The Self in Western and Oriental/Eastern Thought

A comprehensive collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, philosophers, and values across Western thought and Eastern/Oriental philosophies (Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism).

Individualism

The view that the individual person is the basic unit of human life and action, where each person has the ability to think, make decisions, pursue goals, and take responsibility for their actions.

Individualistic Self

A concept of self where an individual identifies primarily with the self, prioritizes individual needs over group needs, and highly values independence and self-reliance.

Collectivism

A perspective that views the group (family, society, nation, or class) as the primary actor in human life, where personal interests often give way to collective needs.

Collective Self

A concept of self where harmony and interdependence among group members are stressed, and individuals are expected to follow community traditions, rules, and goals.

Socrates

An Ancient Greek philosopher associated with the fundamental self-reflection instruction: 'Know Thyself'.

Plato's Concept of the Soul

The perspective that the self is a soul composed of three parts: Rational, Spirited, and Appetitive.

St. Augustine's Inner Self

The view of the self that emphasizes looking inward to explore memory, consciousness, desires, relationship with God, and inner experience.

Aristotle's Concept of Self

The view that human beings are rational and social beings with a purpose fulfilled through reason, virtue, meaningful relationships, and responsible actions.

Eudaimonia

Aristotle's concept translated as human flourishing or living well, achieved by developing virtues such as courage, honesty, compassion, responsibility, and self-control.

René Descartes

A Western philosopher famous for defining the self through the statement: 'I Think, Therefore I Am'.

John Locke's View of Self

The Western philosophical concept defining the self in terms of consciousness and memory.

David Hume's View of Self

The Western philosophical concept that defines the self as a bundle of perceptions.

Monotheism

The belief in one God, which shapes the traditional Western understanding of the self.

Confucius (551–479BCE)

A Chinese philosopher and teacher who emphasized good character, respect for others, family values, discipline, and proper behavior.

Ren

A fundamental value in Confucian thought referring to benevolence or humaneness.

Li

A fundamental value in Confucian thought referring to appropriate conduct and social propriety.

Xiao

A fundamental value in Confucian thought referring to filial respect.

Taoism

An Eastern philosophy focused on aligning oneself with the Tao (the Way), emphasizing balance, simplicity, flexibility, acceptance of change, and harmony with nature.

Wu Wei

A Taoist principle translated as 'effortless action' or 'action without forcing', which involves acting naturally, appropriately, and without unnecessary force.

Siddharta Gautama

The Buddha, upon whose teachings Buddhism is founded.

Anatta / Anatman

The Buddhist doctrine of 'no permanent, unchanging self,' which teaches that what is called the self is made of constantly changing processes.

Five Aggregates

The five changing processes in Buddhism that constitute the illusion of self: Form (physical body), Feeling, Perception, Mental formations, and Consciousness.

Dukkha

The Buddhist term for suffering, caused by clinging to a false sense of self and craving impermanent things.

Nirvana

The ultimate goal in Buddhism, defined as a state of liberation, peace, and freedom from suffering achieved by letting go of ego-driven attachments.

Atman

In Hinduism, the 'real self' or self-soul of an individual, considered eternal, imperishable, and the innermost essence of the soul beyond time.

Brahman

In Hinduism, the Ultimate Reality, universal principle, and formless, infinite reality behind everything and source of all creation.

Moksha

The liberation in Hinduism achieved upon realizing the complete unity between Atman (the true self) and Brahman (the Ultimate Reality).

Karma

In Hinduism, the universal law of cause and effect ('action' or 'deed') where every action yields an equal reaction in this life or future lives through reincarnation.

Dharma

Moral duty and righteousness in Hinduism; acting in harmony with dharma produces good karma.