UTS PPT Lesson 3 Self_West_East_Thoughts.pdf

Defining the Self: Personal and Developmental Perspectives on Self and Identity Quiz – 10 Points The five characteristics of the Self according to contemporary literature. What is the two faces according to Marcel Mauss. The two aspects of Self according to William James. What is our or...

Defining the Self: Personal and Developmental Perspectives on Self and Identity Quiz – 10 Points The five characteristics of the Self according to contemporary literature. What is the two faces according to Marcel Mauss. The two aspects of Self according to William James. What is our organized system or collection of knowledge about who we are. The Self in Western and Eastern Thoughts Confucianism A code of ethical conduct, how one should properly act according to their relationship with other people. Having a harmonious social life. The identity and self- concept of the individual are interwoven with the identity and status of his/her community or culture, sharing its pride as well as its failures. Self-Cultivation Self-cultivation is seen as the ultimate purpose of life. The cultivated self in Confucianism is what some scholars call a “subdued self”. Subdued self Personal needs are repressed (subdued) for the good of many. Confucianism society is hierarchal for the purpose of maintaining order and balance in society. Taoism Living in the way of the Tao or the universe. Self is part of the universe. Taoists believe in spiritual immortality, where the spirit of the body joins the universe after death. Taoism rejects the hierarchy and strictness brought by Confucianism and would prefer a simple lifestyle and its teachings thus aim to describe how to attain that life. The ideal self is selflessness. It is living a balanced life with society and nature, being open and accepting change, forgetting about prejudice and egocentric ideas and thinking about equality as well as complementary among humans as well as other beings. Buddhism Dukkha – Suffering Anicca – Impermanence The self is seen as an illusion. Self is the source of all suffering. Siddhartha Gautama Developed and taught a doctrine called Anatta Anatta Defined as “No-self” “nothing is permanent and that no one is independent entity as we are all a part of a collective whole”  Forget about the self. Forget the craving of the self. Break the attachment you have with the world. Nirvana The end of birth and rebirth cycle. Join God and merge with the atman (Pure self) in a perfect communion with divine life. For Confucianism and Taoism – Striving to become a better person, one does not create a self above other people or nature but is beneficial to his community as well as in harmony with everything else. For Buddhism – The self, with all its connections and selfish ideas, is taken not just out of the center of the picture, but from the whole picture entirely. The Self in Western and Eastern Thoughts Does not discount the role of environment and society in the formation of the self but the focus is always looking towards the self. In Eastern ideologies, we are all interconnected, while in western ideologies, the “self” is an individual entity separate from others. Western thoughts look at the world in dualities. Western – View the creator as separate from their creation. Eastern – The creations is part of the person. Americans, highlights personal achievements, while, Asians, keep a lowkey as promoting the self is seen as boastful and disrupts social relations. Western – Individualistic culture Eastern – Collective culture Westerners may seem: Loose associations or even loyalty to their group. Competition is the name of the game. Forceful in their communication. Eastern may seem: Look after the welfare of their group. Values cooperation. Compromising. Tend to go around the bush when communicating, hoping the other person would “feel” what they really want to say. Westerners emphasize more on the value of equality. Promotes the ideals that create “fair” competition and protect individuals. Eastern put more emphasize on hierarchy as the culture wants to keep things in harmony and order. Activity Reflection Draw significant person, things, and events in your life and explain their significance in your life as well as how those affected your personal development. Reference Alata, Eden Joy Pastor, Caslib, Bernardo Nicolas, Jr., Serafica, Janice Patria Javier, Pawilen, R.A. (2018). Understanding the Self. First Edition. Rex Bookstore.