T h e S elf in Western an d E astern T h o ug h ts |1

THE SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHTS

MODULE 4

OVERVIEW
Different cultures and varying environment tend to create different perceptions of the "self' and one
of the most common distinctions between cultures and people is the Eastern-vs-Western dichotomy wherein
Eastern represents Asia and Western represents Europe and Northern America. It must be understood that
this distinction and the countries included was politically colored at the time that aforementioned concepts
were accepted and used in the social sciences. Furthermore, it must be reiterated that while countries who
are geographically closer to each other may share commonalities, there are also a lot of factors that create
differences. In the Philippines alone, each region may have a similar or varying perception regarding the
"self."

LEARNING OUTCOMES

✓ differentiate the concept of self-according to Western thought against Eastern/Oriental

perspectives;
✓ explain the concept of self as found in Asian thoughts; and
✓ create a representation of the Filipino self

LEARNING EXPERIENCES & SELF-ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES (SAA)

ACTIVITY:
Two Sides of the Same Planet
Write top five (5) differences between Western and Eastern society, culture, and individuals in the
table below. Cite your sources.

ANALYSIS:
Do you agree with the differentiation between the West and the East? Where can you find the
Philippines in the distinction? What are the factors that make the Philippines similar or different from its
Asian neighbors? Is there also a difference between regions or ethnolinguistic groups in the Philippines?

ABSTRACT

There are actually a lot of sources in which you can analyze the perspective of each culture and
country about the concept of "self." You can see it in their literature like how one 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. Artworks, dances, even clothing may show you clues about the "self." In this lesson, we will
look at religious beliefs and political philosophies that greatly influenced the mindset of each nation or
culture. Since almost all the theories about the self, which were discussed in the previous lessons, also came
from the Western scientific research, we will highlight the Eastern thoughts in this lesson.

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EASTERN THOUGHTS

First is Confucianism. Confucianism can be seen as code of ethical conduct, of how

one should properly act according to their relationship with other people: thus, it is also focused
on having a harmonious social life (Ho 1995), Therefore, the identity and self-concept of the
individual are interwoven with the identity and status of his/her community or culture, sharing
its pride as well as its failures (Ho 1995).
Self-cultivation is soon as the ultimate purpose of life but the characteristics of a chun-
tzu, a man of virtue or noble character, is still embedded in his social relationships (Ho 1995).
The cultivated self in Confucianism is what some scholars call a "subdued self' wherein personal needs
are repressed (subdued) for the good of many, making Confucian society also hierarchal for the purpose
of maintaining order and balance in society (Ho 1995).

The second philosophy is Taoism. Taoism is living in the way of the Tao or the
universe. However, Taoism rejects having one definition of what the Tao is, and one can only
state clues of what it is as they adopt a free-flowing, relative, unitary, as well as paradoxical view
of almost everything. Taoism rejects the hierarchy and strictness brought by Confucianism and
would prefer a simple lifestyle and its teachings thus aim to describe how to attain that life (Ho
1995).
The self is not just an extension of the family or the community; it is part of the universe, one of
the forms and manifestations of the Tao (Ho 1995). The ideal self is selflessness but this is not forgetting
about the self, it is living a balanced- life with society and nature, being open and accepting to change,
forgetting about prejudices and egocentric ideas and thinking about equality as well as complementarity
among humans as well as other beings (Ho 1995). In this way, you will be able to act spontaneously because
you will not be restricted by some legalistic standards but because you are in harmony with everything.

The third belief is Buddhism. There are various groups who have adopted Buddhism; thus,
you may find differences in their teachings with our discussion but more likely, their core
concepts remained the same. The self is seen as an illusion, born out of ignorance, of trying to
hold and control things, or human-centered needs; thus, the self is also the source of all these
sufferings (Ho 1995). It is, therefore, our quest to forget about the self, forget the cravings of
the self, break the attachments you have with the world, and to renounce the self which is the
cause of all suffering and in doing so, attain the state of Nirvana (Ho 1995). The self or the individual is
not the focus of the abovementioned Asian or Eastern philosophies or beliefs. Even with extended
discussions about how the self should work, Confucianism and Taoism still situate the self within a bigger
context. Jn striving to become a better person, one does not create a self above other people or nature but a
self that is beneficial to his community as well as in order and harmony with everything else. As for
Buddhism, the self, with all its connections and selfish ideas, is taken not just out of the center of the Picture,
but from the whole picture entirely.

WESTERN THOUGHTS
As previously discussed, Western perspective does not discount the role of environment and
socieC4 in the formation of the self but the focus is always looking toward the self. You compare yourself
in order to be better; you create associations and bask in the glory of that group for your self-esteem; you
put primacy in developing yourself. One can also describe that the Western thought looks at the world in
dualities wherein you are distinct from the other person, the creator is separate from the object .he created,
in which the self is distinguished and acknowledged (Wolter 2012). On the other hand, the Eastern
perspective sees the other person as part of yourself as well as the things you may create, a drama in which
everyone is interconnected with their specific roles (Wolter 2012). Self should work, Confucianism and
Taoism still situate the self within a bigger context.

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Self should work, Confucianism and Taoism still situate the self within a bigger context. In striving
to become a better person, one does not create a self above. Other people or nature but a self that is beneficial
to his community as well as in order and harmony with everything else. As for Buddhism, the self, with all
its connections and selfish ideas, is taken not just out of the center of the picture, but from the whole picture
entirely. As previously discussed, Western perspective does not discount the role of environment and
socieC4 in the formation of the self but the f0CUS is always looking toward the self. You compare yourself
in order to be better; you create associations and bask in the glory of that group for your self-esteem; you
put primacy in developing yourself. One can also describe that the Western thought looks at the world in
dualities wherein you are distinct from the other person, the creator is Separate from the object he created,
in which the self is distinguished and acknowledged (Wolter 2012). On the other hand, the Eastern
perspective sees the other person as part of yourself as well as the things you may create, a drama in which
everyone is interconnected with their specific roles (Wolter 2012).
Several studies showed that Americans, for example, talk more about their personal attributes when
describing themselves while Asians in general talk about their social roles or the social situations that
invoked certain traits that they deem positive for their selves (Gleitman, Gross, and Reisberg 2011).
Evaluation of the self also differs as Americans would highlight their personal achievements while Asians
would rather keep a low profile as promoting the self can be seen as boastfulness that disrupts social
relationship (Gleitman, Gross, and Reisberg 2011).
The Western culture is what we would call an individualistic culture since their focus is on the
person. Asian culture, on the other hand, is called a collectivistic culture as the group and social relations
that is given more importance than individual needs and wants.
By valuing the individual, Westerners may seem to have loose associations or even loyalty to
their groups. Competition is the name of the game and they are more likely straightforward and forceful in
their communication as well as making. Eastern or oriental persons look after the welfare of their groups
and values cooperation. They would also be more compromising and they tend to t around the bush in
explaining things, hoping that the other person would 'fee what they really want to say (Qingxue 2003).

Some (other) contrasts between Eastern and Western philosophy

Eastern Philosophy Western Philosophy
Close relationship between philosophy and Critical distance between philosophy and religion.
religion. Strong emphasis on “spirit” Less strong emphasis on “spirit”
Employs perception, reasoning, intuition, and Emphasis on reason, experience, and “Scientific”
traditional authority in its pursuit of philosophical methods of thinking (critical of appeals to intuition
“vision” and traditional authority)
Seeks THE perspective on truth (less so in recent
Recognition of many perspectives on truth
times)
Accent on synthesis Accent on analysis
The unity of things The plurality of things
Tends to see a harmony between opposites Tends to draw sharp contrasts between opposites
More “existential” –i.e., focused on gaining Less “existential” – i.e., focused on understanding
release from suffering (“salvation” philosophies) the nature of reality, value, and knowledge.
Unsystematic, rambling, disorganized, and Systematic, precise, analytic, logically extended
repetitious styles of thinking and writing (non-aphoristic), and less repetitious style of
(suspicion of human ability to grasp “The Truth”) thinking and writing.

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THE SELF IN WESTERN AND ORIENTAL/ EASTERN THOUGHT
FEATURES OF INDIVIDUALISM FEATURES OF COLLECTIVISM
• “I” identity • Each person is encouraged to be an active
• Promotes individual goals, initiative and player in society, to do what is best for society
achievement as a whole rather than themselves
• Individual rights are seen as being the most • The right of families, communities, and the
important. Rules attempt to ensure self- collective supersede those of the individual
importance and individualism rights.
• Independence is valued, there is much less of a • Rules promote ugly, brotherhood, and
drive to help other citizens or communities than selfishness
in collectivism • Working with others and cooperating is norm;
• Replying or being dependent on others is everyone supports each other
frequently seen shameful • As a community. Family or nation more than as
• People encouraged to do things on their own, to an individual
rely on themselves • Personality type; trustworthy: honest:
• People strive for their own success generous: sensitive
• Own opinion is important over the general
opinion, task over relationship
• Personality type more assertive and strong,
artistic type

APPLICATION:
Create a representation, diagram, or concept map of SELF according to Filipino culture. Provide a
brief explanation of your output. You can also cite books and researches about Filipino culture, self, and
identity to further elaborate on the topic.ACTIVITY ANSWER SHEET

SELF-ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES (SAA) SHEET

WESTERN EASTERN

ANALYSIS ANSWER SHEET

______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

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APPLICATION ANSWER SHEET

KEY POINTS

WESTERN CULTURES
• Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are some common religions practiced in the Western world.
• The population in Western countries is more liberal than those in the East. The Westerners are more
open and blunt. For example, topics like sex or birth of a child are openly discussed in Western
culture, whereas in the East, these topics are still taboo.
• People from the West are more open to expressing their feelings. If they are angry, they vent it out.
But, people in the east may hold it in for tact and good manners.
• Also, one’s own choice is given preference over the families. A person from the West is more
flexible and free to make decisions on his own, unlike those in the East.
• Arranged marriages are not at all common in the West for they believe in love as the basis for
marriage

EASTERN CULTURES
• Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Shenism, Taoism, and Islam are some common religions practiced
in the Eastern world.
• The population in Eastern countries is more traditional than people in the West when we consider
their clothing, rituals, and so on. For example, Indians pay respect to their elders or parents by
touching their feet. East Asians bow as a gesture of welcoming guests, apologizing and expressing
thank you.
• People in the East are commonly inflexible in their beliefs and ideologies. They do not easily
compromise nor question the long practiced customs and traditions.
• In Eastern countries, elders are considered as the leaders of the home and children often refer their
choices to them and obey what they say. Important decisions related to the children’s future are
normally made by the elders. And, when parents grow old, the kids are likely to take care of them.
• Arranged marriages are common in the Eastern countries. They are normally arranged by the
parents of the couple or other elders. They believe in the concept that love comes after marriage.

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END OF MODULE ASSESSMENT

1. Now that you are about to finish the whole module. Here comes now the “End of Module
Assessment.” Using the answer sheet provided at the end of this module, make a web diagram and
differentiate the concept of self-according to Western thought against Eastern/Oriental
perspectives. Write 5 of each concepts.
2. Create a representation of the Filipino self through poster making on a bond paper. Please be guided
by the criteria below.
The following are criteria for poster making.
Color harmony: 15% Relevance to the topic: 25% Visual impact: 15%
Creativity: 20% Neatness: 10% Originality: 15%

TOTAL = 100%

LOOKING AHEAD
Congratulations for making it till the end of this module! If you aced the assessments, I am happy
for you. If you have not reached your desired level of competence, just keep going! Remember that an
expert was once a beginner. The next topic will deal on the “THE PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL SELF!
Happy learning!

SELF AND MODULE EVALUATION

This part requires you to rate the quality of the module to help you continuously improve the
development of this learning module. This also asks you to rate your learning experience for each of the
modules. Rate the module using the following:
1 - Strongly disagree
2 - Disagree
3 - Agree
4 - Strongly agree

The learning module 1 2 3 4

Please check the appropriate column.

was engaging
allowed for self-checking (SAAs)
developed in gradual, manageable steps
provided independent, self-paced learning
contained relevant information I needed
SELF-EVALUATION
Rate the extent of your learning in this module using the scale below. Check the column
corresponding to your rating in the space provided. Do not hesitate to contact me if you need further
assistance.

4 - I’m an expert. I understand and can teach a friend about it.

3 - I’m a Practioner. I understand and can cite examples on the topics given.
2 - I’m an apprentice. I understand if I get help or look at more examples.
1 - I’m a novice. I do not understand the topic.

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My Learning: 1 2 3 4
I can now

Please check the appropriate column.

differentiate the concept of self-according to Western thought against
Eastern/Oriental perspectives;
explain the concept of self as found in Asian thoughts
create a representation of the Filipino self

REFERENCES
Glietman, Henry, James Gross, and Daniel Reisberg. 2011. Psychology. 8 th Ed. Canada:W.W. Norton and
Company
Qingxue, Liu. 2003. “Understanding Different Patterns or Orientations Between East and West.”
Investigationes Linguisticae. Vol. IX. April 2003. Accessed October 14, 2017.
https://www.staff.amu.edu.pl/~inveling/pgf/liu
-quingxue_inve9.pdf.

END OF MODULE ASSESSMENT ANSWER SHEET

Name: _________________________________________Course & Year: ________________________
Module No. and Title: __________________________________________________________________
Contact No and Email (If Any): __________________________________________________________
Date Accomplished): ___________________________________________________________________

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