Final answer:
Reflection does require self-concept or self-knowledge as it is pivotal for an individual to understand and evaluate themselves.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reflection is a critical component of one's psychological growth and self-awareness. When engaging in reflection, a certain level of self-concept or self-knowledge is necessary. The self-concept is a cumulative understanding one has of oneself, including attributes, who and what the self is. The development of self-concept can be observed in children. For instance, by around 18 months, toddlers start recognizing themselves in the mirror, a testament to their budding self-concept, observable through the mirror test.
In terms of theoretical perspectives, George Herbert Mead's work implies that the development of the 'self' is contingent upon social interactions, where individuals learn to view themselves through the eyes of others. From another angle, Carl Rogers, a humanistic theorist, outlines that a healthy self-concept aligns closely with both the ideal and the real selves, leading to congruence and a higher sense of self-worth. The contours of your self-concept continue to be shaped and refined through ongoing reflection throughout one's life.
To effectively improve upon metacognition and critical reflection, engaging in conscious and deliberate practices is paramount. Through reflection, particularly in educational settings with metacognitive strategies, individuals sharpen their understanding of themselves and their capacity to engage in the abstract and rational thought required for complex fields such as philosophy.