Lesson 5 - The Self in Eastern and Oriental Thought

Thales' Self

Believed that the self is primarily composed of water.

Anaximander's Self

Proposed that the self has a powerful, eternal source and must have come from a rare animal.

Socrates' Self

Viewed the self as a composite of matter and reason.

Boethius' Self

Believed the self to be a substance with reasoning power and a questioning nature.

Aristotle's Self

Defined the self as a rational soul capable of feeling, sensing, thinking, and reasoning, equipped with the gift of language.

Individualistic Self

Identifies primarily with itself, prioritizing individual needs before those of the group, with independence and self reliance greatly stressed and valued.

Collectivistic Self

Views the group as the primary entity, with individuals integrated within it, where the survival and success of the group ensure the well being of the individual.

Buddhism

Teaches that there is no permanent self (or no soul), only change, and everything else is an illusion, with the ideal to experience Nirvana.

Hinduism

Its goal is for humanity to have knowledge of the true reality (Lord Brahma, the creator), with the Law of Karma being central.

Law of Karma

The belief that the Atman (the immortal soul) continues to be reincarnated until it is freed from the cycle of rebirth and reaches a state of nirvana or non birth.

Confucianism

A system of thought and behavior advocating the "Golden Rule" and the individual's mission of attaining self realization through self cultivation.

Self Cultivation

Accomplished by knowing one's role in society and acting accordingly.

Rectification of Names

The belief that a person or thing should be true to its name.

Rectification of Malfunctions

If a person fails to be true to his or her name, they have two options: change their ways or change their title.