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1. This document discusses the importance of expanding one's philosophical perspective to include both Western and non-Western traditions. It notes that while Western philosophy has dominated modern thought, Eastern philosophy has a very different approach that does not make as rigid a distinction between philosophy and religion. 2. The document outlines three key attitudinal imperatives to understanding Eastern thought compared to Western thought. It states that Eastern philosophy sees life as cyclical with no absolute beginnings or ends, does not separate philosophy from religion, and more readily accepts intuition and mysticism compared to Western logic. 3. It briefly mentions two influential Western philosophers - Martin Heidegger, known for his concept of "hermeneutics of fact

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468 views

Handouts 2

1. This document discusses the importance of expanding one's philosophical perspective to include both Western and non-Western traditions. It notes that while Western philosophy has dominated modern thought, Eastern philosophy has a very different approach that does not make as rigid a distinction between philosophy and religion. 2. The document outlines three key attitudinal imperatives to understanding Eastern thought compared to Western thought. It states that Eastern philosophy sees life as cyclical with no absolute beginnings or ends, does not separate philosophy from religion, and more readily accepts intuition and mysticism compared to Western logic. 3. It briefly mentions two influential Western philosophers - Martin Heidegger, known for his concept of "hermeneutics of fact

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Analyn Fabian
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1.3 Why become a philosopher?

On Attaining a Comprehensive Outlook in Life

 One of the key element in many educational reforms is diversity, difference, and choice or other proposals that establish separate
curricular routes for different groups or individuals (Castells et al. 1999).
 Diversity is the difference that makes each person unique (i.e biology, ethnicity and culture, family life, beliefs, geography,
experiences, and religion).
 Sometimes, we have difficulty in accepting others because they are different from us. Such behaviour may cause us to limit a
person’s opportunities or can make the person feel rejected or resentful.

A. Expanding Our Philosophical Frames: Western and Non-Western Traditions

 Many philosophers hold that there are three great original centers of philosophy in the world – Greek (Western), Indian, and
Chinese
 From the time of the Greek triumvirate – Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, there was a reversal. The Western thinkers started to
indulge in feverish philosophical speculation, whereas the Asian thinkers began diminishing philosophical activity. In our present
century, almost all the major philosophical ideas emanate from Western thinkers (Quinto 1991).
 The culture of the “East” is very different from that of the “West” (primarily Europe and North America), but that does not mean
each culture is incapable of understanding certain features of the other.

Three attitudinal imperatives that we must bear in mind if we are to appreciate either the Oriental or Eastern thought vis-à-vis the
Occidental or Western mindset and to situate in their proper perspective:

1. Oriental thoughts runs in a circular manner in which the end conjoins the beginning in a cyclic style. In a manner of
speaking, nothing actually begins absolutely or ends absolutely.
 A man may have been born at a precise time and may have died at a precise time, but it cannot be said that his
existence can be congealed at a specific time, and when he dies, his life continues in another form.
 The world did not have an absolute beginning but was merely a continuation of an earlier world in an earlier
time. There is, therefore, a succession of worlds and a succession of lives.
 There is, therefore, a succession of worlds and a succession of lives.
2. The attitudinal imperative is the assumption that the East does not make a rigorous distinction between religion and
philosophy. Basic philosophical concepts are shrouded in religious beliefs and myths.
 In the East, Philosophy is Religion and Religion is Philosophy.
 Life for Oriental thinkers is a translation of thought; it is philosophy in action. Orientals believe that life must be
the extension of though, its fruit, and its application. For Quito (1991), it is not accurate to judge that Asia is
poor because of religion. Rather, it is poor because it cannot accept the polarization or division of theory and
practice, of philosophy and religion, of its way of thinking and its way of living.
3. The third attitudinal imperative is the acceptance of the validity of intuition and mysticism, the readiness to revert to extra
logical, if not illogical modes of thinking.
 Orientals are perceived of transcending the limitations of the human intellect and treading on a no-man’s land
where verification of one’s premise is not possible.
 If logic is no longer able to solve a life problem, Asian mind resorts to intuition.

Know the Western Philosopher

Martin Heidegger - is responsible for the term “hermeneutics of facticity” which simply means that people interpret things as they
encounter them in different ways.
Plato – One of the most famous philosophers who ever lived, this Greek Athenian philosopher was a student of Socrates and teacher
to Aristotle.
- He founded a school in Athens known as the Academy which served the model of universities.
-

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