Eastern & Western Perspectives PDF

Eastern & Western Perspectives  1. Do you agree with the differentiation between the West and the East?> Why or why not? 2. Where can you find the Philippines in the Questions to distinction? Why? 3. What factors make the Philipp...

Eastern & Western Perspectives  1. Do you agree with the differentiation between the West and the East?> Why or why not? 2. Where can you find the Philippines in the Questions to distinction? Why? 3. What factors make the Philippines similar or Ponder different from its Asian neighbors? 4. Is there also a difference between regions or ethnolinguistic in the Philippines? Why? Western Thoughts conducted scientific investigation to understand the self; have developed theories and differences among them emphasize the importance of scientific methods to provide satisfactory answers to understanding the self empahasize individualism rather than relational Eastern Thoughts raise questions about the ultimate meaning of life developed theories of self as they have investigated what it means to be a human being Eastern Thoughts aim at transformations in four (4) sections: 1. Consciousness 2. Emotions 3. Feelings 4. One’s relationship with other people and the world  Eastern Thoughts ~the emphasis is relational rather than individual ~ self is considered not in isolation but in relation to others, society and the universe ~eastern theories are highly practical ~they do not utilize the scientific techniques of investigation ~they offer a variety of techniques for cultivating a deeper understanding of the self A closer look at different Eastern Thoughts 1. Buddhism 2. Hinduism 3. Confucianism 4. Taoism Buddhism ~ comes the root word ‘budh’ meaning awake ~ it means that when the eyes are open, it will lead to understanding the self Buddhism ~Siddharta Gautama, known as Budda, is the founder of Buddhism ~according to the teachings of Buddhism, we have a seed of enlightenment Five (5) parts that compose the individual 1. Matter 2. Sensation 3. Perception 4. Mental Constructs 5. Consciousness Buddhism ~there is no self (no soul) ~there is only nothing and all else is an illusion ~there is nothing permanent but change “annica” ~literally means impermanence ~means that everything in life is always changing, that nothing lasts forever ~the ideal is to experience Nirvana ~the state of transcendence devoid of self-reference ~this state of transcendence can be achieved through meditation Hinduism ~ religion of an ancient people known as the Aryans “The goal of man is to have knowledge of the true reality.” ~Brahman ~law of karma is the most important doctrine of Hinduism Hindus believe in Atman being an immortal soul continues to be reincarnated from lifetime to lifetime until it is freed from the the cycle of rebirth and reaches a state of nirvana or non-birth. Karma does not end with a body’s death, its influence extend through incarnation of the soul. Confucianism ~ the system of thought originates in ancient China “ Do not do others what you would not want others to do to you.” ~ Golden rule Another important feature in Confucian thought is the individual’s greatest mission of attaining self-realization wherein self- cultivation is instrumental... ~Self-cultivation can be accomplished by knowing one’s role in society and acting accordingly. Moral character is perfected through continuously taking every opportunity to improve oneself in thought and action  Taoism Chinese philosophy attributed to Lao Tzu Taoism The self is an extension of the cosmos, not of social relationships.. The self is described as one of the limitless forms of the Tao. The Tao is commonly regarded as a nature that is the foundation of all that exists. The perfect man has no self, and the selfless person leads to a balanced life, in harmony with both nature and society.  Western vs Eastern Thoughts Dimension Western Thoughts Eastern Thoughts There is a separation Religon and philosophy are Frame of reference between philosophy and intertwined religion/spirituality. Scholasticism Hinduism Examples of School of Rationalism Buddhism Thought/Belief System Empiricism Confucianism Phenomenology Taoism Has made use of reason Has trusted intuition and is Source of knowledge rather than faith to pursue often associated iwth wisdom religious beliefs.  Western vs Eastern Thoughts Dimension Western Thoughts Eastern Thoughts Socrates Plato Siddharta Gautama (Buddha) Notable philosophers Aristotle Confucious Rene Descartes Lao Tzu John Locke Modes of Cognition Analytic and deductive Synthetic and inductive Empahsis Distinction and opposition Commonalities and harmony View of Self Egocentric Sociocentric  Western vs Eastern Thoughts Dimension Western Thoughts Eastern Thoughts View of the Universe and Life Linear Circular Theological View Montheistic Polytheistic Self-actualization through To achieve a balanced life Ideal personal growth and find one’s role in society Cultural framework Individualism Collectivism `End ~