The-Self-in-Western-and-Eastern-Thought.pptx

Understanding the Self

1. The Self in Western and Eastern Thought

2. Culture

3. A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots - Marcus Garvey

4. Culture Tend to create a varying environment trends to create different perceptions of the “self” One of the most common distinction between culture an d people is the Eastern and Western dichotomy 4

5. Eastern Countries Asia Middle East  Western Countries -North and South America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.  5

6. Dichotomy of Culture 6

7. The distinction and countries included was politically colored. Society also has accepted the fact that countries that are closer together may also share commonalities on many different aspects. In the Philippines alone, each region may have similar or varying perceptions of “self” 7

8. Different Perspective of each Culture You can see in different literatures how culture depicts a hero or a villain in their stories. You can see it in their social organization like how they see their boss or their subordinate. 8

9. Art works 9

10. Dances 10

11. Clothes 11

12. We will look upon the political philosophies that greatly influenced the mindset of each nation or culture Eastern thoughts 12

13. Cunfucianism Code of Ethical Conduct of how one should properly act according to relationship with other people Focused on having harmonious life The identity and self –concept is interwoven (connected) with the identity and status of community and culture, sharing its pride and failures (Ho 1995, 116 -117) Scholars called Confucianism as “subdued self” wherein personal needs are blocked for the good of many making Cunfucian society hierarchal for the purpose of maintaining peace and balance in the society (Ho 1995, 119) 13

14. Taoism The living in the way of “Tao” or the Universe However the religion and belief itself rejects only on definition, for one can only state clues of what it is as they adapt a free-flowing, relative, unitary as well a paradoxical view of almost everything. Rejects hierarchy and strictness brought by Confucianism and prefers simplicity thus, its teachings aim to describe how to attain that life. 14

15. The self is not just an extension of the family and community ; it is a part of the universe , one of the forms and manifestation of Tao. The ideal self is selflessness but not forgetting about the self, living a balanced life with society and nature, open and accepting to change, forgetting egocentric ideas and thinking about equality with other people and other beings. In this way, you will be able to act spontaneously (freely) without restriction (limit) from legal standards because of your harmony with everything. 15

16. Buddhism The self is an illusion, born out of ignorance, trying to hold and control things, or human – centered needs, thus the self is also the source of all these suffering. It is therefore our quest to forget about the self, the cravings, and break attachments to the world and renounce self which is the source of all the suffering thus attaining nirvana (joy) . 16

17. The Self It is not only focused on eastern philosophies and belief. Confucianism and Taoism situates self within a bigger context. The nature of self is beneficial to his/her community as well as in order and in harmony with everything else. Buddhism set all its connections, selfish ideas out of the picture. 17

18. Western Looks at the world in dualities wherein you are distinct from other person, the creator is separate from the objects he/she created, in which the self is distinguished We compare ourselves to be better Create associations and bask in the glory of group for self – esteem; primacy in developing self. Eastern Other persons are part of yourself as well as everything you create, a drama where everyone is interconnected with their specific roles. 18

19. Specific.. Americans Talk more about their personal attributes when describing themselves. Asians Would talk about their social roles or social situations. 19

20. Thus… Western Culture is Individualistic But emphasize on value of equality even if they see that individual can rise above anything else “fair competition” Ex. calling boss, parent and senior with first name Eastern Culture is Collectivistic Emphasize on hierarchy – as the culture wants to keep things in harmony and in order. Ex. Respectful terms for seniors and higher people 20