UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

Document: Module 5/ Week 6 (M2)

Level: College IT/ HRS 1 -1
Teacher: Mr. Michael AS. Enaje

Module 5 Contents/ Lessons

2 The Self in Western and Oriental/ Eastern Thought

LESSON 2 THE SELF IN WESTERN AND ORIENTAL/ EASTERN THOUGHT

Eastern Thought

Asian Countries

Confucianism
"The identity and self-concept of an individual is interwoven with the identity and
status of his/her community or culture, sharing its prides as well as its failures."
Self Cultivation is the ultimate purpose of life.

"Subdued Self"

Taoism
"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.

"Selflessness"

Buddhism

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"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."

Western perspective

"The focus is always looking towards the self"

Differences between the two: Eastern and Western

In contrast, the Western civilization is more individualistic, trying to find the

meaning of life here and now with self at the center as it is already given and
part of the divine.

The Eastern philosophy is drawn much more into groups or society or people’s
actions and thoughts as one in order to find meaning in life as they try to get rid
of the false “me” concept and find meaning in discovering the true “me” in
relation to everything around them, or as part of a bigger scheme

Activities:
PART 1: Using any of any concept map, compare and contrast the self in
Western and Eastern thought.

PART 2: Choose one public figure you known in Eastern part of the world and
Western part of the world and tell your idea about their being. (Things that are
exposed to public)

PART 3: Based on your understanding, what is the better composure of self

thought, Eastern or Western? And why?

Part 4: Learning Bank: (Summary of learning) Please write down about what you
have learned in this topic/ lesson.

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