The Self in Western

and Eastern Thoughts

 Lesson Objectives:
a.Differentiate the concept of self
according to Western thought against
Eastern/Oriental perspectives;
b.Explain the concept of self as found in
Asian thoughts; and
c.Create a representation of the Filipino
Self.
Religious beliefs and political philosophies:
1. CONFUCIANISM
- can be seen as a code of ethical conduct,
how one should properly act according to their
relationship with others.
- focused on having harmonious life.
- Identity and Self-concept are interwoven
with the identity and status with his/her
community or culture.
- "subdued self"
- Self-cultivation - a characteristic of chun-tzu,
2. TAOISM
- living in the way of a Tao, or the universe.
- a free-flowing, relative, unitary, as well as
paradoxical view of almost everything.
- prefer a simple lifestyle and its teachings
thus aim to describe how to attain that life.
- Self, is a part of a universe which is the
forms and manifestations of the Tao.
- self is living a balanced-life with society and
nature.
3. BUDDHISM
- self is seen as an illusion, born out of
ignorance, of trying to hold and control things,
or human-centered needs.
- self is also the source of all these sufferings.
- our quest to forget about the self, forget the
cravings about the self, break the attachments
with the world and to renounce the self which is
the cause of all suffering and in doing so, attain
the state of Nirvana.
 Western-Eastern perspective
WESTERN PERSPECTIVES EASTERN PERSPECTIVES
 The formation of the self  The formation of the self
focused on looking toward focused on the self that is
the self. beneficial to his community
 Looks at the world in as well as in order and
dualities wherein you are harmony.
distinct fron the other  Sees the other person as
person. part of your self as well as
 Highlight their personal the things you may create.
achievements in evaluation  Keep a low profile in
of their self. evaluation of their self.
 Western Perspective
 Individualistic culture since
their focus is on the person.
 Competition is the name of
the game.
 Emphasize more on the
value of equality.
 Call their seniors by their
first names.
Eastern Perspective
 Collectivistic Culture since
their focus is on the group
and social relations.
 Look after the welfare of
their groups and values
cooperation.
 Emphasize more on
hierarchy as the culture
wants to keep things in
harmony and order.
 We have respectful terms
on our seniors.