1.

1 SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHT

Different cultures and varying environment tend to create different

perceptions of the self and one of the most common distinctions between
cultures and people in the Eastern-vs-Western dichotomy wherein Eastern
represents Asia and Western represents Europe and Northern America.
There are many sources in which you can analyze the perspective of each
culture and country about the concept of "self." In this lesson, we will look at
religious beliefs and political philosophies that greatly influenced the mindset
of each nation or culture.

A. Eastern Self
First is Confucianism. It 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. Thus, identity and self-
concept of the individual are interwoven with the identity and status of
his/her community or culture, sharing its pride as well as its failures.

Everyone is interconnected in a drama with specific roles. Self-cultivation: The

cultivated self in Confucianism is what some scholars call a "subdued self'
wherein personal needs are repressed (subdue] for the good of many, making
Confucian society also hierarchal for the purpose of maintaining order and
balance.

Confucius LaoTzu Buddha

Second philosophy is Taoism. Taoism was founded by Lao Tzu. Taoism is living
to the way of the Tao (Universe). However, they reject the hierarchy and strictness
of Confucianism.
Taoism prefers to live a simple life. Self is not an extension of family or
community. Self is part of the universe, one of the forms and manifestations of
the Tao.
The ideal self is selflessness but this is not forgetting about the self, it is living
a balanced-about prejudice and egocentric ideas and thinking about equality as
well as complementarily among humans as well as other beings.
The 3rd is Buddhism. 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. Life is full of suffering and it is made up
of a cycle of birth, decay, illness, death.

It is therefore our quest to forget about the self, forget the craving of the self,
break the attachments you have with the world, and to renounce the self w/c is
the cause of suffering and in doing so, attain the state of nirvana. Nirvana
(liberation)- blowing out the flames of desire.

B. Western Self
Western Self focuses on self (Individualistic). You compare in order to be better.
You create association and bask in the glory of that group for your self-esteem.
You put primacy on developing yourself. By focusing on the self, they 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. They value equality even if they see
that individual can rise above everything else. They also promote ideals that
create 'fair' competition and protect the individual.

C. Western and Eastern Differences

Western referred as the school of thought from Greek Philosophy. It is rooted

from Rome and Christianity. Laws are the ones that govern the behavior. It
is individualist in culture. It is all about 'l'. Tries to find self as it is the given
part of the divine. Logical, scientific, rational, and focus on ethics.
Eastern roots are from Asia. They believe that natural world does not follow
laws, it simply 'is'. It is collectivist in culture. It is all about 'We'. Drawn on
people's actions and thought as one. Trying to get rid of the false 'me' concept
and find meaning in discovering the true 'me'. Life is all about unity. The
inner self must be freed.

D. Western and Eastern Similarities

Similarities: Both approaches share a concept that a deeper understanding

of reality is possible. Influenced by the notion that there is a supreme being
who guides the mankind and provides for all he created. Believes in the
concept of "god as the king of universe"

VI. POST-COMPETENCY CHECKLIST

❖ Post-Test (Formative Assessment)

1. Write an essay about anything that you wish to submit about yourself. You
may use these following suggested topics:
• Me as I see me
• How other people see me
• How I would like other people to see me
 GRADING RUBRICS FOR ESSAY

QUALITIES & CRITERIA POOR (0-80) GOOD (81-90) EXCELLENT (91-100)

Format/Layout (15%) Follows poorly Follows, for the Closely follows all the
• Presentation of the the requirements most part, all requirements related to
text related to format the format and layout.
and layout. requirements
• Structuring of text related to format
• Follows and layout.
requirements of Some
length, font and requirements are
style not followed.

Content/information The essay is not The essay is The essay is objective

(50%) objective and objective and for and addresses with an
addresses poorly the most part in-depth analysis all the
• All elements of the issues addresses with an issues referred in the
the topics are proposed topic. The
referred in the in-depth analysis provided information is
addressed proposed topic. most of the issues necessary and
• The information is The provided referred in the sufficient to discuss these
technically sound information is proposed topic. issues.
• Information based not necessary or The provided
on careful not sufficient to information is, for
research discuss these the most
issues. part,
necessary and
sufficient to
discuss these
issues.

Quality of Writing (20%) The essay is not The essay is well The essay is well written
Clarity of sentences and well written, and written for the from start to finish,
paragraphs contains many most part, without spelling,
spelling errors, without grammar course of
No errors and spelling,
and/or grammar spelling, grammar English errors. The essay
grammar and use of errors and/or or use of English is well organized, clear
English use of English errors. The essay and presents ideas in
Organization and errors. The essay is for the most a coherent way.
coherence of ideas is badly part well
organized, lacks organized,
clarity and/or clear and presents
does not present ideas in a
ideas in a coherent way.
coherent way.