Lesson 4: The Self in Western and Eastern Thought

Overview of Self in Different Cultures

• Perceptions of the "self" vary greatly between cultures, particularly in the Eastern and Western dichotomy.
• "Eastern" refers to Asian cultures while "Western" encompasses Europe and North America.
• Cultural and political contexts influence these distinctions, leading to diverse interpretations even within a single country like the Philippines.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

• Differentiate Eastern vs. Western concepts of the self.
• Discuss the impacts of cultural perspectives on individual identities.
• Understand the influences of Hinduism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism on the Eastern view of self.

Key Terms

• Individualistic Culture: Prioritizes the individual over the group, emphasizing personal goals and independence.
• Dualistic vs. Non-Dualistic: Dualism reflects separateness; non-dualism signifies interconnectedness and unity.
• Collectivist Culture: Focuses on group needs and goals over individual desires.

The Concept of Self in Eastern Thought

• Influenced by religious beliefs and philosophies such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

Confucianism

• Founded by Kung Fu Zi (Confucius) emphasizes harmonious social life through proper behavior.
• The self is intertwined with community identity; self-cultivation is a life goal.
• Characterized as a "subdued self," where personal needs are minimized for societal benefit.

Taoism

• Offers a paradoxical view, promoting a selfless lifestyle without neglecting self-awareness.
• Advocates balance with society and nature, encouraging spontaneity through harmony rather than rigid rules.

Buddhism

• Views the self as an illusion tied to suffering from attachments and desires.
• Promotes renunciation of worldly cravings to achieve Nirvana—freedom from suffering and realization of true self.

The Concept of Self in Western Thought

• Characterized as a social construct emphasizing individualism, self-sufficiency, and rationality.

Individualistic Self

• Emphasizes personal achievement and independence from others.
• Success is measured by individual goal fulfillment; autonomy is a key characteristic.

Concept of Self-Sufficiency

• Highlights the necessity for individuals to provide for their own needs without external aid.
• Requires confidence and resourcefulness, along with a drive to establish authority and knowledge.

Self Being Rational

• Prioritizes logical reasoning over emotional sensitivity; emotions are seen as weaknesses.
• Success is grounded in rational decision-making, where illogical ideas are often dismissed.

Summary of Differences between Eastern and Western Concepts of Self

• Eastern thought promotes social harmony and communal interdependence through philosophical frameworks, while Western thought centers on independence and self-actualization.
• In Eastern philosophies, self-identity is rooted in community and relationships, contrasting with the Western focus on individual achievement and rationality.

Comparison between Individualistic and Collective Self

• Individualism

  • Emphasizes personal goals and achievements.
  • Values independence; reliance on others is often viewed negatively.

• Collectivism

  • Prioritizes collective rights and communal well-being.
  • Encourages cooperation, emphasizing unity and support within communities.

Explore the contrasting perceptions of the 'self' in Western and Eastern philosophies. This quiz delves into cultural distinctions, emphasizing the dichotomy between Eastern and Western thought processes. Understand how different environments shape individual identities across cultures.