Lesson 4 - The Self in Western and Eastern Thoughts
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Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of Western thoughts regarding the self?

  • It centers on personal attributes and achievements. (correct)
  • It encourages renouncing the self completely.
  • It emphasizes the environment's role.
  • It prioritizes the collective over the individual.
  • How do Westerners typically describe themselves compared to Asians?

  • By discussing community rather than self.
  • By emphasizing their personal achievements. (correct)
  • By focusing on their social roles.
  • By highlighting the opinions of others.
  • What defines a collectivistic culture like that of Asians?

  • Prioritizing the welfare of groups and cooperation. (correct)
  • Emphasis on individual needs and desires.
  • Encouraging competition among individuals.
  • Promoting personal achievements above all.
  • What communication style is typically associated with Western cultures?

    <p>Straightforward and forceful. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do Asians often avoid promoting the self?

    <p>It can disrupt social relationships. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Western philosophy primarily conceptualize the self in relation to society?

    <p>It focuses on individualism and personal freedom. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common characteristic of individualistic cultures, such as that of Westerners?

    <p>Loose associations with social groups. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically less emphasized in an Eastern cultural context?

    <p>Individual achievements. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately reflects Eastern philosophical views on self?

    <p>The self is integrated into the whole of society. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do Western thoughts typically view the self in relation to the world?

    <p>As distinct and separate from others. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key concept does the figure of Prometheus represent in Western thought?

    <p>The quest for individual freedom and enlightenment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following reflects a characteristic of Western individualism?

    <p>The celebration of personal rights and autonomy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'Cognito, ergo sum' signify in Western thought?

    <p>Thinking is central to the existence of the self. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which tradition has primarily reinforced the notion of individual rights in Western philosophy?

    <p>Christianity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of individuality do Westerners emphasize more compared to Asians?

    <p>Value of equality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do Asians generally view hierarchy in their culture?

    <p>As a necessary element for peace and order (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In contrast to Western philosophies, how is the concept of self viewed in Eastern thought?

    <p>As holistic and interconnected with society. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common practice regarding name usage among Westerners when addressing superiors?

    <p>Using first names casually (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common misconception about Western individualism?

    <p>It appreciates the role of community. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Buddhism conceptualize the self?

    <p>As an illusion that creates suffering. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does social media play in the perceptions between Western and Asian cultures?

    <p>Highlights and blurs cultural distinctions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the essence of the Eastern world view?

    <p>Awareness of the unity and mutual interrelation of all things. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do Eastern philosophies mainly view conflict and harmony?

    <p>Conflict is integral to understanding and achieving harmony. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Confucianism, the ethical conduct is based primarily on what?

    <p>The relationships one has with other people. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Taoism emphasize regarding the concept of Tao?

    <p>A free-flowing and relative understanding of the universe. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factors might contribute to the differences and similarities between Filipinos and their Asian neighbors?

    <p>Colonization experience and regional variations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do the concepts of yin and yang represent in Eastern philosophy?

    <p>Dynamic forces that illustrate continuous cyclic movement. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of existence does the Marxist view of history emphasize?

    <p>The dialectical interplay of opposites such as class struggle. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a defining characteristic of Eastern philosophies compared to Western philosophies?

    <p>Emphasis on harmony over conflict within existence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Western Individualism

    The Western belief that the individual is of primary importance and has unique rights and responsibilities.

    Eastern Collectivism

    The Eastern belief that the group or community is more important than the individual.

    Prometheus

    A figure in Greek mythology representing the struggle for individual freedom.

    Individual Rights

    The belief in the inherent rights and freedoms of individual people, often emphasised in Western thought.

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    Holistic

    Considering something as a whole rather than its separated parts.

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    Fragmentary

    Considering or representing something as separate and disconnected parts.

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    Cognito, ergo sum

    A Latin phrase meaning 'I think, therefore I am', which epitomizes the Western emphasis on rationality.

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    Descartes

    A philosopher who emphasized rational thought and stated 'I think, therefore I am'.

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    Western Value: Equality

    Western cultures emphasize the importance of equality, believing that everyone deserves a fair chance regardless of background or status.

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    Eastern Value: Hierarchy

    Eastern cultures often prioritize hierarchy, with a strong emphasis on respecting authority and maintaining order.

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    Western Individualism vs. Eastern Collectivism

    Western cultures tend to emphasize individual rights and freedom, while Eastern cultures often prioritize the needs of the group or community.

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    Filipino Cultural Influence

    The Philippines, with its history of colonization and diverse regions, showcases a blend of Western and Eastern influences.

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    Blurring of Cultural Perceptions

    Globalization and communication advancements can lead to a merging of Western and Eastern perspectives, but cultural differences may still remain.

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    Western Self-Focus

    Western thought prioritizes understanding the individual self, even when considering external factors like environment and society.

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    Duality in Western Thought

    Western thinking often sees things as separate and distinct, like the creator and creation, or the individual and others.

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    Eastern Self-Description

    Eastern individuals often identify with their social roles and the situations that reveal positive traits, rather than focusing on personal attributes.

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    Eastern Self-Evaluation

    Eastern cultures prioritize humility and avoid self-promotion, seeing it as disruptive to social harmony.

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    Individualistic Culture

    Western societies value individual rights, freedom, and autonomy over group needs.

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    Collectivistic Culture

    Eastern societies place a higher value on group harmony, social relationships, and collective needs over individual desires.

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    Western Communication Style

    Western communication tends to be direct, assertive, and focused on achieving goals.

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    Eastern Communication Style

    Eastern communication often emphasizes indirectness, subtlety, and harmony, hoping to convey meaning through feeling rather than explicit words.

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    Eastern Worldview Essence

    The Eastern worldview emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things. It views the world as a unified whole, with events and phenomena being manifestations of a fundamental oneness.

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    Conflict vs. Harmony

    A key difference between Western and Eastern philosophies is their focus on conflict or harmony: Western thought often portrays a struggle between opposing forces, while Eastern thought emphasizes a balance and interconnectedness.

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    Yin and Yang

    Yin and Yang represent two complementary forces, constantly interacting and balancing each other. This symbolizes the interconnected nature of the universe, with each force containing the seed of the other.

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    Confucianism: Ethical Code

    Confucianism focuses on ethical conduct and how individuals should act based on their relationships with others. It offers a framework for social harmony and right behavior.

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    Taoism: Way of the Universe

    Taoism emphasizes living in accordance with the 'Tao', which is the natural order of the universe. It embraces a fluid, interconnected, and paradoxical understanding of reality.

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    Buddhist View of Self

    Buddhism sees the self as an illusion, arising from ignorance and desires. The self is perceived as the source of suffering due to our attachment to desires and control.

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    Buddhist Suffering

    According to Buddhism, suffering originates from our clinging to the self, our desires, and our attempts to control things. By understanding the impermanence of things, we can release ourselves from suffering.

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    Self-Illusion

    Buddhism views the sense of a separate self as an illusion, a product of our attachment to desires and our perception of a fixed, unchanging identity. The self is constantly changing and flowing.

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    Study Notes

    Lesson 4 - The Self in Western and Eastern Thoughts

    • The lesson aims to differentiate the concept of self in Western and Eastern/Oriental perspectives, explain the concept of self in Asian thought, and create a representation of the Filipino self.

    Four Major Differences Between Eastern and Western Philosophies

    • Western Individualism and Eastern Collectivism: Western thought emphasizes individualism, particularly in Greco-Roman tradition, exemplified by the image of Prometheus who fought for individual freedom.
    • Western thought's focus on the individual: The Christian tradition reinforces the concept of individual rights, referencing Genesis 1:26, where God grants humans dominion over the earth.
    • Fragmentary and Holistic: Western thought, according to Fritjof Capra, is characterized by rational thought epitomized by Descartes' "Cognito, ergo sum" – I think, therefore, I exist. Eastern thought emphasizes the interconnectedness and unity of all things.
    • Conflict and Harmony: Western philosophy often depicts a conflict between opposing forces, like good and evil, God and Satan. Eastern thought, like in Taoism (yin and yang), views conflict as a dynamic balance of opposing forces.

    Eastern Thoughts of Self

    • Confucianism: This philosophy views the self through a code of ethical conduct emphasizing proper social interactions.
    • Taoism: Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with the universe, rejecting a singular definition of the Tao, emphasizing flowing, relative, and paradoxical realities.
    • Buddhism: Buddhism views the self as an illusion, stemming from ignorance, and the source of suffering. The quest is to detach from self and cravings.

    Western Thoughts of Self

    • Western perspective recognizes environment and society’s role in self-formation but always focuses on the individual.
    • Western thought sees the world in dualities, distinguishing the creator from the created.

    Differences of Western and Eastern Thoughts

    • Self Description: Westerners emphasize personal attributes, while Asians emphasize social roles and situations.
    • Self Evaluation: Westerners tend to highlight achievements, whereas Asians often prefer to keep a low profile to avoid boastfulness.
    • Culture: Western culture is individualistic, focusing on the individual; Eastern culture is collectivistic, prioritizing group and social relations.
    • Competition: Competition is central to Western thought. Eastern thought often emphasizes cooperation and harmony.

    As for the Philippines

    • Filipino experience is influenced by colonization and diverse regional variations.
    • Variations across provinces, social media, and intermarriages might blur or highlight cultural differences with Asian neighbors.
    • Understanding these diverse influences is crucial for comprehending the Filipino self.

    Hierarchy in Thoughts

    • Eastern cultures generally emphasize hierarchy and harmony.
    • Westerners often address senior figures by their first names.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the concept of self as understood in both Western and Eastern philosophies. It highlights major differences, such as individualism versus collectivism and the rational versus holistic approaches to understanding the self. Additionally, it offers insights into the Filipino self within these overarching themes.

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