The Self in Western and Eastern Thought

Confucianism emphasizes the importance of relationships and social roles in shaping a person's self-identity.

The Confucian concept of prioritizing social duties above personal desires, emphasizing virtues like altruism and fulfilling societal obligations.

The idea that individuals develop their sense of self through fulfilling their social roles, cultivating moral character, and achieving harmony with the natural order.

One of the Five Cardinal Relationships in Confucianism, emphasizing respect, care, and loyalty towards parents.

The belief that each member of a group shares important values and beliefs, uniting them through both success and failure.

Confucianism views individuals as interconnected parts of a larger whole, emphasizing harmonious relationships and fulfilling societal duties.

The five key relationships in Confucianism: ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother, and friends.

A cultural approach that emphasizes the needs and goals of the group over individual desires, promoting cooperation and social harmony.

The idea that a person's identity and worth are primarily defined by their own unique qualities, goals, and accomplishments. It emphasizes personal autonomy, self-expression, and individual achievement.

The idea that a person's identity and worth are closely connected to their group memberships, relationships, and roles within their community. It prioritizes group harmony and fulfilling communal expectations over individual desires.

A cultural perspective that emphasizes personal goals, independence, and self-reliance. It prioritizes individual rights, freedom of choice, and personal accomplishments over group interests.

The Western perspective on the self emphasizes individuality, freedom, choice, and independence from cultural influences. It focuses on the uniqueness of each person, egoism, and the idea of a distinct self separate from others.

Individualism is a core value in Western cultures, emphasizing personal goals, self-realization, and autonomy in decision-making. It values individual achievement and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

The Social Construction of Self refers to the idea that our sense of self is shaped by our interactions with others, our social environment, and the cultural norms and values we are exposed to.

The social construction of self is a prominent concept in Western thought, highlighting how our identities are shaped by our interactions with others, our social environment, and the cultural norms we encounter. It emphasizes the understanding that there is a complex interplay between individual agency and social influences in shaping who we are.