MODULE INGEC 1 -: Understanding the Self

Module LESSON 4: The Self in Western and Eastern Thought

I. Starting AccUrAtely

Lesson Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

[1.] describe and differentiate the concept s of “self” in the according to Western thoughts
and in the against Eastern /Oriental thoughts perspectives ; and
[2.] explain the concept of “self” based on Western and Eastern thoughts

Introduction

Different cultures and varying environments environment tend to create different

perceptions of the “self” and one of the most common distinctions between cultures and
people is the Eastern- vs-Western dichotomy wherein Eastern represents Asia and Western
represents Europe and Northern America. It must be understood that this distinction and the
countries included w ere as politically colored at the time that aforementioned concepts were
accepted and used in the social sciences. Furthermore, it must be reiterated that while
countries that who are geographically closer to each other may share commonalities, there
are also a lot of factors that create differences. In the Philippines alone, each region may
have a similar or varying perception s regarding the “self”.

II. StimUlating LeArning

1. Are cultural differences bad or good for society?

[2.]
Social issues such as care for the elderly, divorce, premarital sex, concept of success, concept of peace, and ev
How would you feel when if you
r friend has a different belief system from you abo
saw someone who dresses differently from you?
[3.] the self would you prefer? Why?
2. (Insert East-WestInventory here)

III. A concept from Eastern thought suggests that a person should create a harmonious
relationship with the people in his/her surrounding, while a concept from Western
thought pushes for a self-sufficient concept of the self that can function without the
help of other people. Which concept of IncUlcAting Concepts

The Eastern Concept of “ S self” in Eastern Thought

The concept of “self” in general is greatly influenced by religious beliefs and politicalpolitica
philosophies. Eastern concept s of “self” leans more toward s the different philosophies,
namely: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.
Confucianism

This philosophy originated from the Chinese philosopher,

teacher, and political figure named
Confucius, also known as K’ung Fu-tzu (the Great Master),
K ’ung Fu Zi,
and or K’ung Chung-ni.
more popularly known as Confucius
. The concept of “self” under this philosophical
thought focuses on having a harmonious social life
through acting properly and accordingly with other
people. This means that a person’s identity and self-
concept are interwoven with the identity and status of
his/her community or culture.

Confucianism sees self-cultivation as the ultimate

purpose of life but the characteristics of a chun-tzu, or a
man of virtue or noble character, is still embedded in his
social relationships (Ho, 1995). The cultivated self in
Confucianism is what some scholars call a “subdued
self” wherein personal needs are repressed (subdued)
for the good of many (Ho, 1995).

Taoism

The second philosophy is Taoism which is quite

difficult to fully define because Taoists adopt a free-
flowing, relative, unitary, and as well as paradoxical
view of almost everything. Taoism rejects the
strictness brought by Confucianism and would prefer
a simple lifestyle (Ho, 1995).

The teachings of the Tao (what is “Tao”?) describe

how a simple lifestyle can be achieved. According to
Taoism, the ideal concept of the “self” is selflessness ,
but not forgetting about the self. It is living a balanced
life with society and nature, being open and accepting
to change, forgetting about prejudices and egocentric
(self-centered) ideas and thinking about equality as
well as complementarity among humans and other beings (Ho, 1995). In this way, a person
may be able to act spontaneously because he/she is not restricted by legalistic standards,
but because the person is in harmony with everything.
Buddhism

The third belief system is Buddhism which is

based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama,
the Buddha. This philosophy views the self 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 sufferings.
The goal, therefore, of Buddhism is to forget the
cravings of the self, break the attachments a
person has with the world, and to renounce the
self which is the cause of all suffering (Ho, 1995).
By doing these things, the person can then attain
Nirvana (Ho, 1995). (What is Nirvana?)

The Western Concept of “ S self” in Western Thought

In Western thought, the concept of “self” is seen as a social construct characterized in three
ways: the individualistic self, the concept of self-sufficiency, and the self being rational.

● The Individualistic Self

At a young age, a the child is taught to pursue what is best for himthe self /herself . As an
adult, the measure of success in life is the when the self is able to fulfill ment of the life-goals
set for and by the self. The individualistic self is always conceived as the autonomous
bounded entity. For one to be autonomous, one must be able to show independence. The
self should not require the help of other people in accomplishing the tasks at hand, thereby
promoting thereby , promoting independence.

● The Concept of Self-sufficiency

The self must be able to provide his/her needs without the help of other people. The self can
gather the needed resources to accomplish his/her goals without aid from other people.
Being self-sufficient implies confidence in one’s capacity to provide what the self needs from
one’s own resources and authority. Therefore, it is important for the self to establish one’s
power and accumulate the needed knowledge and resources so that one will be able to
provide one’s needs.

● The Self Being Rational

In Western practice, there is no time for the self to be weak and emotional. The self must not
waste resources on meditation and other metaphysical cognitions but to be constantly
rational and reasonable. Under this concept, everything must be explained by logic and
reason. Other things that are considered illogical are discredited and rejected. The
successful self is grounded on one’s investment on reason and logical thinking.

Table 4.A. Summary of Differences between the Concept of “Self” in Western and
Eastern Thought

Eastern Concepts of the “Self” Western Concepts of the “Self”

Confucianism Individualistic Self

The concept of the “self” under this The concept of “self” being individualistic
philosophical thought focuses on acting and puts emphasis on the self being able
to
behaving in an orderly manner to achieve a accomplish the tasks at hand without the aid
harmonious relationship with the things of other individuals. This concept values the
around the person. independence of a person. Another aspect is
the autonomy of the person wherein the
person can operate and create decisions for
Taoism him/herself by him/herself without the
influence of any other individual or authority.

The concept of the “self” under the Taoist

philosophical thought emphasizes on being Concept of Self-sufficiency
selfless without disregarding love for the self.
The “self” must promote a harmonious
relationship with his/her The “self”, other than being an d independent
surroundings surrounding in that includes and autonomous unit, is also seen as a being
being accepting to the changes that that is capable of providing his/her needs in
constantly occur. order to function without the help of other
people. Th ise concept explains that athe self-
sufficient person is able to identify the
necessary resources needed for the person
to function and at the same time , find the
means to obtain these resources.
Buddhism
The Self Being Rational
Buddhism sees the concept of “self” as an
illusion. The “self” must let go of earthly or
material desires in order to avoid suffering The “self” being rational suggests states that
because according to Buddhism, material athe person needs to function as a being that
desires only lead to disappointment and uses reason rather than feelings and
suffering. To achieve the true version of the emotions. The practicality of the person is
self, the person must let go of his/her given a premium given premium instead of
 desires. investing on the emotional aspect of the
person. Logic is superior and is a good
foundation for success.

Eastern philosophies are more attuned to the collective dimension of the self as opposed to
the western individualistic ideals of the self. The table below will show a comparison
between the individualistic and the collective self.

Table 4.B. Comparison between Individualistic and Collective Self

Individualism Collectivism

● “I” identity (what does this mean?) ● “We” thinking

● Promotes individual goals, initiative, ● Each person is encouraged to be an
and achievement active player in society, to do what is
best for society as a whole rather
● Individual rights are seen as being the
than themselves
most important. Rules
are regarded as
attempt s to ensure self-importance ● The rights of families, communities,
and individualism . and the collective supersede those of
the individual
● Independence is valued; there is
much less of a drive to help other ● Rules promote unity, brotherhood,
citizens or communities than in and selflessness
collectivism
● Working with others and cooperating
● Relying or being dependent on others is the norm; everyone supports each
is frequently seen as shameful other.
● People are encouraged to do things ● the As a community, family, or nation
on their own; to rely on themselves comes before the more than as an
individual
● People strive for their own successes

Activity: After reading the Western and Eastern concepts of the “self”, what concepts do
you personally like? Why? Write your answer using the table below

Concepts from Eastern thought that I like Concepts from Western thought that I like
 Example: Example:

I like the concept of creating a harmonious I like the concept of self-sufficiency because
relationship with the people around me in life, time will come that we have to do
because having a harmonious relationship tasks without the help of other people, and
with the people around you lessens conflict learning to be self-sufficient will prepare me
and misunderstanding. for those moments when I need to be
independent.

IV.Using /Applying Knowledge:

1. In a situation where COVID-19 is rapidly spreading, which do you think would be
more beneficial, being individualistic by following the “stay at home” policy, or being
collective by helping the community with the distribution of relief goods and SAP
subsidies? Explain your answer.

V. EvalUAting Understanding

I. MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the word that DOES NOT belong to the group and
write the letter of your answer on the blank before the number. (5 points)

__________1.

A. self-sufficiency B. harmony C. selflessness D. Nirvana

__________2.

A. logic B. independent C. rational D.

subdued

__________3.

A. I B. individualism C. community D. own self

__________4.

A. Buddha B. Confucius C. Tao D. logic

__________5.

A. reason B. self-sufficiency C. practicality D. selfless

 II. ESSAY. Answer the question in not more than twenty (20) sentences.
(5 points)

Do you agree that there should be a single concept of the self instead of having an Eastern
and Western concept? Explain your answer.

VI.UpgrAding Competence and Expanding Insights

Write an essay to explain why you prefer to be individualistic or why you prefer to be
collective.

References:

● Alata, E., Caslib, B., Serafica, J. & Pawilen, R,A. (2018). Understanding the Self (1st
edition). Sampaloc, Manila: Rex Book Store, Inc.
● Ho, David. 1995. “Self and Identity in Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and
Hinduism: Contrast this with the West.” Journal for the Theory of Social Behavior
25: 2. Accessed October 14, 2017.
http://www.iaccp.org/sites/default/files/ho_1995_0.pdf.
● Villafuerte, S., Quillope, A., Tunac, R., & Borja, E. (2018). Understanding the Self.
Quezon City: Nieme Publishing House Co.