QUIZ

1. What is the meaning of the symbol of Confucianism?

2. What is the meaning of the symbol of Taoism?
3. What is the meaning of Tao in Taoism?
4. What is the characteristics of a chun-tzu in Confucianism?
5. Western culture is called?
6. Eastern culture is called?
7. Who among the 3 has strict beliefs?
8. What is the focus of Western culture?
9. What is the focus of Eastern culture?
10. What is the name of the Buddhism symbol?
The Self In Western and Eastern
Thoughts
Different cultures and varying environment tend to create
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. It must
be understood that this distinction and the countries
included was politically colored at the time that
aforementioned concepts were accepted and used in the
social sciences. Furthermore, it must be reiterated that
while countries who are geographically closer to each other
may share commonalities, there are also a lot of factors
that create differences. In the Philippines alone, each
region may have a similar or varying perception regarding
the “self”.
 CONFUCIANISM
• Confucianism 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(Ho 1995). Therefore, the 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. (Ho
1995).
• Self-cultivation is seen as the ultimate purpose of life but the
characteristics of a chun-tzu, a man of virtue or noble character, is
still embedded in his social relationships(Ho 1995). The cultivated
self in Confucianism is what some scholars call a “subdued self”
wherein personal needs are repressed (subdued) for the good of
many, making Confucian society also hierarchal for the purpose of
maintaining order and balance in society(Ho 1995).
CONFUCIANISM SYMBOL
BUDDHISM SYMBOL
 TAOISM
• Taoism is living in the way of the Tao or the universe. However, Taoism
rejects having one definition of what the Tao is, and one can only state
clues of what it is as they adopt a free-flowing, relative, unitary, as well as
paradoxical view of almost everything. Taoism 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 (Ho 1995).
• 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(Ho 1995).
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(Ho 1995). In this way, you will be able to act spontaneously
because you will not be restricted by some legalistic standards but
because you are in harmony with everything.
TAOISM SYMBOL
 BUDDHISM
• There are various groups who have adopted Buddhism; thus, you may find
differences in their teachings with our discussion But more likely, their core
concepts remained the same. 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 (Ho 1995). It is,
therefore, our quest 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(Ho 1995).
• The self or the individual is not the focus of the abovementioned Asian or
Eastern philosophies or beliefs. Even with extended discussions about how the
self should work, Confucianism and Taoism still situate the self within a bigger
context. In striving to become a better person. One does not create a self
above other people or nature but a self that is beneficial to his community as
well as in order and harmony with everything else. As for Buddhism, the self,
with all its connections and selfish ideas, is taken not just out of the center of
the picture, but from the whole picture entirely.
 Western country and South east Asia
• Americans people tend to • Asians in general talk
talk about their personal about their social roles or
attributes when the social situations that
describing themselves. invoked certain traits that
Americans would they deem positive for
highlight their personal their selves. Asians would
achievements. They rather keep a low profile
compare themselves to as promoting the self can
others in order to be be seen as boastfulness
better. that disrupts social
relationships.
• The western culture is what we would call an individualistic
culture since their focus is on the person. Asian culture, on
the other hand, is called collectivistic culture as the group and
social relations that is given more importance than individual
needs and wants.
• By valuing the individual, Westerners 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. Eastern or oriental persons look after the
welfare of their groups and values cooperation. They would
also be more compromising and they tend to go around the
bush in explaining things, hoping that the other person would
“feel” what they really want to say.(Qingxue 2013).
• Westerners also emphasize more on the value of equality
even if they see that the individual can rise above
everything else. Because everyone is on their own in the
competition, one can say that they also promote ideals that
create “fair” competition and protect the individual. Asians,
with their collectivistic culture, put more emphasis on
hierarchy as the culture wants to keep things in harmony
and order. For example, Westerners would mostly likely call
their bosses, parents, or other seniors by their first name.
The boss can also be approached head-on when conflicts or
problems about him arises. For Asians, we have respectful
terms for our seniors and a lot of workers would not dare
go against the high-ranking officials(Qingxue 2003).
 Filipino Representation of the Self
SHARED UNDERSTANDING
• That makes us understand and
recognize what people do and
gives us assurance that we are
also being understood
• Sarcastic remarks in your group,
bantering...you feel safe to be
open with your remarks because
you know you all understand
• On the other hand, if you are with
a different group who probably
will take your comments
seriously, you would prevent
yourself from saying such
comments
REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELF
• Versions of “culturally
understood self”
• Provide meanings to one’s
and another’s actions within
forms of social interaction
• Expression of oneself
• Adaptive
• We present different sides
depending on the situation;
which is more appropriate
5 differences between Western and Eastern society,
culture, and individuals in the table below

Western Eastern
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
5. 5.