UDERSTANDING THE SELF LEARNING MODULE
COURSE NUMBER : PERDEV 100
COURSE TITLE : UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Course Learning Outcome Student Learning Outcomes
The Self from Various Perspectives:
The first part of this course seeks to understand the Discuss the different presentations and conceptualization of
construct of the self from various disciplinal perspectives: the self from various disciplinal perspectives;
philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and psychology—as Compare and contrast how the self has been represented
well as the more traditional division between the East and across different disciplines and perspectives;
West—each seeking to provide answers to the difficult but Examine the different influences, factors, and forces that
essential question of “What is the self?” and raising, shape the self;
among others, the question: “Is there even such a construct Demonstrate critical and reflective thought in analyzing the
as the self?” development of one’s self and identity by developing a
theory of the self.
LEARNING CONTENT
THE SELF FROM VARIOUS PERSPECTIVES: WESTERN VS EASTERN THOUGHT
Note: For the supplementary lecture presentation, head to this link:
[Link]
A. INTRODUCTION
A lot of the theories we discussed before are Western theories so this time we shall focus more
on Eastern ideas. We will focus on the general observation of cultural, artistic, and principal
differences showing the distinction of the Eastern concepts of “self.”
B. LESSON CONTENT
CONFUCIANISM
Confucianism can be seen as a code of ethical conduct, of how one should act according to their
relationship with other people. It is also focused on having a harmonious social life. The identity
and self-concept are interwoven with identity or status of the community, sharing its pride and
failures.
Believers of Confucianism believe in Chun-tzu, a man of virtue or of noble character. Chun tzu
translates to “gentleman,” denoting “the man with a cultivated moral character.” In
Confucianism, Chun-tzu or the gentleman follows the Way (dao), which means that he strives
for virtue (te) and benevolence (jen), and that he loves his “fellow men.” Self-cultivation is
important but for him, his proper social relationships are also crucial.
Confucianism promotes having a “subdued self” wherein the personal needs are repressed for
the good of many.
TAOISM
Taoism is living in the way of Tao or the universe. It adopts a free-flowing, relative, unitary,
paradoxical view of almost everything. Taoism rejects the hierarchy or the order of command
and strictness brought by Confucianism and prefers a simple lifestyle. From this point of view, it
is considered correct not to interfere with the spontaneity or alter it by any means, expressed by
‘wu wei’ or inaction as in abstention of any action opposing nature.
However, Wu Wei does not signify not acting at all, but rather not forcing things on their way.
The self is not just an extension of the family or community, but it is also a part of the universe.
The ideal self is not only selflessness, but also not forgetting the self and living a well-balanced
life with society and nature, being open and accepting change, forgetting prejudices and
egocentric ideas, and thinking about equality.
Taoists believe in the ‘Three Jewels of Tao’ which refers to the three virtues of Taoism:
1. compassion, kindness, love
2. moderation, simplicity, frugality
3. humility, modesty
BUDDHISM:
Buddhism believes that the self is an illusion, born out of ignorance, or trying to hold or control
things, or human-centered needs. Therefore, the self is a source of suffering. It is our quest to
forget about the self, forget the cravings of self, break the attachments you have with the world,
so you may attain Nirvana.
The Buddhist concept of no-self or Anatta, (“non-self” or “substanceless”) in Buddhism is the
doctrine that there is in humans no permanent, underlying substance that can be called the soul.
The 4 Noble Truths of Buddhism:
1. The Truth of Suffering – old age, sickness, death, failed expectations
2. The Truth of the Origin of Suffering – roots of evil: greed, ignorance, hatred
3. The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering – to end suffering, one must be liberated from
attachment
4. The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering – identifying the way to right
understanding, judgment, speech, action, effort, concentration, etc
The self is not the focus of Eastern/Asian philosophies. They always believe the self to be part of
a bigger context, narrative, or perspective. In striving to become a better person, one does not
create a self above other people, rather, a self should be beneficial to his community as well as in
order and harmony with everything else.
If you would look at the Western perspective (our past discussions), we also consider the role of
the environment or society in those topics but their purpose of relating it is different. They
always put the self forward as the primary or most important figure. In Western thought, they
consider the self as individuals in a way that you are distinct from another person, etc. In
Eastern thought, you see the other person as part of yourself, as well as what you create.
In a larger sense, Western culture tries to discover and verify the truth through the use of
accurate facts from logical sources. Eastern civilizations, on the other hand, accept facts as
presented and are more concerned with maintaining the equilibrium than with the sources.
When it comes down to Eastern vs Western philosophy, Western philosophers place a higher
value on individual values than Eastern philosophers, who are more concerned with societal
duty.
Everyone is interconnected with specific roles. Westerners may seem to have loose associations
or even loyalty to their groups. They tend to compete and are 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 be more compromising and not
directly express their ideas. In the case of the Filipino people, we both possess western and
eastern influences due to colonization, experience, and other complicated events in our nation’s
history.