Lesson 4

The Self in the Eastern and Western thought

INTRODUCTION

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 that are closer to each other
geographically 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."

ACTIVITY
MOTIVATIONAL ACTIVITY

Write the top ten (10) differences between Western and Eastern society, culture, and individuals in the table
below. (50 points)

Western Eastern

Answer the following questions:

1. Do you agree with the differentiation between the West and the East? Support your answer.

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2. Where can you find the Philippines in the distinction?

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3. What are the factors that make the Philippines similar or different from its Asian neighbors?

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4. Is there also a difference between regions or ethnolinguistic groups in the Philippines?

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DISCUSSION

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. Art works, dances, even clothing may
show you clues about the "self."

For the purposes of this lesson however, 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.

First is Confucianism. Confucianism can be seen as a 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, 116). The
identity and self-concept therefore of the individual is interwoven with the identity and status of his/her community or
culture, sharing its pride as well as its failures. (Ho 1995, 116-117).

Self-cultivation is seen 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/her social relationships (Ho 1995. 117). 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, 118).

The second philosophy is Taoism. For the purposes of discussion, 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 adapt
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. Thus, its teachings aim to describe how to attain that life
(Ho 1995, 119)

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. 120). 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, 120-121).
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 adapted 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 suffering (Ho 1995, 121). 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, 122).

The self or the individual is not the focus of the abovementioned Asian or Eastern philosophies or belief. Even with
extended discussions about how the self should work, Confucianism and Taoism still situate the self within a bigger
context. The person, in striving to a better person, does not create a self above other people or nature but a self that is
beneficial to his/her community as well as in order and in harmony with everything else. As for Buddhism, the self, with
all its connections and selfish ideas, is totally taken, not just out of the center of the picture, but out of the whole picture
as a whole.

Bearing the previous lessons in mind, Western perspective does not discount the role of environment and society in the
formation of the self but the focus is always looking towards 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 s/he created, in which the self is distinguished and acknowledged
(Wolter 2012, 1). 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, 1).

Several studies showed that Americans. for example, talk more about their personal attributes when describing
themselves while Asians in general would talk about their social roles or the social situations that invoked certain traits
that they deem positive for their self (Gleitman. Gross, and Reisberg 2011, 618). 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 relationships (Gleitman Gross and Reisbero 2011. 619).

The Western culture then 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 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 decision-
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 go around the bush in explaining things, hoping that the other person would "feel"
what they really want to say (Qingxue 2003.23-24;.27).

Westerners also emphasize more on the value of equality even if they see that the individual can rise above everything
else. Because everyone is on their own in the competition, one can say that they also promote ideals that create a far
competition and protect the individual. Asians, with their collective regard, puts more emphasis on hierarchy—as the
culture wants to keep things in harmony and in order (Qingxue 2003, 25-26). For example, Westerners would most likely
call their boss, parents, or other seniors by their first name. The boss can also be approached head-on when conflicts or
problems about him/her arises. For Asians, we have respectful terms for our seniors and a lot of workers would not dare
go against the high-ranking officials (Qingxue 2003, 26-27).
It must be emphasized, however, that these are general commonalities among Western cultures as compared to Asian
or Oriental cultures. In the case of the Philippines, we can also consider the colonization experience for differences at
similarities with our Asian neighbors. We might also find variation among provinces and regions due to geographical
conditions.

With the social media, migration, and intermarriages, variety between the Western and Asian perceptions may either
be blurred or highlighted. Whereas conflict is inevitable in diversity, peace is also possible through the understanding of
where each of us is coming from.

Basic Psychological Needs

Belonging Recognition
A sense that someone truly A sense that you are
cares about you. That you are acknowledged for what you
in a mutual and loving accomplish and who you
relationship with another are. To feel significant, that
person. you make an impact.

Freedom Self-Esteem

The need to have choice in your
life, to have a sense of control
over the decisions that direct
your behavior. To be free from
a sense of external control.
The need to feel competent &
confident. The sense that you
can achieve results, make good
decisions, and you will stand by
your principles.

Fun Safety

The need to have joy and The need to feel physically

laughter in your life. The and psychologically safe. Free
sense that we can experience from emotional and physical
elation and light heartedness threats or harm.
 APPLICATION AND ASSESSMENT

Activity 1: Create your own representation, diagram, or concept map of the “self” according to Filipino culture. Provide a
brief explanation about your output. You can also cite books and researches about Filipino culture, self, and identity to
further elaborate on the topic. (50 points)

Explanation:

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Activity 2: Instructions: Think about the people, places, and experiences in your life that are very special to you. This is
where you get your psychological needs met. Write two examples in each box of how you meet this particular need. (40
points)

BELONGING RECOGNITION

FREEDOM SELF-ESTEEM

FUN SAFETY