Introduction to Philosophy

Lesson 1.3 East vs. West: Their Scope, nature,

and Object of pursuit.

In the preceding Western Philosophy

section, we have
discussed the In western thought, the progress of
etymological philosophical ideas can be traced in reference
definition of to Hegel’s zeitgeist (lit. the Spirit of time).
Philosophy as a Moreover, it is evident that the discipline of
discipline, its Philosophy as we know it at present is by product
object of endeavor, of the chronological development starting from
and the danger that we may run askew with, when ancient Greece to various developments in
one is not careful enough to be aware of the Europe, and as a result, shaped Western
depths of the fundamental nature of the subject philosophy as it is known to day. Thus, the
matter. In this section, the focus will be on development of Philosophy is defined by the
the differences between the ends of (2) great emergence of various school of thoughts in
divisions of Philosophy: the East and the West. various periods in history.
Though if we are to consider the very words of
Heidegger, that Philosophy is “determinative to
the Greeks”, it is important to note however
that Eastern philosophy in its respect offers
fundamental importance not only to oriental
idea, but can shine also in multitude extent.
 Introduction to Philosophy
i. Ancient Rome (1st century BCE to 5th century place in the society. Basically, it
CE) is a re-appreciation of the Greek
STOICISM culture and traditions.
SENECA - Unlike its preceding school
of thoughts, stoics did not view iv. The Enlightenment
EPICTETUS Philosophy as merely as “past-
MARCUS time” endeavor, but a way life A priori
AURELIUS embedded with the guiding knowledge
An a
principles on how to achieve a posteriori
meaningful and a happy life, by
means of meditation. This endeavor,
as far as it concerns achieving a
happy life, stoics uphold their (4)
guiding principles: morality,
virtue, calm, and emotional
fortitude.

ii. Medieval Period (5th 15th century)

Scholasticism
- After the death of Christ,
ST. THOMAS
Christianity spread like wild fire
ST. AUGUSTINE not only in the western world, but

ST. ANSELM almost every parts of the world,

thus resulting to its gradual
ascension to supremacy.
Consequently, during the medieval
period, the Catholic Church became
an impregnable institution that has
greatly influence over every facet
of society across the globe. In
this light, prominent thinkers
applied philosophical principles to
defend and justify the supremacy of
religious doctrines, particularly
the Christian doctrine.
iii. Renaissance
Humanism/ Romanticism
- It was during this time that
PETRARCH
almost all facets of society
DESIDERIUS rejected the supremacy of the
ERASMUS Catholic Church and diverted the
philosophical ideas from
NICCOLO
MACHIAVELLI theocentric to giving emphasis on
the nature of humanity and his/her
v. Modern Period
Existentialism
- A philosophical theory or approach
which emphasizes the existence of the
individual person as a free and
responsible agent determining their own
development through acts of the will.
Pragmatism
- A school of philosophy, dominant in
the United States in the first quarter of
the 20th century, based on the principle
that the usefulness, workability, and
practicality of ideas, policies, and
proposals are the criteria of their merit.
It stresses the priority of action over
doctrine, of experience over fixed
principles, and it holds that ideas borrow
their meanings from their consequences and
their truths from their verification.
Introduction to Philosophy
Eastern Philosophy
Eastern philosophy consists of schools of
thought which are often closely tied with
religious beliefs. Eastern philosophies are
often described as “wisdom” literature, where
stories, sayings. And texts encourage people to
adopt an ethical and harmonious way of life.
1. Hinduism- (Vedas)
- Relatively speaking,
Hinduism, can be
identified either as
polytheism and or
monotheism. It is
Polytheism because of the
belief in a pantheon of
gods, and monotheism
because these gods are but
a manifestation of the real ultimate
being- Lord Brahmin. In this light,
Brahmin manifests itself in the persona of
the three (3) major gods that coexist with
each other to maintain and depict the
karmic cycle of life of balance and
harmony in the universe.
Brahma the Creator, Shiva the Destroyer,
and Vishnu the Preserver.
The Vedas
Key concepts in Hinduism:
a. Dharma- the fulfillment of one’s duty.
b. Karma- the transitive relationship of
one’s deed to one’s fate.
c. Samsara- a cycle that depicts the
discovery of one’s “depth ego”. (The
endless cycle of life.)
d. Moksha- The discovery of one’s self
will result to the liberation from the
endless cycle of life.
2. Judaism- (Abraham; Tanakh Torah)
- As a religious
tradition, Judaism’s
roots can be traced
down to Abraham’s
time, when God
revealed to him to venture to the promise
land so his descendant may become as many
as the stars in the sky. It is a
monotheistic religion because it believes
in the One Ultimate God who has a role in
the ultimate destiny of mankind.
3. Shintoism
- An animistic religion that gives
emphasis on harmony and balance
between man and Nature. Thus, the
material and spiritual worlds are
closely connected by ways of rituals
and traditions, one can manifest
essential connectedness.
4. Jainism- (Mahavira; Jain Agamas)
- Rejects the idea of a creator since
the universe is unceasing and eternal.
Time follows a cyclic concept of
prosperity and suffering.
- Wisdom is developed through the
practice of the five main vows-
ahimsa, asteya,satya, bramacharya,
and aparigraha.
Introduction to Philosophy
5. Buddhism- (Siddharta Gautama; Tripitaka) 7. Taoism- (Lao Tzu- Tao Te Ching)
- In consideration, credit should be - The Philosophy
given whom it is due, Buddhism as of impartiality;
philosophical tradition borrows a number the unity and
of main beliefs from Hinduism. However, it harmony of the
is important to consider that Buddhism, opposing elements
rather than a purely religious, it is (yin and yang).
highly considered as a Philosophical Thus, one must seek
guiding principle of the proper way of to understand and act in accordance to
living one’s life, with paramount with the natural order.
consideration to the four noble truths.
The truth that life is full of suffering 8. Islam- (Muhammad; Quran)
due to the privation and illusion brought - An Arabic term which literally
by earthly desires, one’s goal in this means surrender. As a religion, Islam is
world is rid oneself of desire and achieve monotheistic in nature; and a commitment
liberation from suffering and to one’s faith is the proper observance
imperfection. of the five pillars.
Key Concepts: Key Concepts:
a. Dukkha- The Truth of Suffering. a. Shahada- Testament of Faith
b. Dukkha Samudaya- Origin of Suffering. b. Salat- Daily Prayers
c. Dukkha Nirodha- Cessation to Suffering. c. Zakat- Alms-Giving
d. Dukkha Magga- Path to Cessation. d. Sawm- Fasting
Eightfold Noble Path e. Hajj- Holy Pilgrimage

9. Sikhism- (Guru Nanakl Guru Grath Sahid)

- A Panentheistic religion that

believes God created the
6. Confucianism (Kong Zi; The Five Classics) universe and is present
- Due to the privation of one’s everywhere and in everything.
life, one must strive to return to the
tao by religiously observing the ethical - One is able to communicate with
cncepts of ren and li. One must strive God through meditation and self-
for moral self-cultivation, and in this reflection, in so speaking, one
manner, it will shine in multitude extend must devote to selfless service
(the society; social harmony). and action.