'Personhood is understood in the same way in all cultures' Assess.

?
Introduction points?
Quote is untrue - Morris says personhood is a social construction (varies across time + culture). Proves we are product of our social context - there are many different processes involved with developing personhood.
1 of 10
Para 1 - western criteria?
1) Rationalistic - you have to be a fully conscious human to be a person. 2) Egocentric - individuals see themselves as very important. 3) Materialistic - you need a body to be a person
2 of 10
Para 1 - conclusion
Western individualism; very self centred and logical - believe it is all about the self and being narcissistic. It is linked with being alive. Secular.
3 of 10
Para 2 - western philosophy?
Philosophical; 1) Western Philosophical - Cartesian Dualism; the idea that the mind and the body are separate. Western Philosophy considers this the main criteria for being a person.
4 of 10
Para 3 -sociocentric?
Hindu; Dumont argues that individual is subordinate to the group in Hindu culture. Sociocentric - a person is defined in relation to society. Brahmin, Karma, Reincarnation.
5 of 10
Para 4 - African?
religious - traditional forms are often practised in African villages. People have individual freedom but at the same time, ancestral spirits play a role. This type of personhood avoids having to create a divide between the material and spiritual.
6 of 10
Para 4 - example?
Morris - Malawi; malawians recognise humans are distinct living entity. However believe that humans and animals share many attributes. V important part is that a person has to be a part of a social community. Children who die are not considered full.
7 of 10
Para 5 - relational?
Melanesians - humans are not considered full persons until they have acquired basic categories of local culture. gradually gained from birth. person is not considered dead until all debts repaid and inheritance distributed. all social relationships d
8 of 10
Para 6 - Buddhist?
Buddhism reject the idea of the self. The way out of suffering is to get rid of all desires and attachments that keep recreating the self. Believe in reincarnation however want to break the cycle and enter Nirvana.
9 of 10
Conclusion?
1) contemp.; cyborgs, transhumanism. Personhood is developing intro new forms through new technology. Overall, many different ways that the world understands personhood; ever changing. social construct.
10 of 10

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Card 2

Front

Para 1 - western criteria?

Back

1) Rationalistic - you have to be a fully conscious human to be a person. 2) Egocentric - individuals see themselves as very important. 3) Materialistic - you need a body to be a person

Card 3

Front

Para 1 - conclusion

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Para 2 - western philosophy?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Para 3 -sociocentric?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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