Lesson 4: The Self in Western and Eastern Thought
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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic of individualistic cultures?

  • Emphasis on group goals
  • Strong communal bonds
  • Prioritization of individual rights (correct)
  • Collective decision-making

    • How does Eastern thought generally define the 'self'?

  • Through a dualistic approach
  • As an independent entity
  • Based solely on personal achievements
  • In relation to community and culture (correct)

    • Which of the following philosophies is NOT associated with Eastern concepts of 'self'?

  • Confucianism
  • Rationalism (correct)
  • Buddhism
  • Taoism

    • What is a key feature of collectivist cultures?

    <p>Prioritization of group needs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Confucianism, how is a person's identity viewed?

    <p>Interconnected with community and culture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does dualism in Eastern thought typically refer to?

    <p>The experience of separateness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes non-dualism?

    <p>The experience of interconnectedness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor greatly influences the concept of 'self' in Eastern thought?

    <p>Religious beliefs and political philosophies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ultimate purpose of life according to Confucianism?

    <p>Self-cultivation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Taoism, which of the following best describes the ideal concept of the 'self'?

    <p>Selflessness while acknowledging one's existence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Buddhism, what is the relationship between the self and suffering?

    <p>The self is an illusion and the cause of suffering</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic defines the 'individualistic self' in Western thought?

    <p>Autonomous and independent entity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Confucianism imply about personal needs in relation to social relationships?

    <p>Personal needs should be subdued for the good of many</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the Taoist approach to life?

    <p>Living spontaneously in harmony with nature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Buddhism, what is considered the way to attain Nirvana?

    <p>Renouncing the self and its cravings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the concept of self-sufficiency imply in Western thought?

    <p>Independence in fulfilling personal tasks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of individualism?

    <p>The rights and goals of the individual</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a collectivist society, how are individuals encouraged to act?

    <p>By contributing to the well-being of the community</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the individualistic perspective on community help?

    <p>Relying on others is often viewed as shameful</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do rules typically promote in a collectivist culture?

    <p>Unity and cooperation among community members</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the concept of identity viewed in an individualistic society?

    <p>Based on personal achievements and self-definition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common characteristic of collectivist societies regarding individual rights?

    <p>Considering family and community rights as paramount</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What encourages cooperation in collectivist communities?

    <p>Shared responsibilities and support</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does self-sufficiency imply about the self's capabilities?

    <p>The self has confidence in their ability to provide for their needs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Western thought, how is the 'self' primarily characterized?

    <p>As an autonomous individual capable of achieving goals independently.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What idea does individualism reject regarding relationships within a community?

    <p>Relationships with others can often limit personal freedom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do Eastern concepts of self, such as in Confucianism, differ from Western concepts?

    <p>Eastern concepts prioritize harmonious relationships over personal achievement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the view of self in Buddhism according to the content?

    <p>The self is considered an illusion and should detach from earthly desires.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the successful self in Western philosophy?

    <p>Reliance on emotional instincts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a core difference between Eastern and Western views on the self regarding autonomy?

    <p>Eastern self emphasizes social interdependence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best defines the Western perspective on emotions?

    <p>Emotions should be minimized in favor of rationality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it significant for the self to establish one's power and accumulate knowledge?

    <p>To ensure self-sufficiency and independence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary view of material desires in Buddhism?

    <p>They result in disappointment and suffering.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the 'self being rational' concept, what should a person prioritize when making decisions?

    <p>Reason and logic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Taoism, how is the self characterized in relation to others?

    <p>As selfless while still promoting love for oneself.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the concept of self-sufficiency imply about an individual?

    <p>They can fulfill their needs independently.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do Eastern philosophies generally differ from Western philosophies regarding the self?

    <p>They emphasize the collective dimension of the self.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is seen as a flaw in the 'self being rational' perspective?

    <p>Overemphasis on emotional responses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect is crucial for a self-sufficient individual according to the presented concepts?

    <p>Finding ways to obtain necessary resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main goal of letting go of desires in Buddhism?

    <p>To attain a true version of the self.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    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.

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    Description

    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.

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