UTS 5TH PPT

EASTERN AND WESTERN PERSPECTIVES

Why Do Views of the Self Differ?

-Different cultures and environments shape different perceptions of the self.

-The common distinction is Eastern (Asia) vs. Western (Europe & Northern America), although this is a broad and historically/politically shaped distinction.

-While countries who are geographically closer to each other may share commonalities, there are also a lot of factors that create differences.

-Even within the Philippines, regions and ethnolinguistic groups may have similarities and differences.

Eastern and Western Self

Western thought

-multitude of definitions of the self; emphasis on individuality.

Eastern thought

-self is rather an illusion, often emphasizes the relational, collective, spiritual, or non-self dimensions.

While there is an evident contrast between individualistic and collective conceptions, the integration of different traditions is encouraged

Individualistic vs. Collective Self

-The concept of the psyche is a western model of the soul.

-Western traditions are always preoccupied by the duality of the body and soul.

Western View: Body, Soul, and Self

Plato

-the soul belongs to the world of ideas, while the body belongs to the sensible or material world.

Aristotle

-hylemorphic theory human persons are composed of matter (body) and form (soul).

Descartes

-body gathers sensory information; reason processes experience. Не associated the body-soul connection with the pineal gland

Western Self: The Pursuit of Perfection

-The Western concept emphasizes the individuality of the psyche.

-The individual self struggles to reconcile the ideal/perfect soul with the limited or sinful body which supports a lifelong pursuit of self-perfection.

Western Self: The Pursuit of Perfection

-When the self did not have the opportunity to die a good and happy life, the self becomes a waste as it did not live the ideals of the soul.

-The lone purpose of the self, is to live according to the ideals of the soul.

-To live a perfected life called Arete or ultimate goodness, perfection, and excellence

Eastern Perspectives on the Self

-Although self in eastern perspective also wants to attain perfection in meditation & enlightenment, there has never been an issue of dualism.

-Indian philosophy: Atman is considered as the seat of consciousness and continues beyond dependence on the body.

-Buddhism: the self is viewed through the idea of non-self and the transformation/evolution of inner consciousness.

Confucian Philosophy

-Confucian philosophy from China emphasizes the relational and social understanding of the self.

-Individual and social selves can be deeply connected rather than completely separate.

-Scholars read Confucius' philosophy in two ways.

Confucian Philosophy

- One interpretation says that the ideal- thus moral-self is always able to forego individual interest to prioritize social interest. In a way, the self is the ideal of a selfless person who is willing to forget about his self-interest in favor of the interest of the community.

-The second interpretation asserts that the individual self and the social are not mutually exclusive but are metaphysically and profoundly related

Middle Eastern traditions

-Middle Eastern traditions are also very much associated with communal self.

-Judaeo-Christian philosophies which put emphasis on the unity of a nation- the chosen people of God (Exodus 19:5). The biblical prophets would always find themselves reminding the people, as community of believers, to be faithful to the loving compassion of God.

-Prophet Mohammad of Islamic traditions highlights the oneness of Allah and the inclusively of Islam as a religion. Islamic ethics, in the words of Mohammad asserts that "[m]y community will never agree to an error" (Esposito, 2005).

-Both traditions stress the importance of the community over the self. The eastern philosophy therefore, is more attuned to the collective dimension of the self.

Individualistic vs. Collective Self

Features of Individualism

-"I" identity

-Promotes individual goals, initiative and achievement

-Individual rights are seen as being the most important.

-Relying or being dependent on others is frequently seen as shameful

-People are encouraged to do things on their own; to rely on themselves & strive for their own success

Features of Collectivism

-Each person is encouraged to be an active player in society, to do what is best for society as a whole rather than themselves.

-The rights of families, communities, and the collective supersede those of the individual.

-Rules promote unity, brotherhood, and selflessness.

-Working with others and cooperating is the norm; everyone supports each other.

-As a community, family or nation more than as an individual.

Social Construction of the Self in Western Thought

-Social construction - is a shared assumption or perception of the people in society.

-Individualistic self - autonomous & independent, success is fulfilling goals set for oneself.

-Self-sufficiency - implies authority, successful self is expected to meet needs without external assistance.

-Rational self - no time for self to be weak and emotional; successful self is grounded on one's investment on reason and logical thinking.

Confucian Spiritual & Social Development

-Confucius or Kung Fu Zi emphasized social order, harmony, & primacy of society over individual person.

-Junzi: the refined and compassionate person formed through proper education, ancient virtues, manners, and wise leadership.

-Li: originally means sacrifice, includes refined manners, rituals, & protocols that restrain & refine self.

-Ren: compassion or human-heartedness-putting concern for others before self-interest.

Western vs Eastern

Western

-Individualistic

-self-reliant

-Autonomous

-Rational

-personal achievement

Eastern

-collective/relational

-community-oriented

-spiritually connected

-cooperation

-social harmony

The Filipino Self

-It is essential not to treat East and West as absolute categories.

-Filipino experiences may reflect both individual and collective orientations.

-Family, community, culture, region, and personal goals can all shape how the Filipino self is understood.

-Guide question: How do your personal goals relate to the needs and expectations of your family and community?

Summary

-Western traditions commonly emphasize an individualistic, self-reliant, rational self.

-Eastern traditions commonly emphasize relational, communal, and spiritual dimensions of the self.

-Confucian thought highlights compassion, social responsibility, and harmony.

-Understanding the self requires appreciating differences while also integrating diverse traditions.