The concepts of "self" and "God" are very important in philosophy and religion. The "self" refers to who we are as individuals, thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It is how we understand ourselves in relation to the world. "God," on the other hand, is often seen as a higher being, creator, or force that governs the universe. Many philosophers, especially George Berkeley, believed that God was an essential part of the existence of the world. He thought that God is always perceiving everything, thus sustaining the world. According to his view, the self and God are closely related with regard to how we perceive the world. These ideas influenced how people understand themselves in relation to the world.
Self and God is a vital topic to be studied for the philosophy related exam such as the UGC NET Philosophy.
In this article the readers will be able to know about the following:
- Introduction to Self and God
- Difference Between Higher Self and God
Introduction to Self and God
Self" means who we are. This includes our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. "Self" helps us know where we belong in the world. "God" is considered a superpower or a creator of the universe. Many think that God is the reason behind life and existence. Philosophers such as George Berkeley believed that God would have a lot to do with the way we experience our world. Berkeley believed that God makes sure the world sticks around even when we don't look at it. Probably no other topic has generated more discussion in both philosophical and religious circles than this one: the relationship between self and God.
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Difference Between Higher Self and God
The "higher self" and "God" are two important concepts, but they are different. The higher self refers to the best version of ourselves, often linked to our inner wisdom or spiritual awareness. God is often seen as a supreme being or creator of the universe. While both are connected to spiritual understanding, they have distinct meanings and roles in different belief systems.
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Higher Self |
God |
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Represents our inner wisdom. |
Seen as the creator of the universe. |
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Is part of each individual. |
Exists outside of individuals. |
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Focuses on personal growth. |
Focuses on the creation and control of the world. |
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Can be understood through self-reflection. |
Known through religion or belief systems. |
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Helps us connect with our true nature. |
Seen as a higher power with ultimate control. |
Conclusion
The connection between the self and God has been explored in many different ways by philosophers and religious thinkers. Berkeley believed that the self experiences the world through perception, but God ensures that things continue to exist even when we are not perceiving them. God, in this view, acts as a constant observer, holding everything together. To Berkeley, it follows that self and God collaborated to stabilize and make real this world. This makes most people rethink their conception about life and where they come into the universe. The understanding about the relationship between self and God has had great effects on other branches of philosophies. People are challenged in deep perception and thinking in realities and beliefs. The final sense is that of existence by using either self and God.
Self and God is a vital topic for UGC NET Philosophy examination. It would help if you learn similar topics with the Testbook App.
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Major Takeaways for UGC NET Aspirants
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Self and God Previous Year Questions
- According to Ramanuja, the relation between self and God is that of
Options. (A) Identity
(B) Difference
(C) Both identity and difference
(D) Neither identity nor difference
Answer: (C)