THE SELF IN
WESTERN AND
EASTERN THOUGHTS
Presented by BSED ENG 1B
TELEPATHY
GAME
ICE
BREAKER!
Differences
between the
Western and
Easter Thoughts
Western Thought
Western thought refers to the
philosophical, intellectual, and cultural
traditions that originated in the Western
world, tracing its roots back to Ancient
Greek philosophy around the 6th century
BCE with figures like Socrates, Plato, and
Aristotle.
Eastern Thoughts
Eastern Thought, also known as Asian
Philosophy, refers to a vast and diverse
set of philosophical, religious, and
spiritual traditions that originated across
East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia
(including China, India, Japan, and other
regions).
Difference
Western Concept of Self:
- Emphasizes individualism and independence
- Defines identity through personal characteristics and traits
- Sees the self as separate from others, society, and nature
- Values rationality and conscious awareness
Eastern Concept of Self:
- Focuses on interconnectedness and relationships
- Defines identity through social context and roles
- Sees the self as interdependent with others and the
universe
- Emphasizes harmony, non-attachment, and often a non-
dual or illusionary view of the self
Western
Perception of
the Self
The Concept of “Self”
in Western Thought
In the Western thought, the concept of
the “self” is seen as a social construct
characterized in the three ways: the
individualistic self, the concept of self
sufficiency, and the self being rational
The Concept of “Self”
in Western Thought
Individualistic Self
• Puts emphasis on the self being able
accomplish the tasks at hand without
the aid of other individuals.
• Another aspect is the autonomy of the
person wherein the person can
operate and create decisions for
him/herself by him/herself without the
influence of any other individual or
authority.
The Concept of “Self”
in Western Thought
Self Sufficiency
• Being self-sufficient implies
confidence in one's capacity to provide
what the self needs from one's own
resources and authority
The Concept of “Self”
in Western Thought
The Self Being Rational
• Rational states that the person needs
to function as a being that uses reason
rather than feelings and emotions.
The Social
Constructio
n of the
Self
The Social Construction of
• the fully
The self is not born Self formed — it is
created and shaped through social
interaction, culture, and shared meanings.
• This idea comes from sociology and social
psychology, especially symbolic
interactionism.
• It means our identity, values, and even how
we see ourselves are influenced by the
society and groups we belong to.
Key Ideas:
1. (Self is built through interaction)
We understand who we are by engaging
with family, friends, school, media, and
community.
2.( Influence of Culture and Society)
Our beliefs about being a “good child,”
“successful student,” or “respectful
person” come from cultural and social
expectations.
Key Ideas:
[Link] Meanings (Symbols, Language,
Roles) Language and symbols give us
ways to define ourselves (e.g., being
called “leader” or “troublemaker” shapes
self-concept).
4. (Not Fixed, but Evolving)
The self changes depending on our social
environment and experiences.
SIMPLE WORDS
The Social Construction of the Self means
that who we are is shaped by society —
our identity, behavior, and self-image
come from the roles we play, the labels
people give us, and the culture we live in.
Example:
A child grows up being told by teachers
and parents that she is “responsible.”
Over time, she begins to see herself as a
responsible person because society
The Eastern
Perception
of the Self
What is Eastern Perspective
of Self?
-The eastern perspective views the self as
interconnected and not the primary focus,
contrasting with the Western emphasis on
individualism.
Eastern philosophy believes that “the self,”
composed of each person’s personal identity,
consciousness, and core philosophies, is an
illusion. They deny the existence of the
independent entity of self that Westerners posit
does exist.
KEY PRINCIPLES OF THE
EASTERN SELF:
-Interconnectedness: The self is viewed
as fundamentally interwoven with other
people,
society, and the environment.
-Relational: Identity is defined by one’s
relationships and social roles, not solely
by
individual attributes.
KEY PRINCIPLES OF THE
EASTERN SELF:
-Harmony: The ideal is to live in balance
and harmony with the larger community
and the
natural world.
-Renunciation of Ego: Practices like
compassion and detachment from desires
are
central to dissolving the illusion of an
individual, separate self.
KEY PHILOSOPHIES IN
EASTERN PERSPECTIVE OF
BUDDHISM: SELF:
• The self is seen as an illusion, born out of ignorance,
trying to hold and control things,
or human centered. Thus the self is also the source of
all these suffering.
Example:
• Constantly desiring something that might lead into
disappointment, pursuing power or
position by self-centeredness then refusing to change
that can cause suffering.
THE EIGHT FOLD
PATH:
•Right Understanding
•Right Intention
•Right Speech
•Right Action
•Right Effort
•Right Mindfulness
•Right Concentration
KEY PHILOSOPHIES IN
EASTERN PERSPECTIVE OF
TAOISM: SELF:
•It’s about finding peace and inner calm by living in tune with the
natural world and letting go of unnecessary desires and struggles:
•Harmony with nature.
•Balance and simplicity
•Non-action (Wu Wei)
KEY PHILOSOPHIES IN
EASTERN PERSPECTIVE OF
SELF:
-Confucianism is a philosophical and ethical system
based on the teachings of Confucius.
•It focuses on cultivating individuals to become “junzi”
(gentlemen or noble persons),
promoting a harmonious society through moral
character and social responsibility.
EXAMPLE:
• Showing respect and care for one’s parents and elders,
practicing politeness, and
engaging in self-reflection for personal growth.
TAOISM ENCOURAGES:
Embracing change
•Adapting to life’s cycles and
transformations.
Letting go of desires
•Reducing attachments and cravings.
Cultivating inner peace
•Through meditation, self-reflection,
and harmony with nature.
TAOISM ENCOURAGES:
Embracing change
•Adapting to life’s cycles and
transformations.
Letting go of desires
•Reducing attachments and cravings.
Cultivating inner peace
•Through meditation, self-reflection,
and harmony with nature.
The Individual
and Collective
Concept of the
Self
The Individualism and
Collective Concept of
the Self
INDIVIDUALISM
• "I" identity
• Promotes individual goals, initiative, and
achievement
• Individual rights are seen as being the most
important. Rules attempt to ensure self-
importance and individualism
• People are encouraged to do things on their
own; to rely on themselves
The Individualism and
Collective Concept of
the Self
COLLECTIVISM
• Each person is encouraged to be an active player in
society, to do what is best for society as whole rather than
themselves
• The rights of families, communities, and the collective
supersede those of the individual
• Rules attempt to ensure self-importance and
individualism | Rules promote unity, brotherhood, and
selflessness.
• Working with others and cooperating is the norm;
everyone supports each other
• As a community, family, or nation more than as an
individual
The Self
in
Confucia
n
The Self in Confucian
Thoughts
•Confucian thought provides guidance on
living a virtuous, harmonious, and
meaningful life. Such as morality and ethics,
social harmony, personal cultivation, and
importance of relationship
•It also focuses on education and self-
improvement, virtue development then
social responsibility.
5
FOUNDATIO
N OF
CONFUCIAN
5 Foundation of Confucian
1) REN (BENEVOLENCE)
Thought
• Refers to kindness, empathy and humanity.
Example:
Helping a friend without expecting in return, volunteering in the
community project such as cleaning and treating others with
respect and equal.
2) YI (RIGHTEOUSNESS)
• Refers to moral integrity, justice and duty.
Example:
Standing for someone who is being bullied, keeping promises or
commitments, treating others equally without being bias and
speak truthfully.
5 Foundation of Confucian
Thought
5) XIN (INTEGRITY)
• Refers to trustworthiness, sincerity amd
faithfulness.
Example:
Being truthful and transparent, admitting
mistakes and taking responsibility, being
reliable and dependable in any relationship.
5
RELATIONSHIP
IN
CONFUCIANISM
5 Relationship in
Dao ( 道 , “Way”) inConfucianism
Confucianism
In Confucianism, the Dao is the right way of living according to
moral values and proper relationships.
It is about social harmony through living with virtue (de),
respect, and responsibility.
In Confucianism, Dao is more about relationships and moral
duties (the human way).
In Daoism, Dao is about nature and the universe’s natural
functions (the cosmic way).b b?b b b. ?? b)? b))
The Dao in Confucianism is
expressed in the Five Key
1) Ruler-Subject
caring for subjects.
Relationships:
•Loyalty and obedience to authority, with the ruler protecting and
Example:
•A king ensuring the welfare and safety of his people, while subjects
show loyalty and obedience to the king's just and fair rule.
2) Father-Son
•Filial piety, respect, and obedience from son to father, with father
providing guidance and care.
Example:
•A father providing guidance, support, and protection to his son, while
the son shows respect, obedience, and care for his father.
The Dao in Confucianism is
expressed in the Five Key
3) Elder Brother-Younger Brother
Relationships:
•Older sibling's responsibility to guide and care for younger sibling,
with younger sibling showing respect.
Example:
•An older brother mentoring, guiding, and protecting his younger
brother, while the younger brother looks up to and respects his older
sibling.
4) Husband-Wife
•Mutual respect, loyalty, and harmony in marriage.
Example:
•A husband and wife supporting each other, sharing responsibilities,
and showing mutual respect and love.
The Dao in Confucianism is
expressed in the Five Key
Relationships:
5) Friend-Friend
•Mutual trust, loyalty, and support between friends.
Example:
•Two friends supporting each other, sharing
experiences, and showing mutual trust and loyalty.
Does anyone
have
questions?
AVISAL
A
ESHMA