SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHTS
WESTERN CONCEPT OF THE SELF
• Individualistic self that is deeply conscious of itself including its uniqueness, motivation, and free
will
EASTERN CONCEPT OF THE SELF
• In the East, philosophy and religion are twisted together, thus, the major Eastern religions such
as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism are also the common representatives of Eastern
thought.
• These four systems of Eastern thought differ in their approaches about the concept of self, they
share the same goal – to teach how to become a perfect person
HINDUISM
• Law of karma: most important doctrine which implies that individual actions will lead to either
good or bad outcomes in one’s life. The individual is the only one responsible for the consequences of
his or her actions
• Atman (Sanskrit: “self,” “breath”)
A key Hindu belief is the idea that when a person dies the atman will move on into the body of
another being.
Hindus believe that Atman (being an immortal soul), continues to be reincarnated from lifetime
to lifetime until it is free from the cycle of rebirth and reaches a state of nirvana (a place of perfect
peace and happiness).
Karma does not end with a body’s death, so its influence may extend through incarnation of the
soul. In the present lifetime, they can change what they will become in future lives
BUDDHISM
• Teachings of Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama)
- Budh meaning awake. To be awake may imply that opening the eyes 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 be a buddha, but the seed should be nurtured
• Four Noble Truths
Basic principles of Buddhism
1. Life is suffering
2. Suffering is caused by attachments to desires
3. Suffering can be eliminated
4. Elimination of suffering is through the practice of Eightfold Path
- Right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood right effort, right
mindfulness, and right concentration
CONFUCIANISM
• Regards an individual as a member of a larger whole, not as a separate being
• Ethical teachings of Confucius are based on human relationships as reflected in his concept of
Five Cardinal Relationships or Five Bonds
Between ruler (king) and subject
Between father and son
Between husband and wife
Between brothers
Between friends
NOTE: if individuals perform their respective roles, there will be harmony
• Relational self
individual identity is defined by membership in the reference group to which one belongs
Each member must possess the same qualities that the group preserves and cherishes.
Each member shares the pride that the group claims and is united in every success or failure
• Subdued self:
It is conditioned to respond to perceptions, not of its own needs and aspirations but of social
requirements and obligations.
To subdue oneself means to practise ren (human heartedness)- the hallmark of Confucian
ethics.
Ren is a Confucian virtue characterised by altruistic behaviour that must be nurtured in every
person.
It can be understood as love, benevolence, or charity.
A subdued self, therefore, is being a “person for others.”
TAOISM
• A Chinese counterculture.
• Taoists reject the Confucian idea of a relational self. To them, the self is an extension of the
cosmos, not of social relationships.
• Tao is commonly regarded as Nature that is the foundation of all that exists.
• The ideal is to identify with the Tao.
• Individuals must seek to understand and act in accordance with the natural order.
自然 (zi ran) basically describes phenomenon that happens by itself, without dependence or
reliance to anything else
• There should be unity and harmony among opposing elements of Ying and Yang.
Describing how obviously opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary,
interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they may give rise to each other as
they interrelate to one another.
DIFFERENTIATING WESTERN AND EASTERN APPROACHES
• Frame of Reference
There is a separation between philosophy and religion/ spirituality. (W)
Religion and philosophy are intertwined (E)
• Notable Philosophers
Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Locke (W)
Confucius, Lao Tzu, Buddha (E)
• Source of Knowledge
Has made use of reason rather than faith to pursue wisdom. (W)
Has trusted intuition and is often associated with religious beliefs (E)
• Ideals
Self-actualisation through personal growth. (W)
To achieve a balanced life and find one’s role in society (E)
• Cultural Framework
Individualism Collectivism
The self is a distinct and autonomous entity; it is a independent part of the universe and the society
The self is an integrated part of the universe and the society
Independence and self-reliance are core values Interdependence and connectedness are core values
Prioritize personal goals over group goals No distinctions between personal and group goals, or if
there is a distinction, the personal goals are subordinate to the group goals
Characterized by exchange relationship Characterized by communal relationship
Uniqueness, sense of direction, pursue and volition are the acknowledge features of self Conformity and
obedience are essential social behaviors
Personal success is important Duty towards all others is important
INDIVIDUALISM AND COLLECTIVISM
• Individualism
Independence and self-reliance of the individual
Emphasis on promoting the individual and the immediate family’s welfare.
Might describe themselves in terms of personality traits and characteristics (I am brave,
generous, loyal, and honest.
• Collectivism
Belongingness to larger groups or collectives.
Give more importance to loyalty to the in-group, which in turn takes care of the individual’s
welfare.
Might describe themselves in terms of social relationships and roles.
