THE SELF IN EASTERN

AND WESTERN
THOUGHTS
Presented by: Alizza Darshelle E. Bico, RPm
Lesson Objectives:
Differentiate the concept of self
according to Western thought against
Eastern/ Oriental perspectives
Explain the concept of self as found in
Asian thought
Create a representation of the Filipino self
Confucianism/Ruism
◦ often characterized as a system of social and ethical
philosophy rather than a religion.
◦ Code of ethical conduct of how one should properly
act according to their relationship with other people
◦ Self-Cultivation: Ultimate purpose in life
◦ Chun-Tzu: a man of virtue or noble character
◦ Cultivated self in Confucianism is some what called “
Subdued Self”
Basic ideas of Confucianism:
◦ Treat others kindly
◦ Have good manners and follow daily rituals
◦ A man should have good morals and ethics
◦ Family is important and ancestors were to be respected
◦ A true man had the qualities of integrity, righteousness, altruism,
goodness, and loyalty
◦ One should practice moderation in all things
Taoism/Daoism
◦ a philosophical or religious tradition of Chinese
origin which emphasizes living in harmony with
the Tao.
◦ Rejects having one definition of what the Tao is
◦ Adopts a free-flowing, relative, unitary as well as
a paradoxical view of almost everything.
Buddhism
◦ World’s fourth largest religion
◦ 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 seen as the source of all these
sufferings
◦ Quest to forget about the self and attain
Nirvana
 Talk more about their personal attributes
when asked about themselves

Talks about their social roles or

certain traits in social situations that
invoked the different traits they
possess that they deemed positive