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SELF Module 5 THE SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHT

SUCCESSSetting Goals and Success

UNIT I The Self from Various Perspective

Lesson 5: THE SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHT

WRITER:

Prof. HELEN R. BLANQUISCO

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SELF Module 5 THE SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHT

SUCCESSSetting Goals and Success

Learning Objective:
At the end of the lesson the student should be able to:
1. Define individualistic and collective self;
2. Compare the difference between western and eastern self and the probable
purpose of their existence and the role they play.
3. Identify the principles of Confucianism

Self is one's own experience. The self is an individual person as the object of its
own reflective consciousness. In psychology, the notion of the self refers to a person’s
experience as a single, unitary, autonomous being that is separate from others,
experienced with continuity through time and place. The experience of the self includes
consciousness of one’s physicality as well as one’s inner character and emotional life.

Individualistic Self
This is the individual who is aware of his rights and the limitations of his freedom in
the extant society. He sets goals and works hard to achieve them. The development of
the individualistic self begins after birth and is observed in the child - rearing practices of
parents in the West. Independence and self-reliance form of development of the self in
Western cultures.
The individual self is achieved by differentiating from others (i.e., the individual self
contains those aspects of the self-concept that differentiate the person from other
persons as a unique constellation of traits and characteristics that distinguishes the
individual within his or her social context).

Collective Self
In the culture of the East, the development of a collective self is ingrained into the
individual is lost and does not exist except as a part of the group. The family and the
society control how the group members should think, act and generally conduct
themselves in society.
Collectivistic cultures give birth to individual who develop collective selves. Such
individuals establish strong bonds particularly with their families. They are bound by the
customs, belief and traditions of the group. Every phase of their existence is always
referred back to the group‘s customs, beliefs and traditions.
In the contemporary society, both the individualistic and collective self may exist in a
single individual. This is the result of influences and intermarriages between people of
the East and the West.

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SELF Module 5 THE SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHT

SUCCESSSetting Goals and Success

The Self in Western Thought
In the seventeenth century, Descartes emphasized the self through his dictum “I
think therefore I am.“ The person/self in Descartes view exists regardless of his
environment. In other words, for Descartes the cognitive basis of the person’s thought is
proof for the existence of the self. Kant on the other hand, believed that the self is
capable of actions that entitles it to have rights as an autonomous agent.
The term ecological self describes the wider sense of identity that arises when
our self-interest includes the natural world. When we include the natural world, we are
brought into a much larger story of who and what we are.
More recently, the West introduced the ecological self which sees the self as a
process that is undergoing development. Human biological and environmental
characteristics like race, gender, social status, education and culture are factors that
influence self-development.

The Self in Confucian Thought

Confucius was the name for which Kong Zhongni of china was known in the
West. A Chinese philosopher who lived in the 6th century BCE and whose thoughts,
expressed in the philosophy of Confucianism, have influenced Chinese culture right
up to the present day. Confucius has become a larger than life figure and it is difficult to
separate the reality from the myth. He is considered the first teacher and his teachings
are usually expressed in short phrases which are open to various interpretations.
Confucius experiences in politics made him focus on social reform. His
philosophy came to be known as humanistic social philosophy. This philosophy’s
primary focus is on human beings and the society he finds himself in.
The philosophical concept of Confucianism is centered on the Ren which can be
manifested through li (propriety), xiao (filiality) and yi (rightness). The Ren can be
understood as human goodness. There have been a variety of definitions for the term
Ren. Ren has been translated as "benevolence", "perfect virtue", "goodness" or even
"human-heartedness". When asked, Confucius defined it by the ordinary Chinese word
for love, ai, saying that it meant to "love others". Ren further signifies the Chinese
culture’s emphasis on feelings or the heart as the most important instead of the head in
human nature. He believed that the Ren is a reflection of the person’s own
understanding of humanity. Confucius further belief that the Ren can only be realized
through the li, xiao and yi.
1. Li (propriety ). In order to guide human actions such rules involve adherence to the
rituals of the community. These are the customs, ceremonies and traditions that form
the basis of li which persisted and is strengthened by human practice through
generations.

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SELF Module 5 THE SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHT

SUCCESSSetting Goals and Success

2. Xiao (filiality). It is the virtue of reverence and respect for family. Parents should be
revered for the life they had given. Children show respect to their parents by exerting
efforts to take care of themselves.
3. Yi (rightness). It is the right way of behaving. Yi is unconditional and absolute. Right
is right and what is not right is wrong.
LI, Xiao and Yi are virtues observed in a person whose humanity is developed, morally
cultivated and aware. The cultivation of the Ren through li, xiao and yi will lead to a
person of virtue.

Activity:
Directions. Based on the lesson provided, answer the following question correctly.

1. What is individualistic self and collective self?

______________________________________________________________________
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2. What is the difference between western and eastern self? Cite three (3) and explain.
______________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________

3.What were the important teachings of Confucius? Explain

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

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SELF Module 5 THE SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHT

SUCCESSSetting Goals and Success

SAQ.
Modified True or False.
Write True if the statement is correct .If false underline the word to make the
sentence correct. Write your answers before the number.
________1. Confucius made him focus on political reform.
________2. Li rules involve adherence to the rituals of the community.
________3. Self is the reflection of the person’s own understanding of humanity.
________4. The primary purpose of Confucianism is to achieve harmony, the
important social value.
________5. Confucius emphasized the fact that all must be educated.
________6. When you support yourself financially and do not depend on anyone
else for your needs, this is an example of collective self.
________7. Individualist cultures emphasize the needs and goals of the group as a
whole.
________8. Descartes emphasized the self through his dictum “I think therefore I
am.“
________9. Kant believed that the self is capable of actions that entitles it to have
rights as an autonomous agent.
_______10. The political concept of Confucianism is centered on the Ren.

Answer:
1. False- social 6. False- individualism
2. True 7. False- collectivist
3. False- Ren 8. True
4. True 9. True
5. True 10. True

Reference:

Gazzinga, L. (2018) Understanding The Self. Muntinlupa City: Panday –Lahi Publishing
House, Inc.

Elecronic Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self date retrievedJuly2020

http://psychology.iresearchnet.com/social-psychology/self/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self
dateretrievedJuly2020
https://ecowe.wordpress.com/tag/ecological-self/ dateretrievedJuly2020
https://www.ancient.eu/Confucius/ dateretrievedJuly 2020
http://english.visitbeijing.com.cn/a1/a-XAIFLS648C5A9BA2C8A39F
dateretrievedJuly2020

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