The Western and Eastern Concepts of the Self PDF

Topic 5 The Western and Eastern Concepts of the Self - Julie Mae L. Machica, LPT. Learning Outcomes: At the end of the topic, you are able to: 1. Understand the Western concept of the self. 2. Enumerate and discuss the different Eastern conceptions of self. 3. Compare Eastern and West...

Topic 5 The Western and Eastern Concepts of the Self - Julie Mae L. Machica, LPT. Learning Outcomes: At the end of the topic, you are able to: 1. Understand the Western concept of the self. 2. Enumerate and discuss the different Eastern conceptions of self. 3. Compare Eastern and Wester views of the self, and; 4. Examine your own Western Thoughts  The Western thoughts conducted scientific investigations in the effort to understand the self and have developed theories and concepts to account for the similarities and differences among them.  They emphasized the importance of scientific methods of investigation to provide satisfactory answers to understanding the self. Eastern Thoughts Many movements of Eastern thoughts raise questions about the ultimate meaning of human life and have developed theories of self in so far as they have investigated what it means to be human being. Eastern thoughts aim at transformations in consciousness, feelings, Eastern Thoughts In the Eastern thought, the emphasis is relational rather than individual. The self is considered not in isolation but in relation to others, society and the universe. Eastern theories are highly practical. They offer a variety of technqiues for cultivating a deeper understanding of the Models and Approaches of Understanding the Self Dimension Western Thought Eastern Thought Frame of Reference There is a Religion and separation between Philosophy are philosophy and intertwined religions/spirituality Example of School Scholasticism, Hinduism, of thought/Belief Rationalism, Buddhism, Taoism, System Empiricism, Confucianism Phenomenology Notable Philosopher Socrates, Plato, Confucious, Lao Aristotle, Rene Tzu, Siddharta Descartes, John Gautama (Buddha) Models and Approaches of Understanding the Self Dimensio Western Thought Eastern Thought n Cultural  The self is a distinct and  The self is an integrated Framework autonomous identity; it is an part of the universe and the independent part of the society. universe and society.  Interdependence and  Independence and self- connectedness are the core reliance are core values. values.  Personal goals over group  No distinction between goals personal and group goals;  Characterized by exchanged the personal goals are relationship subordinate to the group  Uniqueness, sense of goals. direction, and purpose are  Characterized by communal the acknowledged features relationships of self  Conformity and obedience  Personal success is are essential social  Buddhism  Siddharta Gauma known as Buddha is the founder of Buddhism.  The root word of Buddhism is “budh” meaning awake.  To be awake may imply that when the eyes are open, it would lead to understanding more about the self and the world.  According to the teachings of Buddhism, every person has the seed of enlightenment, hence, potential to In Buddhist philosophy, man is just a title for the summation of the five parts (matter, sensation, perception, mental constructs and consciousness) that compose the individual, however each of the parts distinctly is not a man. There is no self (or no-soul) There is only nothing and all else is an illusion. There is nothing permanent, but In Buddhism, annica (impermanence) means that everything in life is always changing, that nothing lasts forever. The ignorance of the impermanence of everything may lead to an illusion of selfhood. The ideal is to experience Nirvana, a state of transcendence devoid of self-reference. This state of transcendence can be achieved through meditation.  Hinduism The goal of man is to have a knowledge of the true reality - Bhraman. Law of karma is the most important doctrine of Hinduism All actions are subject to karma. Individual actions will lead to either Hindus believe that Atman being an immortal soul continous to be reincarnated from lifetime to lifetime until it is freed from the cycle of rebirth and reach a state of nirvana or non-birth. Karma does not end with a body’s death, so its influence may extend through incarnation of the soul. Confucianism The core of Confucian thought is the Golden Rule or the principle of reciprocity: “Do not do to others what you would not do want others to do to you”. Another important feature in Confucian thought is the individual’s greatest mission of Self-cultivation could be accomplished by knowing one’s role in the society and act accordingly. Moral character is perfected through continuously taking every opportunity to improve oneself in thought and action.  Taoism The perfect man has no self. The selfless person leads t a balanced life, in harmony with both nature and society. Taoists believe that simplicity, spontaneity, and harmony with nature should govern one’s life. There should be unity among opposing elements: The Yin Thank You!