The Self in the

Western and
Oriental/Eastern
Thought
Individualism is the idea that the fundamental unit of the human species that thinks, lives, and

acts toward goals is the individual. This means that we can form our own independent

judgments, act on our own thoughts, and disagree with others.

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 Individualistic Self
- can consider what is in his own best interests

- can act on his own private motivations and values

- can choose to think for himself about the conclusions that the majority of others

in a group come to, accepting or rejecting their conclusions as indicated by his

own though

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Collectivism is the idea that the fundamental unit of the human species that thinks, lives, and

acts toward goals is not the individual, but some group. A group may make its own decisions,

acts apart from the actions of individuals, and has its own interests apart from those of the

individuals that compose it.

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 Collective Self
- when the identity is in large part, a function of the membership and role in a

group, e.g., the family or work team

- considering the needs and feelings of others

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The Social Construction of the Self in Western Thought

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Western self as analytic

Real things are not only visualized but immaterial things like thoughts, ideas and memories

would be given emphasis.

Western self as monotheistic.

Monotheism can be known as the rigid consequence of the doctrine of normal human being. It is

like forcing the concentration of supernatural capabilities.

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Western self as individualistic.

The emphasis on individualism has direct and indirect effects on both the presentation of self (in

public ways) and the experience of the self (in private awareness).

Western Self as materialistic and rationalistic.

The western accentuation of rational, scientific approach to reality has tended to define spiritual

and immaterial phenomena as potentially superstitious and dangerous.

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Confucius
• Kong Zhongni was his name and known
in the west
• He was born in the period of Zhou
dynasty in the small state of Lu
• his philosophy is known as humanistic
social philosophy which focusses on
human beings and the society in general

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 Ren
- reflects the person’s own understanding of humanity

- it is found within each person and can be realized in one’s personal life and

relationship.

- guides human actions that makes life worth living which can be realized through

li, xiao, and yi

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 Li

REN

Xiao Yi

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 Li(the propriety)
- conforms to the norms of humanity, thus one must fulfill their duties and

responsibilities in this five (5) relationships: father and son, ruler and subject,

older brother

- these are the customs, ceremonies, and traditions that form the basis of Li which

persisted and is strengthened by human practice through generations

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 Xiao (the filiality)
- the virtue of reverence and respect for the family

- how the person interacts socially and the values they emulate can all be traced

back to their family environment.

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 Yi (the rightness)
- the right way of behaving which is unconditional and absolute

- Confucius emphasized that actions should be performed because they are right

and not for selfish benefits that they provide

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 Yi (the rightness)
- the right way of behaving which is unconditional and absolute

- Confucius emphasized that actions should be performed because they are right

and not for selfish benefits that they provide

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Let’s test your mastery!

Complete the table on the next slide.

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 5 Human Relationship According to Confucius
1. son
2. subject
older brother 3.
4. wife
5. friend

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 5 Human Relationship According to Confucius
1. father son
2. ruler subject
older brother 3. Younger brothers
4. husband wife
5. friend friend

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References/Sources:

Arcega, A M., Cullar, D. S., Evangelista, L. D. & Falculan, L. M. (2018). Understanding the Self. Malabon City: Mutya

Publishing House Inc.

Gazzingan, L. B. et al. (2019). Understanding the Self. Muntinlupa City: Panday-Lahi Publishing House, Inc.

Alata, E.J.P., Caslib, B.N., Serafica, J.P.J., Pawilen, R.A. (2018). Unsertanding the Self. Rex Book Store

Inc., Sta Mesa Heights, Quezon City, Philippines

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Thank you!
Compiled by:

Ms. Lhesley Anne L. Bulanier