Beginning of life

UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

Life begins at fertilization. It refers to the meeting of the
CHAPTER II female sex cell and the male sex cell. These sex cells are
developed in the reproductive organs called;
UNPACKING THE SELF
GONADS

UNIT 1: PHYSICAL SELF: THE BEAUTIFUL ME  The male sex cell called spermatozoa is produced in
the male gonads called testes.
From childhood, we are controlled by our genetic makeup, i.  On the other hand, the female sex cells called ova are
e, sex chromosomes. It also influences the way we treat produced in the female gonads known ovaries.
ourselves and others. On the contrary, there are individuals  The fertilized egg cell known as a zygote contains all
who DO NOT ACCEPTS their INNATE SEXUAL the hereditary potentials from the parents. This zygote
characteristics, and they actually tend to change their goes to the uterus and continues to grow during the
sexual organs through medications and surgery. In addition, gestation period of about 280 days or 36 weeks or 9
external environment helps shapes us. In this lesson, we are calendar months.
going to explore the development of our sexual characteristics
and behavior. Both male and female chromosomes contain several
thousands of genes – called deoxyribonucleic acid which is
the code of heredity. Maturation is the unfolding of the
LESSON PROPER inherent traits.

Marieb, E.N. (2001) explains that the gonads begin to form

until about the eight week of embryonic development. The Human Development
embryonic structures of males and females during the early
stages of human development are alike and are said to be in  The formation of male or female structures depends
indifferent stage. When the reproductive structures are on the presence of testosterone (A substance called
formed development of the accessory structures and external hormone that occurs naturally in men and male
genitalia begins. animals). The embryonic testes release testosterone
once formed and the formation of the duct system and
external genitalia follows. The same with female
 embryos that form ovaries, it will cause the
development of the female ducts and external
genitalia since testosterone hormone is not produce. Factors in the development of the physical self
 Pseudo hermaphrodites are formed who is individuals
having accessory reproductive structures that do not  The development of the individual is caused by two
“match” their gonads while true Hermaphrodites are interacting forces: heredity and environment.
individuals who possess both ovarian and testicular  Heredity [nature] is the transmission of traits from
tissues, but this condition is rare in nature. Nowadays, parents to offspring it provides the raw materials of
many pseudo-hermaphrodites undergo sex change which the individual is made up. While the
operations to have their outer selves fit with their environment [nurture] is the sum total of the forces or
inner selves (gonads). experiences that a person undergoes from conception
to old age. It includes family, friends, school, nutrition,
Human Anatomy and other agencies one is in contact with.

 Puberty is the period of life when the reproductive Diseases associated with the reproductive systems
organs grow to their adult size and become functional
under the influence of rising levels of gonadal  Infections are the most common problems associated
hormones [testosterone in males and estrogen in with the reproductive system in adults.
females] and generally between the age of 10-15 years  Vaginal infections are more common in young and
old. elderly women and those whose resistance to diseases
 At the age of 13, male puberty is characterized by the is low, like, Escherichia coli which spread through the
increase in the size of the reproductive organs digestive tract, the sexually transmitted
followed by the appearance of hair in the pubic area, microorganisms such as syphilis, gonorrhea and herpes
axillary, and face. The reproductive organs continue to virus and yeast fungus.
grow for two years until sexual maturation marked by  Pelvic inflammatory disease and sterility are also the
the presence of mature semen in the testes. effect of vaginal infections. For males, the most
 For the female, the budding of their breasts usually common inflammatory conditions are prostatitis,
occurs at the age of 11 as a sign of their puberty stage. urethritis, and epididymitis, STD, Orchiditis.
Menarche is the first menstrual period of females  Major threat to reproductive organs are Neoplasms,
which happens two years after the start of puberty. tumor of the breast and cervix cancers in adult females
Hormones play an important role in the regulation of and prostates cancer in adult males. Most women hit
ovulation and fertility of females. the highest point of their reproductive abilities in their
 late 20‟s, i.e. irregular ovulation and shorter menstrual  It is defined as any activity – solitary, between two
periods – menopausal period. persons, or in a group – that induces/ brings sexual
 The production of estrogen may continue after arousal [Gebhard, P.H. 2017]. This behavior is
menopause but the ovaries finally stop functioning as classified according to gender and number of
endocrine organs. The reproductive organ and breast participants. Types of behavior: Solitary behavior
begin to atrophy or shrink if estrogen is no longer [involving one individual]; and Socio-sexual behavior
released from the body. In this case, the vaginal [more than one individual].
becomes dry that causes intercourse to become
painful if frequent and the vaginal infections become Solitary behavior
increasingly common.
 Signs of estrogen deficiency: irritability and mood  Self – gratification [begins at or b4 puberty] means
changes [depression in some]; intense vasodilation of self–stimulation that leads to sexual arousal and
the skin‟s blood vessels, gradual thinning of skin and generally, sexual climax. This takes place in personal
loss of bone mass, slowing rising high blood levels, etc.. and private as an end in itself, but can also be done in
 Note: there is no counterpart for menopause in males. a socio-sexual relationship. This is common for males
Although aging men show a steady decline in but becomes less frequent or is abandoned when
testosterone section, their reproductive capability socio-sexual activity is available.
seems unending. Healthy men are still able to father  Therefore, self-gratification is most frequent among
offspring well into their 80‟ and beyond. the unmarried. However, this self-gratification usually
decreases as soon as an individual develops a socio-
Erogenous zones sexual relationship. Nowadays, humans are frequently
being exposed to sexual stimuli esp. from advertising
 It refers to part of the body that are primarily receptive and social media. Some adolescents become so much
and increase sexual arousal when touched in a sexual more aggressive when they respond to such stimuli.
manner. Examples: mouth, breast, genitals, anus. The rate of teenage pregnancy has recently increased.
However, erogenous zones may vary from one person The challenge is to develop self-control so as to
to another. Some people may desire and enjoy being balance suppression and free expression. Why? To
touched in certain areas more than the other areas, prevent premarital sex and acquiring STD.
like, the neck, thighs, abdomen, and feet.
Socio-sexual behavior
Human Sexual Behavior  It is the greatest amount of socio-sexual behavior that
occurs b/w only one male and one female. This usually
 begins in childhood and may be motivated by curiosity, secretion of genital fluids, vaginal expansion, and a
such as showing or examining genitalia. general increase in muscle tension.
2. Plateau phase = it is generally of brief duration. If
 Physical contact involving necking and petting is stimulation is continued, orgasm usually occurs.
considered as an ingredient of the learning process and 3. Sexual climax = a feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure,
eventually of courtship and selection of a marriage rapid increase in pulse rate and blood pressure, and
partner. Petting differs from hugging, kissing and spasms of the pelvic muscles causing contractions of
generalized caresses of the clothed body to produce the female reproductive organ and ejaculation by the
stimulation of the genitals. This is done due to male that lasts only for few seconds normally not over
affection as source of pleasure, preliminary to coitus ten.
[this is an insertion of male reproductive organ into 4. Resolution phase = it refers to the return to a normal
female organ]. This is regarded as an important aspect or subnormal physiological state. Whereas males
in selecting partner but also a way of learning how to return to normal even if stimulation continues, but
interact with another person sexually. continued stimulations can produce additional
 A behavior may be interpreted by society or an orgasms in females. Females are physically capable of
individual as erotic depending on the context in which repeated orgasms without the intervening “rest
the behavior occurs. For example, kissing is a gesture period” required by males.
of intimacy b/w couples while other sees this as
respect and reverence. Lesson II: To Buy or Not to Buy? That Is the Question!

-William James wrote in his book, The Principles of Psychology

Physiology of human sexual response in 1890 that understanding the self can be examined through
its different components. He described these components as :
Sexual response follows a pattern of sequential stages or
phases when sexual activity is continued. (1) its constituents

1. Excitement phase = It is caused by an increase in pulse (2) the feelings and emotions they arouse – self-feelings
and blood pressure; a sudden rise in blood supply to
the surface of the body resulting in increased skin (3) the actions to which they prompt – self-seeking and self-
temperature, flushing, and swelling of all distensible preservation
body parts particularly noticeable in the male and
female reproductive system, rapid breathing,
-The constituents of self are composed of the material self, and behavior. Thus, clothes are placed in the
the social self, the spiritual self and pure ego (Trentmann secondary hierarchy of material self. Clothing is
2016; Green 1997). a form of self-expression. We choose and wear
clothes that reflect our self (Watson, 2014).
MATERIAL SELF  FAMILY. Third in the hierarchy is our
immediate family. Our parents and siblings
The material self, according to James, primarily is about hold another great important part of our self.
our bodies, clothes, immediate family, and home. What they do or become affects us. When an
immediate family member dies, part of our self
 BODY. The innermost part of our material self dies, too. When their lives are in success, we
is our body. Intentionally, we are investing in feel their victories as if we are the one holding
our body. We are directly attached to this the trophy. In their failures, we are put to
commodity that we cannot live without. We shame or guilt. When they are in disadvantage
strive hard to make sure that this body situation, there is an urgent urge to help like a
functions well and good. Any ailment or voluntary instinct of saving one’s self
disorder directly affects us. We do have certain from danger. We place huge investment
preferential attachment or intimate closeness in our immediate family when we see them as
to certain body parts because of its value to us. the nearest replica of our self.

 HOME. The fourth component of material self

is our home. Home is where our heart is. It is
 CLOTHES. Influenced by the “Philosophy of the earliest nest of our selfhood. Our
Dress” by Herman Lotze, James believed that experiences inside the home were recorded
clothing is an essential part of the material self. and marked on particular parts and things in
Lotze in his book, Microcosmus, stipulates “any our home. -Having investment of self to things,
time we bring an object into the surface of our made us attached to those things. The more
body, we invest that object into the investment of self-given to the particular thing,
consciousness of our personal existence taking the more we identify ourselves to it. We also
in it its contours to be our own and making it tend to collect and possess properties. The
part of the self” (Watson, 2014). The fabric and collections in different degree of investment of
style of the clothes we wear bring sensations to self, becomes part of the self. As James (1890)
the body to which directly affect our attitudes
 describe self: “a man’s self is the sum total of sensibility and conscience, and of our unconquerable will
all what he CAN call his.” Possessions then (James, 1890) is purer than all other sentiments of
become a part or an extension of the self. satisfaction (Green, 1997).

We Are What We Have RELIGION

 Russel Belk (1988) posits that “… we regard our Rebecca Stein (Stein.2011) works on their definition of
possessions as part of ourselves. We are what we have religion “as a set of cultural beliefs and practices that usually
and what we possess.” The identification of the self to includes some or all of basic characteristics.” These
things starts in our infancy stage when we make a characteristics are:
distinction between self and environment and others
who may desire our possessions. 1. A belief in anthropomorphic supernatural being.
 As we grow older, putting importance to material
possessions decreases. However material possession 2. A focus on the sacred supernatural.
gains higher value in our lifetime if we use material
possession to find happiness and associate these 3. The presence of supernatural power or energy that
things with significant events, accomplishments, and is found on supernatural beings as well as physical
people in our lives. There are even times, when beings and objects.
material possession of a person that is closely
identified to the person, gains acknowledgment with 4. The performance of ritual activities that
high regard even if the person already passed away. involves the manipulation of sacred object to
communicate to supernatural beings and/or to
Lesson III: Supernaturals: Believe It or Not ! influence or control events.

The spiritual self is one of the four constituents of the “self” 5. The articulation of world view and moral codes
according to William James in his book, The Principles of through narratives and other means.
Psychology in 1890. The spiritual self is the most intimate,
inner subjective part of the self. It is the most intimate version 6. Provide the creation and maintenance of social
of the self because the satisfaction experienced when thinking bonds and mechanism of social control within a
of one’s ability to argue and discriminate, of one’s moral
 community; provide explanation for own and a sense a system of symbolic acts that is based upon arbitrary rules.
of control for individuals. Participation to rituals is an expression of religious beliefs.

An individual lives in a society where there are many practices Some World Religious Beliefs and Practices
of religion. The choice of religious belief lies within the
spiritual self. Although the choice maybe influenced by the 1. BUDDHISM
society and its culture.
a. Beliefs - believes that there are suffering, pain, and
frustrations in life. When people suffer, they want to
RITUAL experience the goodness of life and disappointments. It
becomes a habit known as the reactive cycle of wanting and
Ritual is the performance of ceremonial acts hating, like and dislike, and craving and aversion. This reactive
prescribed by a tradition or sacred law (Britannica, cycle can be broken through the practice of mediation,
2017). Ritual is a specific, observable mode of behavior acquiring more wisdom deeper understanding, and
exhibited by all known societies. It is thus possible to view acceptance of things as they are.
ritual as a way of defining or describing humans. Three
fundamental characteristics of rituals according to Penner b. Customs and Practices - two types of meditation
(Britannica, 2017). practices:

1. a feeling or emotion of respect, awe, fascination, or dread b.1 Samatha is practiced as mindfulness of breathing
in relation to the sacred. and development of loving kindness (Metta Bhavana).

2. dependence upon a belief system that is usually expressed b.2 Vipasanna practices aim at developing insight into
in the language of myth reality.
- Acquiring wisdom is by studying Buddha’s teaching, the
3. is symbolic in relation to its reference Dharma. Through the reflection of Dharma, Buddhists can
achieve a deeper understanding of life. Buddhists believe in
The self can be described as a ritual being who exhibits a
non-violence principle.
striking parallel between their ritual and verbal behavior. Just
as language is a system of symbols that is based upon - Some of the major Buddhist celebrations are Parinirvana Day
arbitrary rules, ritual may be viewed as a system of symbolic in February; Buddha Day (Wesak) in May, Dharma Day in July;
acts that is based upon arbitrary rules, ritual may be viewed as
Padmasambhava Day in October, and Sangha Day in how the past life was spent. Hindus believe that the
November. soul passes through a cycle of successive lives and its
next incarnation is always dependent on how the
2. CHRISTIANITY previous life was lived. Vedas are sacred scriptures of
a. Beliefs Hindus. Mahabharata and Ramayana are two other
 believe in Trinitarian God (God the Father, God the important texts of the Hindus.
Son, and God the Holy Spirit).
 Eternal life after death will be achieved through faith in b. Customs and Practices
Jesus Christ.
 Diwali and Navrati are the most celebrated festivals of
the Hindus, Diwali is the Festival of Lights while
Navrati is the festival of nine nights, which celebrates
b. Customs and Practices the triumph of good over evil. Hindus have set dates
to honor particular manifestations of God.
 The sacrament of Baptism and Sacrament of
Communion are practiced by Christian churches. 4. ISLAM
 Christmas and Resurrection (Easter) are the two major
celebrations in Christianity. Christmas, usually on a. Beliefs
December 25, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ
while Resurrection Sunday (depending on the lunar  Muslims believe in Allah, who is their “One God.” They
calendar, sometime in March or April) celebrates the believe in the unity and university of God. Muslims also
resurrection of Jesus Christ from death. have a strong sense of community or “ummah” and an
awareness of their solidarity with all Muslims
3. HINDUISM worldwide. Islam means “willing submission to God.”
 Muslims believe that Mohammed is the last and final
a. Beliefs prophet sent by God. Mohammed was born in Mecca
in 570 CE and received revelations from God through
 Hinduism covers a wide range of traditional beliefs and the Angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years. The Holy
religious groups; thus, there is no single founder or Book of Islam is called the Quran, which was taught to
leader. Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth, be recited in Arabic because of any translation is seen
death and rebirth, governed by Karma. Karma is a as inadequate.
concept where the reincarnated life will depend on
b. Customs and Practices  The Jews believed in the God of Abraham, the same
God that liberated the Hebrew slaves from Egypt to
 Muslims believe in the five pillars of Islam, which are Canaan, the Promised Land through the leadership of
the foundation of Muslim life: Moses and later, Joshua.

1. Shahadah – statement of faith: “There is no God, but the  The Jews believe in the coming of Messiah, the Savior.
one true God and Mohammed is his messenger.” The sacred scripture of the Jews is called the Torah or
the Law. The Torah is the guide of the Jewish living.
2. Salat- the prayer that is practiced five times a day. The study and interpretation of the Torah is part of the
Jewish culture.
3. Zakat- the monetary offering for the benefit of the poor. It
comprises 2.5% of a Muslim’s assets.

4. Hajj- the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims who can

afford are asked to do the pilgrimage at least once in their
lifetime. b. Customs and Practices

5. Sawm- the fasting. Muslims do fasting from food, drink, - There are five major festivals observed by the Jews:
and sexual acts during the celebration of Ramadan. Ramadan
is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The fast is 1. Rosh Hashanah- the New Year
from dawn to sunset.
2. Yom Kippur- the Day of Atonement
Two of the major festivals in Islam are Eidul-Fitr and Eidul-
Adha. Eidul-Fitr is the celebration at the end of Ramadan, 3. Pesach- Passover
while Eidul-Adha is celebrated within the completion of the
Pilgrimage, the Hajj. 4. Shavuot- Pentecost

5. JUDAISM 5. Sukkot- Tabernacles. The Jewish Sabbath begins on

Friday evening at sunset and is an important time when
a. Beliefs families gather for the Shabbat meal.