LESSON 5: THE SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHTS

Introduction

Different cultures and varying environments 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. (POLITICALLY COLORED) (we are in
southeast Asia, western (Australia , new Zealand)

Individualistic versus Collective Self

- Understanding individualism and collectivism could help in the understanding of the

cross- cultural values of a person. Not every culture is at one end or the other of the
spectrum, but the majority tend to favor one over the other in everyday life.

Individualistic Self

-Individualism is the idea that the fundamental unit of the human species that thinks,
lives, and acts toward goals is the individual. This means that we can form our own
independent judgments, act on our own thoughts, and disagree with others. (western
culture)

- Examples of the description would include an individual identified primarily with self,
with the needs of the individual being satisfied before those of the group. Looking after
and taking care of ourselves, being self- sufficient, guarantees the well-being of the
group. Independence and self- reliance are greatly stressed and valued.

- In general, people tend to distance themselves psychologically and emotionally from

each other.

One may choose to join groups, but group membership is not essential to one's identity
or success.
- Individualist characteristics are often associated with men and people in urban
settings.

- The Western culture is what we would call an individualistic culture since their focus is
on the person. (Focus on only looking forward to yourself) (14:00) (talking about their
figures etc.)

Collective Self ( FOR ASIAN)

- Collectivism is the idea that the fundamental unit of the human species that thinks,
lives, and acts toward goals is not the individual, but some group. (FOCUS ON
GROUP)

- A group may make its own decisions, act apart from the actions of individuals, and
have its own interests apart from those of the individuals that compose it. (Individuals
are analogous to ants)

- Group members are relatively close psychologically and emotionally, but distant
toward non-group members. Collectivist characteristics are often associated with
women and people in rural settings. Asian countries are known to be collective in
nature.

- Collectivist characteristics are often associated with women and people in rural
settings

-Asian culture is called a collectivistic culture as the group and social relations are given
more importance than individual needs and wants.

The Social Construction of the Self in Western Thought

Self has been an area of interest by French and English philosophers, and evident in
the ideas of Greek philosophers like Socrates and Plato. Descartes in the 17th century
emphasized the self in his dictum “I think therefore I am” which claims that the cognitive
basis of the person’s thoughts is proof for the existence of the self.

- Kant believed that the self is capable of actions that entitles it to have rights as an
autonomous agent.

Here are some qualities imparted to the Western subjective self. It sketches some
features on subjectivity and ways of thinking of western persons. This provides an
impressionistic profile through the use of a few strokes characterizing some ways of
being and thinking of many western persons.

Western self as analytic.

- Since analytic and inductive modes of thinking were prominent for people in western
cultures, to see objects as divisible combinations of yet smaller objects. Real things are
not only visualized but immaterial things like thoughts, ideas and memories would be
given emphasis.

Western self as monotheistic.

- Monotheism can be known as the rigid consequence of the doctrine of normal human
beings. It is like forcing the concentration of supernatural capabilities.

Western self as individualistic.

- The emphasis on individualism has direct and indirect effects on both the presentation
of self (in public ways) and the experience of the self (in private awareness).

Western Self as materialistic and rationalistic.

- The western accentuation of rational, scientific approach to reality has tended to define
spiritual and immaterial phenomena as potentially superstitious and dangerous. In any
society, belief systems are stratified and composed of a hierarchy of interrelated,
causal-explanatory models.

The Self as Embedded in Relationships and through Spiritual Development

The Self as Embedded in Relationships and through Spiritual Development in

Confucian Thought

1.) Confucianism

● A code of ethical conduct, of how one should properly act according to his/her
relationship with other people
● Confucianism is centered on ren which can be manifested through the li
(propriety), xiao (filiality), and yi (rightness).
● For Confucius, ren reflects the person's own understanding of humanity. It is
found within each person and can be realized in one's personal life and
relationship.
● Ren guides human actions that makes life worth living which can be realized
through li, xiao, and yi

Li the propriety. Rules of propriety should be followed to guide human actions. These
rules are the customs, ceremonies, and traditions that forms the basis of li.

● According to Confucius, "to master oneself and return to propriety is humanity"

(Koller, 2007). Self mastery involves self development.
● Self mastery is characterized by self-control and the will to redirect impulses to
change these to socially accepted expression of human nature
● Li conforms to the norms of humanity, thus one must fulfill their duties and
responsibilities in these five (5) relationships: father and son, ruler and subject,
older and younger brothers, husband and wife, friend and friend.
Xiao the filiality. This is the virtue of reverence and respect for the family

Reverence for parents and family is further demonstrated by bringing honor to the
family, making something of himself and to earn respect for others.

Relationship that exist in the family reflect how the person relates to others in the
community

The family is the reflection of the person. How the person interacts socially and the
values they emulate can all be traced back to their family environment.

This forms the bases of the person's moral and social virtues (Koller, 2007). (If,
however, the person is having difficulty giving his family the honor that they deserved,
he should just do his best to not disgrace the family. Relationships that exist in the
family reflect how the person relates to others in the community. The family is the
reflection of the person. Yi the rightness. The right way of behaving which is
unconditional and absolute. Right is right, and what is not right is wrong)

Yi the rightness. The right way of behaving which is unconditional and absolute. Right is
right, and what is not right is wrong. Actions must be performed and carried out because
they are the right actions.

Confucius emphasized that actions should be performed because they are right and not
for selfish benefits that they provide

2.) Taoism (TAO= universe

Taoism emphasizes harmony between humans and the natural world. Rejects the
hierarchy and strictness brought by Confucianism and would prefer a simple lifestyle
and its teachings thus aim to describe how to attain that life 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.

YIN=dark side

YANG=white side

EACH HALF IS PART OF EACH OTHER

BAD THAT IS IN GOOD

GOOD THAT IS IN BAD

ALL IS ABOUT THE BALANCE

3.) 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
sufferings. (wisdom, virtue,concentration)
- 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. (Nirvana = peace,
happiness, state of enlightenment, highest state, individual desire to go with it)