A Philosophical Justification of Self-Care Open Access
Taverna, Luisa (Summer 2023)
Abstract
Self-care is an action commonly associated with pleasure, relaxation, and self-regarding intent. Yet it is often found under threat in the face of other commitments because it is not commonly considered a significant or evaluative practice of life. This thesis aims to look at how we can define and appreciate the general concept of self-care to better go about an individualized practice of this sort. I first detail three conditions for self-care, specifying the need to discover and value oneself, then understand one’s ownership over existence in a manner that creates pleasure and confidence in oneself. This then alludes to the value of self-care in creating a valuing self, meaning we see ourselves as generating cogent value through the process of care. The valuing self then justifies further acts of care and shapes our persona through the fruition of characteristics with personal value and the integrity of actions. To achieve self- care, one can engage in an established practice of independent reflection, social engagement, or bodily care. Ultimately, the path one takes should reflect authentic desires found from self-knowledge which can be morally evaluated for maturity in the context of other commitments. The importance for self- care is undermined by conditions such as narcissism and self-abnegation, which respectively represent fixation and deficiency of the self. Despite social influence towards such conditions, they are ultimately harmful by preventing an accurate knowledge of oneself to develop which would justify the need for sufficient care and regard. In general, the importance of self-care is necessitated in discovering oneself- guiding an individual to initiate and maintain interactions with oneself and the world in a reflective, authentic way.
Table of Contents
Introduction__________________________________________________________________________________________________1
Chapter 1: A Fundamental Understanding of Self-Care_____________________________________________________5
Chapter 2: The Underlying Value of Self-Care______________________________________________________________24
Chapter 3: An Effective Path to Self-Care___________________________________________________________________35
Chapter 4: The Excesses and Deficiencies Associated with Taking Care of Yourself _______________________50
Conclusion___________________________________________________________________________________________________70
About this Honors Thesis
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