The Self in Western & Eastern Thoughts

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Questions and Answers

What is primarily emphasized in individualistic thought?

Collective wisdom

Personal achievements (correct)

Group harmony

Interdependence

How does collectivist thinking view the self?

As primarily concerned with personal satisfaction

As interdependent within a social context (correct)

As a separate entity from others

As defined by individual preferences

Which aspect is NOT associated with individualistic cultures?

Recognition of individual differences

Emphasis on autonomy

Focus on group identity (correct)

Valuing personal freedom

What is a common trait of collectivist cultures?

Prioritization of fitting in Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best contrasts individualistic and collectivist views?

Individualists see self-fulfillment in autonomy while collectivists derive it from social groups. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the view of identity in the Western context?

Autonomy and personal achievements are central to self-identity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Eastern thought regarding self-perception?

Focus on social roles and group belonging. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do individualists typically define personal success?

By independent accomplishments and autonomy Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of loob emphasize in the Filipino holistic worldview?

Interconnectedness of the self with others Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is NOT associated with the notion of human heartedness in Filipino culture?

Individual independence Signup and view all the answers

How does the Western perspective view the self, in contrast to the Filipino holistic worldview?

As a compartmentalized entity Signup and view all the answers

What role does sensitivity play in Filipino relationships according to the concept of loob?

It fosters harmonious relationships Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Western viewpoint, what is often emphasized over the collective self?

Internal attributes such as ability and personality Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is attributed to the Filipino view of the self?

Relational dependency with others Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'kalooban' reflect in Filipino philosophy?

Interiority and shared values Signup and view all the answers

What commonality exists between Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism regarding the self?

The self is acknowledged as a social and moral being. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of Western philosophies regarding individualism?

Focus on the ‘I’ as an independent part of the universe Signup and view all the answers

How do Eastern philosophies typically view the connection between individuals and the universe?

As integral parts of a cosmic unity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the approach of Western philosophies to truth?

Truth must be proven and measured through research and analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of life’s journey according to Eastern philosophies?

A journey towards cyclical and eternal realities Signup and view all the answers

What does Taoism consider as the central idea guiding its philosophy?

Tao or the Way of nature Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of ‘Me’ represent in Western philosophies?

A part of the Divine that does not need to be realized Signup and view all the answers

According to the content provided, how is action perceived differently in Eastern philosophies?

As an extension of the mind Signup and view all the answers

In Taoism and Buddhism, how is the self primarily viewed?

As an illusory concept Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the self's attachment to the material world according to the content?

It causes suffering (samsara) Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of PAGKATAO highlight about being Filipino?

Being Filipino is a universal human experience shared with others Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of Eastern philosophies regarding the nature of truth?

Truth is seen as absolute and does not require proof Signup and view all the answers

Which aggregate is NOT part of the self as described in the content?

Wisdom Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a ruler to have virtuous subjects according to Confucianism?

Virtuous governance Signup and view all the answers

Which quality must a noble man possess according to the content?

All virtues Signup and view all the answers

How do Taoism and Confucianism differ in their views on achieving oneness with nature?

Confucianism emphasizes moral behavior, while Taoism focuses on inner harmony. Signup and view all the answers

What mentality does attachment to the material world foster according to the content?

Selfish desire Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of the self according to the content?

To attain enlightenment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the three great virtues mentioned?

Egotism Signup and view all the answers

What should the self practice to eliminate ignorance and attain enlightenment?

The eightfold path Signup and view all the answers

How is the self related to nature according to the content?

The self must harmonize with nature Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as a major cause of suffering in the content?

Craving for self-identity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'WU-WIE' as mentioned in the content?

Non-interference with nature Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the self and Brahma?

The self becomes one with Brahma Signup and view all the answers

What does Confucius advocate regarding the self and nature?

To create active participation in nature Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Western and Eastern Worlds

The Western world consists of countries in Europe and North America.
The Eastern world comprises nations in Asia.
Cultural differences between East and West encompass beliefs, values, and ways of living, not just geographical separation.

Individualistic vs. Collectivist Thoughts

Individualistic (Western) perspective views the self as separate and autonomous.
Individualists emphasize unique inner attributes and personal achievements when discussing themselves.
Collectivist (Eastern) philosophy sees all things as interdependent, emphasizing unity and mutual relations.
Identity in collectivist cultures is often ascribed through social roles and group memberships.

Characteristics of Individualistic Thought

Highlights individual differences and autonomy; individuals are self-made.
Success and happiness are generally seen as independent of societal influences.
Employs a fragmentary worldview, focusing on discrete aspects of life rather than the whole.

Characteristics of Collectivist Thought

Values group harmony, cohesion, and belonging over individual success.
Relationships in collectivist cultures are pivotal in defining the self.
Emphasizes interconnectedness of all events and systems in the universe.

Western Thought Traditions

Emphasizes outer-world dependency, encouraging research and analysis for self-understanding.
Relies heavily on science and measurable evidence to determine truth.
Views life as a linear journey with distinct beginnings and ends.
Conceives the self as an integral part of the Divine, with the "true me" being inherent and not necessarily recognized.

Eastern Thought Traditions

Focuses on inner-world dependency, prioritizing meditation and moral living for self-awareness.
Considers truth as inherent and does not require validation through evidence.
Perceives life as cyclical, revolving around concepts like reincarnation and eternal recurrence.
The self is connected to a cosmic unity, with an emphasis on liberating oneself from material attachments.

Filipino Concepts of Self

Filipino self-concept includes "Pagkatao" (humanity) and "loob" (inner self).
Interiority focuses on values like compassion and mercy, emphasizing holistic understanding.
The Filipino worldview sees life as continuous and interconnected without strict compartmentalization.

Construction of Self in Western Perspective

Western worldview values the individual components over the whole, leading to compartmentalized views of existence and identity.
The self is defined by internal attributes like ability, intelligence, and rights, often prioritizing individual freedom and autonomy.

Insights from Major Philosophies

Hinduism: The self (Atman) is part of an ultimate reality (Brahman) and seeks liberation from worldly illusions and suffering through self-realization.
Buddhism: The doctrine of "non-self" suggests that the self is transient and an illusion; enlightenment is achieved by relinquishing attachment and ignorance.
Confucianism: The self is viewed as a moral being whose development is interconnected with social virtues and good governance, emphasizing proper relationships.
Taoism: Advocates harmony with nature, where the self is merely a part of the broader universe, urging a spontaneous alignment with the laws of nature.

Common Themes Across Traditions

Both Eastern and Western philosophies grapple with the idea of the self's connection to greater reality, whether divine or universal.
The understanding of self varies significantly with cultural context, reflecting deeper societal values and beliefs on individualism and collectivism.

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Description

Explore the fundamental differences between Western and Eastern philosophical concepts of the self. This quiz will assess your understanding of cultural beliefs, values, and modes of thinking across these two distinct worldviews. Delve into the thoughts of key figures and their impact on perceptions of identity.