

This section delves into how our unconscious mind influences our identity. It explains how repressed desires can still shape who we are even if we are not consciously aware of them.

• Sometimes, it is impossible to adapt our impulses to reality.

• The Ego represses and forgets these impulses, but they remain in the unconscious mind.

• These repressed desires continue to determine our identity.

• Despite being unaware of them, we are still influenced by our unconscious mind.

• According to Freud's hypothesis, interpreting the unconscious is the only way to truly know oneself.

• Psychoanalysis helps bring the unconscious to the surface for conscious awareness.

Freedom and self-definition

This section explores Sartre's perspective on freedom and self-definition. It contrasts with Freud's deterministic view by emphasizing that humans define themselves through their choices and actions.

• Sartre believes that humans are defined solely by their freedom.

• Unlike objects with predetermined purposes, humans have no predefined essence.

• Humans exist before having a determined essence.

• "Existence precedes essence."

• Throughout their lives, individuals construct their identities through choices and actions.

• One is not born a specific profession or role; they become it over time.

No definitive answer to "Who am I?"

This section reflects on the absence of a definitive answer to the question "Who am I?" It highlights the ongoing process of self-discovery and personal growth throughout life.

• The absence of a clear answer to "Who am I?" can be unsettling.

• There seems to be no way to find reassurance without definite answers.

• Self-knowledge is an ongoing journey rather than a fixed destination.

• Individuals can continually evolve and become something different if they choose.

The Absence of a Fixed Essence

In this section, the speaker discusses the absence of a fixed essence or model that defines who we are. Instead, there is only emptiness.

Emptiness and Existential Angst

• According to Sartre, there is no fixed "self" to which we can refer.

• Rather than having an essence or model, there is only emptiness.

• This realization can be unsettling and cause existential angst.

Anxiety as Freedom

• Sartre defines anxiety as the feeling of freedom.

• Unlike fear, which is directed towards specific objects, anxiety does not have a specific object of fear.

• It arises from the recognition that we are free beings.

Bad Faith and Denying Freedom

• Sartre introduces the concept of bad faith.

• Bad faith involves denying our freedom in order to escape anxiety.

• It includes inventing an essence or imagining an unconscious that determines us.

• For example, claiming shyness as one's nature is considered bad faith by Sartre.

No Essence, No Answer to "Who am I?"

• Sartre's ideas do not provide a clear answer to the question "Who am I?"

• He argues that there is no fixed essence or definition of what we are.

Doubting Self-Knowledge

This section explores the idea that self-knowledge involves doubting any exact and definitive answer to the question "Who am I?"

Questioning Self-Knowledge

• Taking conscious awareness of oneself involves doubting any precise and final answer to the question "Who am I?"

Memorizing for Effectiveness

• The phrase "Doubt all exact and definitive answers to 'Who am I?'" can be memorized for social gatherings.

References for Further Analysis

• When analyzing the question of whether the question "Does 'Who am I?' admit an exact answer?" comes up in exams, it is recommended to delve deeper into the concept of an "exact answer."

• However, if topics like consciousness or the unconscious are discussed, it is important to mention Descartes, Freud, and Sartre.

Final Remarks

The speaker concludes with some final remarks and offers encouragement to viewers.

Good Luck with Your Studies

• The speaker wishes good luck to those who are studying for their exams.

Share Your Dreams

• For those who are watching just for fun, the speaker invites them to share their dreams from the previous night.

Bac Exam Advice

• If the topic of self-knowledge and exact answers arises in the Bac exam, a more detailed analysis is required.

• However, if topics like consciousness or the unconscious come up, it is important to mention Descartes, Freud, and Sartre.