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3 - The Self in Western and Eastern Thoughts

The document discusses Western and Eastern thoughts on the self. In Western thought, the self is seen as individualistic. In Eastern thought, Confucianism views the self as interwoven with community, Taoism sees the self as part of the universe, and Buddhism sees the self as an illusion.

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25 views12 pages

3 - The Self in Western and Eastern Thoughts

The document discusses Western and Eastern thoughts on the self. In Western thought, the self is seen as individualistic. In Eastern thought, Confucianism views the self as interwoven with community, Taoism sees the self as part of the universe, and Buddhism sees the self as an illusion.

Uploaded by

clytemnestra
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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THE SELF IN WESTERN

AND EASTERN THOUGHTS

Mr. Michael A. Mendoza, MAEd, RGC, RPm, CHRA


Instructor
WESTERN THOUGHTS

THE SELF

EASTERN THOUGHTS
CONFUCIANISM
 It is a way of life taught
by Confucius (Kong
Fuzi) in China.
 It can be seen as a
code of ethical conduct,
of how one should
properly act according to
their relationship with
other.
 It is also focused on
having a harmonious
social life.
Identity and self-concept of the
individual are interwoven with the
identity and status of his/her
community of culture, sharing its
pride as well as its failures.
SELF-CULTIVATION
 Itis seen as the ultimate purpose of life
but the characteristics of a chun-tzu, man
of virtue or noble character, is still
embedded in his social relationship.
 Subdued self – cultivated self in
Confucianism wherein personal needs are
repressed for the good of many.
TAOISM
 It is a religious or
philosophical tradition
of Chinese origin
which emphasizes
living in harmony with
the Tao or universe.

 It was founded by
Lao Tzu.
Itrejects the hierarchy and strictness
brought about by Confucianism and
would prefer a simple lifestyle and its
teaching thus aim to describe how to
attain that life.
SELF IN TAOISM
 It is not just an extension of the family or the
community but rather it is part of the universe.
 The ideal self is selflessness but this is not
forgetting about the self.
 living a balanced-life with society and nature;
 being open and accepting to change;

 forgetting about prejudices and ego-centric ideas; and

 thinking about equality as well as complementarity among


humans as well as others.
In this way, you will be able to act
spontaneously because you will not
be restricted by some legalistic
standards but because you are in
harmony with everything.
BUDDHISM
 It is a religion and
philosophy that
developed from the
teachings of the
Buddha.
 It was founded by
Siddhartha Gautama.
 It practices
meditation as means of
changing yourself in
order to develop the
qualities of awareness,
kindness, and wisdom.
SELF IN BUDDHISM
 It is seen as an illusion, born out of
ignorance, of trying to hold and control
things, or human-centered needs; thus, the
self is also the source of all these sufferings.
 It is our request to forget about the self,
forget the cravings of the self, break the
attachments you have with the world, and to
renounce the self which is the cause of all
sufferings and in doing so, attain the state of
Nirvana.
WESTERN EASTERN
Individualistic Culture Collectivistic Culture

Loose associations and loyalty to their Welfare of groups and values cooperation
groups (competition)
Emphasize the value of equality and Emphasize the hierarchy as the culture
promote fair competition and protect wants to keep things in harmony and order
individual
Promotes individual goals, initiative and Each person is encouraged to do what is
achievement best for society as a whole rather than
themselves
Individual rights are the most important and The rights of families, communities, and
rules in society attempt to ensure self- the collective supersede those of the
importance individual
Independence is valued and less of a drive Rules promote unity, brotherhood, and
to help other citizens and communities selflessness
People are encouraged to do things on Working with others and cooperating is the
their own and to rely on themselves norm; everyone supports each other
People strive for their own successes People strive for the success of the whole
community

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