The Self in Western and Oriental/Eastern Thought Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards contrasting Western and Eastern perspectives on the self, covering philosophical and religious views from Ancient Greece, Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

Eastern Thought

A perspective associated with Asian countries that generally views the self through collective, relational, and spiritual frameworks.

Western Thought

A perspective originating from Europe and Northern America, heavily influenced by Ancient Greece, emphasizing individualism, rationalism, and monotheism.

Individualism

A view that the individual person is the basic unit of human life and action, where independence, self-reliance, and individual interests are primary.

Collectivism

A view that the group (family, society, nation, or class) is the primary actor in human life, requiring individuals to support group goals and maintain harmony.

Socrates' View of Self

A Western philosophical concept centered on the principle 'Know Thyself.'

Plato's Concept of the Soul

The idea that the self is composed of a tripartite soul consisting of Rational, Spirited, and Appetitive parts.

Augustine's Inner Self

A framework emphasizing inward reflection on memory, consciousness, desires, one's relationship with God, and inner experience.

Aristotle's View of Human Purpose

The view that humans are rational and social beings who fulfill their function through reason, virtue, meaningful relationships, and responsible actions.

Eudaimonia

Aristotle's concept translated as human flourishing or living well, attained by cultivating virtues like courage, honesty, compassion, responsibility, and self-control.

René Descartes' View of Self

The Western philosophical principle summarized as 'I Think, Therefore I Am.'

John Locke's Concept of Self

The idea that identity and the self are defined by consciousness and memory.

David Hume's Concept of Self

The perspective that defines the self as a 'bundle of perceptions' rather than a unified or static entity.

Western Self Characteristics

A philosophical view characterizing the self as monotheistic, individualistic, materialistic, and rationalistic.

Confucius

A Chinese philosopher (551–479 BCE) who emphasized character, social responsibilities, family values, discipline, and proper behavior.

Ren

A key value in Confucian thought meaning benevolence or humaneness.

Li

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

Xiao

A core Confucian value defined as filial respect.

Taoism

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

Wu Wei

A Taoist concept meaning 'effortless action' or 'action without forcing,' which involves acting naturally and adaptively.

Anatta / Anatman

The Buddhist doctrine of 'no self,' which states that there is no permanent, unchanging self and that identity consists of shifting processes.

Five Aggregates

The five changing processes in Buddhism that make up the perception of self: Form, Feeling, Perception, Mental formations, and Consciousness.

Dukkha

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

Nirvana

The ultimate goal in Buddhism representing a state of liberation, peace, and freedom from suffering achieved by relinquishing ego-driven attachments.

Atman

In Hinduism, the real self or innermost soul of an individual, which is eternal, imperishable, and distinct from the physical body or mind.

Brahman

In Hinduism, the universal principle and formless Ultimate Reality that is the source of all creation.

Moksha

In Hinduism, liberation achieved by realizing the complete unity of Atman (individual self) and Brahman (the Ultimate Reality).

Karma

Meaning 'action' or 'deed,' it is the universal law of cause and effect in Hinduism, where actions produce equal reactions in this life or future lives through reincarnation.

Dharma

In Hinduism, moral duty and righteousness that guides harmonious actions and leads to positive karma.