UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
status of community
LESSON 4: THE SELF IN WESTERN AND
EASTERN THOUGHTS
“Self” – has different perceptions, and the
common distinction is “Eastern-vs-Western”
dichotomy (yung self natin ay may maraming
mga kahulugan, at ang pinaka common na
makakapagbigay ng madaling pagkakaiba ay
ang Eastern-vs-Western na kultura)
Eastern – represents Asia
Western – represents Europe and
North America
Take Note: Countries who are
geographically closer to each other may
share commonalities (ang mga bansa na
magkakakalapit ayon sa kanilang mga lokasyon
sa mapa ay mas nagkakaroon ng maraming
magkakatulad sa kultura)
1. Literature – one culture depicts
hero/villain in story (kultura na
nagpapakita ng bida at kontrabida sa
isang kwento)
2. Social Organization – see their boss or
subordinate (kung paano nila tinitingnan
ang kanilang boss o kasama)
3. Artworks, dances, and clothing –
show clues about self (pwedeng
magbigay ng ideya tungkol sa sarili)
THE SELF IN EASTERN THOUGHTS
CONFUCIANISM – code of ethical conduct,
act according to their relationship with
people
- Identity and self-concept = identity and
SELF-CULTIVATION - ultimate purpose of
life, characteristics of chun-tzu
Chun Tzu – man of virtue or noble character
Subdued self – cultivated self in Confucianism
▪ Personal needs are
repressed (meaning
nagsubdued)
TAOISM – living the way of Tao or universe
Rejections of Tao
1. Rejects having one definition of Tao
2. Rejects hierarchy and strictness
3. Prefer a simple lifestyle
SELF in Taoism – part of the universe
IDEAL SELF IN TAOISM
1. Selflessness but not forgetting about self
2. Living a balanced-life
3. Open and accepting to change
4. Forgetting about prejudices and
egocentric idea
5. Thinking about equality
6. Complementary among humans
BUDDHISM – self is seen as “Illusion”
SELF IN BUDDHISM
1. Born out of ignorance
2. Trying to hold and control things
3. Human centered needs
4. Source of all sufferings
Nirvana – renounce the self, ultimate peace and
freedom from suffering
THE SELF IN WESTERN THOUGHTS
WESTERN – does not discount role of environment,
looking toward self (hindi iniisip ang role ng environment,
pero lagging naka tingin sa magiging kalalalbasan ng
goal sa sarili)
1. You compare yourself to be better (kinokompara
ang sarili para maging okay)
2. You create associations and bask of self-esteem
(gumagawa ng mga bagay na nakakapagdagdag
sa kumpiyansa sa sarili)
3. You put primacy in developing yourself
(naglalagay ng primacy sa pagdevelop ng sarili)

1. Western – looks at the world in “dualities”

Dualities – distinct from other person
(magkakaiba kada tao)
2. Eastern – sees other person as part of yourself
(parte ng ating pagkatao)
INDIVIDUALISTIC CULTURE – Called for the Western
Culture, focus on the “PERSON”
COLLECTIVISTIC CULTURE – Called for the Asian
Culture, focus on “GROUP AND SOCIAL RELATIONS”

Westerners – loose associations, loyalty to groups

Competition – name of game, straightforward
Eastern or Oriental Person – look after the welfare