Introduction
In the study of philosophy, various theories have been developed to explain human nature. The theories explain self are classified into two groups, mainly the avocado and artichoke idea of self. Both approaches are derived from vegetables or fruits to establish the concept of self from a practical example. Thus, the study of philosophy with the two ideas aims to provide humanity with the existential concept of self. In describing the avocado view, humanity is presented as stable and enduring and in possession of a stabilized core. The artichoke idea, on the other hand, perceives individuals as lacking stability. The two concepts are used to define the different natures of individuals revealing their value of life. The avocado idea of self in many cases describe individuals in connection to religions while artichoke describes general individuals. The essay presents a review of the existence of the two natures of a human being. It explores the nature of self concerning truth and reality as well as how the person relates to art and philosophy. The essay will explore the existential idea of self in philosophy which an emphasis on individual existence in freedom and choice.
The Self
The avocado idea of the self
Human beings can define the meaning of their lives and thus exist to make rational decisions in an irrational universe. The avocado idea of person explains the question of human existence to show purpose at the core of life. The concept of self is based on the avocado theory is seen as more spiritual and is directly related to the fruit. The view derived from characteristics of the fruit shows that humans possess a common core beneath the exterior (Frogel, 2016). The heart which is the seed of the fruit referred to the spirit and human essence, which reflects the true self despite being buried by different shades and textures of the exterior.
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One version of the avocado idea which reveals that human beings have a shared essential nature can be traced in the reproduction process of the avocado fruit. Studies show a unique ability of the fruit to reproduce even when the fruit has completely rotten away. The seed is left behind reveal an internal code that remains and continues the reproduction until a new generation of avocados is birthed. The concept thus shows an enduring and stable core which exists at the center of every person. The core is believed to continue in humanity even after death.
The contrast of Avocado and Artichoke Idea of the Self
On the other hand, the artichoke idea of self argues that humans like the vegetables are made up of different layers with nothing beneath them. The argument presented shows that peeling off layers leaves nothing behind due to lack of a core. The argument is used to demonstrate the changing nature of human, and their actions and decisions are influenced by the environment (Frogel, 2016). The environment is comprised of activities an individual is involved or has been brought up in combined with genetic factors. Artichoke idea, therefore, argues that every individual has a different side, which shows up only when is required.
The artichoke idea of self can be demonstrated in the changing nature of humanity in relationships. For example, at home and in the workplace, people tend to be more relaxed, quiet, and comfortable around their families (Shusterman, 2016). On the other hand, people show a different side when at work portraying their skills in various aspects like leadership and mastery. Therefore, the avocado and artichoke idea of the self differs on the element of having a central core (Reynolds, 2019) (Shanahan, 2018). While avocado idea professes the presence of a fixed human nature, which makes people human, the artichoke idea supports the argument that humans have no essential life.
Truth and Reality
The avocado and artichoke aspects of life are depicted in various works of art. The philosophical element is present in plays, shoes, poems, novels, and paintings (Frogel, 2016). The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a novel that shows the artichoke idea of self. Jay Gatsby the rich millionaire, experiences life as full of layers and moves through them without much significant influence on his life. Form his early life and days in the military, Gatsby situations change relatively to his environment, and he is forced to adapt to the present challenges. The Great Gatsby as a work of art is made up of different layers of events which transits from one layer to the other without a core connection.
For example, Jay Gatsby hopes that his parties will attract Daisy, a woman he secretly loves. The environment is transformed when he meets Nick and his efforts to impress Daisy. The occurrences, as outlined in the novel, finally lead to his death after which everything comes to a halt. Gatsby is forgotten with none of his friends attending his burial despite his vast wealth, influence, and fame when he was alive. The novel articulates the artichokes idea of self that life is made of layers with no definite core.
The consistent television shows the Simpsons well outline the avocado idea of self, also known as the modern notion. The show which uses satire to describe current occurrences in political, social, and cultural environment depicts the existence of human at the core. The Simpson family made up of Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa is united together by family values and sincere love for one another. Despite the constant changes in the environments, the family is connected by the bond which strengthens their relationships. The television show depicts the avocado idea of the self as it brings out the family as the core unit of the society. Through the seasons, the Simpsons family emerges out stronger, more connected to one another and forming a continuous generation which will persist to the future. As the societal core, the family is held in unity socially and remains so even when all other aspects of society perish.
From the analysis, it is clear that the self and the distinct world entities as argued by the French philosopher, Renee Descartes. A human is, therefore, a unified entity which is comprised of the body and the mind as separate entities (Frogel, 2016). The brain responsible for thinking, reasoning, and is integral with the ability to pursue clarity. On the other hand, Descartes argues that the body is a separate entity created distinctively and independently. However, human beings are imperfect prone to errors and mistakes (Reynolds, 2019). However, their ability to reason and make rational decisions separates the self and the world into different entities.
Art acts as both a representation or a transformation of truth and reality. Art is a representation of reality and self, as seen in the Simpsons animation. The author aim is to demonstrate the human nature by bringing out the stability in humans. The family nature and reactions are independent of the environment with the ability to remain stable. In this aspect, the art helps humanity to achieve catharsis, as suggested by Aristotle (Shusterman, 2016). Art as a representation is more akin to the avocado idea of self, which claims that the inner being of humans remains unchanged by experiences (Shanahan, 2018). Art as a transformation of self and reality is portrayed in the great Gatsby novel where the characters change regularly to accommodate the various occurrences. In the story, life is unstable and transforms to suit the environment. The transformative aspect is akin to the artichoke nature of self where humanity lacks a core and keep changing their quality according to the reactions and moments.
Art and Philosophy
Philosophy is a specific discipline concerned with the provision of answers to fundamental questions which brings out the truth and value of life. Art, on the other hand, is involved in human activities and accommodates various expressive tools (Shusterman, 2016). Art and philosophy relate distinctively in existentialism. Art on is own lacks survival value to humanity. However, it can be thoroughly explained through philosophy. Art is the means through which various philosophies are reflected, transformed, and expressed. Philosophy has a direct connection to man as it reflects reality to man (Reynolds, 2019) (Shanahan, 2018). It acts as a tool which expresses man world, spiritual aspirations, and his interaction with different aspects of life. Art, on the other hand, has been used to transform the world such that the world reflected by philosophy is not pure but transformed into human perspective through art.
Descartes uses logic and thinking as a means of achieving reality and existence. In his central argument that the body and mind are separate entities, Descartes, utilizes the mind to achieve reality and distinguish existence. He terms the mind as an essence with the power of imagination and understanding. Descartes, therefore, proposes that the body can perceive other bodies (Reynolds, 2019). His logic and thinking that explains reality and existence lie in the argument that humans are a unified entity of the body and the mind. Descartes logic on 'I think; therefore, I am' is presented as a mean of achieving reality and attain a sense of existence.
Philosophical analysis of art presents the argument that some art expresses truth more than others. Contrary to the common belief, I believe that in every painting, the artist displays special features as an expression of his intellectual world. Thus, each work of art in its creativity contains the ability to reflect, transform, and express the artist sense of self (Shusterman, 2016). Therefore, each work of art offers its truth. Philosophy thus cannot be reduced to a work of art, but the two have a close relationship in their connection to the aesthetic principle. Philosophy entails inquiry for truth and prediction. Works of art depict artistic truth. Thus, art does not require accuracy in reproduction as the expression is not necessary to be a copy of what it is (Reynolds, 2019) (Shanahan, 2018). The world masterpieces have been produced due to the sensuous and imaginative nature of art and ability to make generalizations. Thus, where philosophy must seek truth and prediction, art uses creativity and imagination to transform reality and self but both drawn from the aesthetic principle. The idea and purpose of art differ across cultures as it depends on the artist’s level of generations and creativity. In art, the intention and purpose are achieved through active creativity. All embrace the achievement of the artist as individuals form all cultures find their essence in various work of art.
Conclusion
Philosophy is a comprehensive discipline that encompasses various aspects form self. Truth, reality, and art. It is more concerned with specific arguments, as shown in the discussion of self-providing insights on avocado and artichoke ideas of self. Descartes logic of 'I exist, therefore I am' can be used in the establishment of truth and reality. Thus, philosophy and art have a close relationship, and both have achieved different purposes across cultures in different societies.
References
Frogel, S. (2016). Descartes: Truth and self-deception. Philosophy, 91(1), 93-108.
Reynolds, C. (2019). The Quest for Knowledge: A Study of Descartes.
Shanahan, C. P. (2018). Essentialist and Existentialist: Two Visions of Authenticity (Doctoral dissertation, University of Dayton).
Shusterman, R. (2016). Practicing philosophy: Pragmatism and the philosophical life. Routledge .
