Western vs. Collectivist Views on Self

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Questions and Answers

What does René Descartes' famous statement 'Cogito, ergo sum' suggest about the self?

The self is primarily defined by its physical existence.

The self is an illusion created by perceptions.

The self is a thinking entity distinct from the body. (correct)

The self is a feeling entity distinct from thoughts.

According to Plato, which part of the soul is driven by desire and the need to satisfy oneself?

Conscious Mind

Rational Soul

Spirited Soul

Appetitive Soul (correct)

What key concept does John Locke associate with personal identity?

The mind is separate from the body in identifying oneself.

The perception of oneself evolves and is adaptable. (correct)

The rationality of thoughts defines personal identity.

The continuity of the physical body defines personal identity.

What is the central idea of David Hume's Bundle Theory of Mind?

The self is a collection of different perceptions. Signup and view all the answers

How does Western thought primarily define the self?

As independent and self-reliant Signup and view all the answers

What does Socrates emphasize through his principle 'Know thyself'?

Self-knowledge is essential for personal growth. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the interdependent self as understood in collectivist cultures?

Recognizing one’s limitations in freedom Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is typically emphasized in Western individualistic cultures?

Personal attributes and self-creation Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of introspection according to Western thought?

A search for individual purpose and meaning Signup and view all the answers

How do collectivist cultures generally view individual freedom?

As limited and often sacrificed for group benefit Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the influence of environmental factors on self-development?

Factors like culture and education are crucial. Signup and view all the answers

The concept of individualism primarily focuses on which of the following?

Valuing personal autonomy and self-reliance Signup and view all the answers

What is XIAO primarily focused on in Confucian thought?

Being good to parents Signup and view all the answers

Which concept in Confucian philosophy refers to human goodness?

REN Signup and view all the answers

What does YI represent in Confucian thought?

Rightness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions embodies the idea of LI?

Following rules of propriety Signup and view all the answers

To fully realize REN, which three aspects must one understand according to Confucian thought?

LI, XIAO, and YI Signup and view all the answers

What defines the group self or collective self in the context of Confucian thought?

Belonging to the group Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes self-concept in collectivist cultures?

Context-specific nature Signup and view all the answers

What might happen when there's a conflict between groups in theories of collectivism?

Increased tension and misunderstanding Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for performing actions according to YI?

Because they are right Signup and view all the answers

What is the correlation between adolescent girls and religious activities compared to adolescent boys?

Adolescent girls are generally more religious than adolescent boys. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ancient Filipino belief about the soul suggest?

The soul operates independently of the body. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the function of rituals?

Rituals allow communities to explore cultural values. Signup and view all the answers

What does a 'strong dungan' symbolize in Visayan culture?

The ability to dominate others intellectually and psychologically. Signup and view all the answers

What type of reality do rituals represent according to the content?

Transcendent numinous realities. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'dungan' imply in its second meaning within Visayan culture?

The idea of willpower or personal agency. Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the likelihood of college students participating in religious activities?

They show a tendency to engage in both secular and spiritual activities. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of rituals is emphasized as a form of commitment within a society?

Expressing conflicting emotions. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main functions of rituals as presented?

To establish formal social relations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of rituals?

They are informal actions based on spontaneity. Signup and view all the answers

What is digital literacy primarily defined as?

Capabilities possessed for living, learning, and working in a digital society. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the notional environment for communication over computer networks?

Cyberspace Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a reason people may engage in benign disinhibition?

To share personal feelings and secrets for a cathartic experience. Signup and view all the answers

According to research, how can online interactions impact loneliness and depression?

They may help combat loneliness and moderate negative moods. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of online disinhibition?

Lack of restraint compared to face-to-face interaction. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does benign disinhibition have on individuals with low self-esteem (LSE)?

It allows them to be more comfortable with online interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible negative outcome associated with toxic disinhibition?

Cyber bullying and electronic harassment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines benign disinhibition?

The freedom to express oneself without fear of judgment. Signup and view all the answers

What psychological benefit can arise from benign disinhibition?

It may enhance self-esteem and self-confidence. Signup and view all the answers

How does online disinhibition typically affect interpersonal behavior?

It encourages individuals to engage more openly than in person. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Western Thought on the Self

Western thought emphasizes introspection to understand the purpose of existence.
It views the self as unique, individual, and constantly evolving within a dynamic world.
The ecological self is constantly affected by biological and environmental factors like race, social status and education.

Individualistic Self

Individuals see themselves capable of independent living, making mistakes, learning from them, and making their own choices.
This self-concept values personal experiences and attributes over group belonging.
Western cultures often show a tendency towards self-inflation.
Individuals believe they are aware of both their freedom and limitations.

Collectivist Self

Collectivist thought prioritizes fulfilling group goals.
Identity is tied to group belonging, relationships and customs.
Decisions are influenced by group consensus.
Asian, African and Central South American Cultures exhibit this thinking.
Group needs often supersede individual wants.

Confucian Thought

Confucianism focuses on human beings and society's impact.
Value systems are shaped by society and communities.
Human goodness (Ren) is the defining characteristic of humanity.
Three key tenets that shape how individuals interact are Li (propriety), Xiao (filiality), and Yi (rightness).

The Group Self (Collectivism)

Collective self means belonging to the group.
Self-concept is relative, changing throughout interactions with groups.
Conflict often takes place between groups.
Relationships are central to identity.

Self and Culture

Collectionism results in varying thinking patterns, particularly in relationship concepts.
Individualist cultures value independence, achievement, and unique identities.
Collectivist cultures emphasize interdependence, duty to groups, and blending in.
Individualistic cultures often exhibit higher self-esteem while persisting more when successful.
Collectivist cultures show persistence when facing challenges.

Digital Self

Digital literacy is the ability of individuals to engage in a digital society, focusing on digital communication and capabilities.
Cyberspace is the virtual environment for communication, where digital interactions occur.
Online disinhibition refers to the relaxed behavior in virtual spaces compared to face-to-face interaction.
Toxic disinhibition involves actions online that are uncharacteristic or inappropriate.

Managing Online Disinhibition

Limit oversharing of personal information online.
Be cautious about virtual interactions, especially with people you don't know.
Reflect on potential repercussions before posting or sending messages or comments.
Recognize the online persona is separate from your real self.
Consider the privacy implications of online communication.
Avoid virtual interactions when emotional distress might affect judgment.
Look for ways to maintain boundaries between online and offline interactions.

Identity is considered fluid, multiple, and socially constructed in the modern world.
People form identities based on group membership and interactions.
Personal identity is often understood as fixed, stable and unitary in the modern world.

Gender and Sexuality Online

Gender roles and expectations can be intensified or challenged in online interactions.
The use of online spaces for expressing sexuality is more prevalent in the current generation.
Behaviours are influenced by the context of the environment, which includes the technology being used.
Gender and sexuality online can take on new meanings within virtual communities.

Spiritual Self

Spiritual identity relates to the ultimate questions about life's meaning and purpose.
Spiritual values guide behaviors in life.
Identifying meaning is a crucial part of life.
Suffering is part of life and meaning can be found in life events and circumstances.
Spiritual values affect behavior and views on meaning of life.

Responsible Parenthood

Parents' ability to adapt to the needs of their family and children.
Policies on family planning have an impact on child rearing practices.
A variety of techniques are used for birth control.

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Description

Explore the contrasting perspectives on self in Western and collectivist thought. Understand the significance of individualism as well as group identity and how cultural contexts shape our understanding of selfhood. This quiz delves into the intricate dynamics between personal autonomy and communal belonging.