WEEK 5: THE SELF IN THE WESTERN AND ORIENTAL/EASTERN THOUGHT

Western vs. Eastern Thought

A distinction in cultural perceptions of the self, where Western (Europe, North America) and Eastern (Asia) cultures differ due to environment and traditions.

Individualistic Self (Individualism)

The idea that the individual is the fundamental unit of human life, capable of independent judgment, self-reliance, and pursuing personal goals before group needs.

Characteristics of Individualism

Independence, self-sufficiency, personal choice, distancing from groups, optional group membership, and emphasis on private motivations and values.

Western Cultures

Known to favor individualism, where identity and success are based more on personal achievements than group belonging.

Collective Self (Collectivism)

The idea that the fundamental unit of human life is not the individual but the group (e.g., family, community, class, nation, or humanity as a whole).

Group as Super-Organism

The belief that the group has its own decisions, actions, and interests separate from the individuals who make it up.

Analogy of Ant Colony

Individuals under collectivism are like ants serving the hive; acting against group interests is seen as malfunctioning and threatening survival.

Characteristics of Collectivism

Identity is rooted in group membership, well-being is tied to group success, harmony and interdependence are emphasized, group members are close with each other but distant from outsiders.

Collectivist Cultures

Often associated with women, rural communities, and Asian countries.

Western Thought on the Self

Rooted in ideas from Greek, French, and English philosophers, emphasizing subjectivity, cognition, and autonomy.

Socrates and Plato

Early Greek philosophers who influenced Western ideas of the self.

René Descartes

17th-century philosopher who claimed "I think, therefore I am," emphasizing thought as proof of self-existence.

Immanuel Kant

Philosopher who argued that the self is an autonomous agent entitled to rights through its capacity for action.

Western Self as Analytic

A mode of thinking that divides objects into smaller parts and emphasizes both material and immaterial things such as ideas, thoughts, and memories.

Western Self as Monotheistic

A self shaped by monotheistic traditions, emphasizing concentration of higher or supernatural capabilities in a singular form.

Western Self as Individualistic

Emphasizes independence and personal identity, influencing both public presentation of self and private self-awareness.

Western Self as Materialistic and Rationalistic

Defines reality through rational, scientific approaches; often views spiritual or immaterial phenomena as superstitious or dangerous, structuring belief systems into hierarchical, causal models.

Confucius

A Chinese philosopher (551 BCE, Zhou Dynasty) known for a humanistic social philosophy focusing on human beings and society.

Confucianism

A philosophy centered on ren (humanity), expressed through li (propriety), xiao (filiality), and yi (rightness).

Ren (Humanity)

The person's understanding of humanity, found within each individual, realized through relationships and guiding actions that make life worth living.

Li (Propriety)

Customs, ceremonies, and traditions that guide human action; emphasizes self-mastery, self-control, and fulfilling duties in the five key relationships: father-son, ruler-subject, older-younger brothers, husband-wife, and friend-friend.

Xiao (Filiality)

Reverence and respect for parents and family; demonstrated by self-care, bringing honor to the family, and not bringing disgrace; family relationships form the basis of one's moral and social virtues.

Yi (Rightness)

The absolute way of behaving rightly, where actions are performed because they are right, not for selfish gain.