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Lesson 5 Western and Eastern Thoughts Powerpoint

The document compares the concepts of the self in Western and Eastern philosophies, highlighting key figures and their beliefs. Western thought, represented by philosophers like Plato and Descartes, emphasizes a dualistic view of the self, focusing on the balance between body and soul, while Eastern philosophies such as Buddhism and Confucianism promote a more collective understanding of the self, emphasizing moral living and social harmony. The contrast between individualism in the West and collectivism in the East is also explored.

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Jeanette Torralba Esposito
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6 views11 pages

Lesson 5 Western and Eastern Thoughts Powerpoint

The document compares the concepts of the self in Western and Eastern philosophies, highlighting key figures and their beliefs. Western thought, represented by philosophers like Plato and Descartes, emphasizes a dualistic view of the self, focusing on the balance between body and soul, while Eastern philosophies such as Buddhism and Confucianism promote a more collective understanding of the self, emphasizing moral living and social harmony. The contrast between individualism in the West and collectivism in the East is also explored.

Uploaded by

Jeanette Torralba Esposito
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PLEASE STANDBY FOR A FEW MINUTES

BELIEFS/PRACTICES BETWEEN
THE WEST AND THE EAST
(PHILIPPINES)
LESSON 5: THE SELF
IN WESTERN AND
ORIENTAL/EASTERN
THOUGHTS
GE 1 – Understanding the Self
The Self in Western Philosophy
• Plato believes that human is composed of two components:
the Body and the Psyche (soul)
• The Psyche has 3 components: Appetitive (physical needs),
Spirited (emotions), and Rational (logic)
• Aristotle formulated the Hylomorphic Theory which believes
that man is comprised of matter (body) and form (soul).
• Matter pertains to the physical characteristics while the Soul
is the essence of a creature.
• Rene Descartes also believed in the duality of the self.
• For Descartes however, the body gather information through
the senses while one’s reason processes all the information.
• In Western Philosophy, the soul of the self must achieve the
ARETE or the ultimate goodness
• The body and the soul must be balanced.
• Primarily, the Western concept of the self is dualist.
THE SELF IN EASTERN
PHILOSOPHY
a.) THE SELF ACCORDING TO BUDDHISM

• Buddhist philosophy believes that religion is a way


of life.
• Buddhism espouses moral living, mindfulness and
awareness of thoughts and actions, and developing
of wisdom and understanding.
THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS OF
BUDDHISM
(1) Life is suffering- life will not always be pleasurable, we will encounter
sufferings at some point.
(2) Suffering is caused by craving and aversion- lack of contentment
results to suffering. Human needs and desires are endless, and if not
controlled, can lead to unhappy life.
(3) Suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained- when one
learns to live each day at a time and be able to give up unnecessary
things, then it could possibly lead to happiness and freedom.
(4) Eight Fold Path is the path which leads to the end of suffering- acting
morally, being aware of thoughts and action, and understanding the 4
Noble Truths will lead to an end of suffering.
b.) The Self according to
Confucianism
• Life is a living reality, a blessing, a natural and
priceless right.
• Life is an opportunity to be with others and work
together for common good to achieve happiness
• Principle of REN- the word Chinese word “ren”
means “humanity”/ “goodness”/”benevolence”
• In this principle, a virtuous person should treat
others with humaneness.
• JUNZI- cultured gentleman
• Junzi also means that the self has exhibited and
achieved refinement and compassion.
• The person is not a morally autonomous individual
Individualistic vs. Collective Self
• Western concept of the self is individualistic in nature, it heavily
relies on the individuality and sole capability of man to achieve his
purpose.
• The concept of the self is centered on the individual person, on how
he could achieve balance between the body and the soul.
• Eastern concept of the self is more collective in nature, meaning the
self is not morally autonomous, instead the essence of being human
highly depends on his conduct in society.
You saw a small man and big
man having a conversation with
Example of each other
differences
between
Individualistic and
Collective Self

WESTERN SELF EASTERN SELF


“Perhaps the big man “What is there
is confronting/ relationship? Are
bullying the small they father and
man” son?

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