UTS - Chapter 1 - Lesson 4 R

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UNDERSTANDING

THE SELF
BY : CARVIN PAUL G. TAMPOS
CHAPTER 1
DEFINING THE SELF: PERSONAL AND
DEVELOPMENTAL PERSPECTIVES ON
SELF IDENTITY
THE SELF IN WESTERN AND
EASTERN THOUGHTS
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
LESSON
At the end of this lesson, you should be able
to:
1. Differentiate the concept of self according to Western thought
against Eastern/Oriental perspectives;
2. Explain the concept of self as found in Asian thoughts; and
3. Create a representation of the Filipino self.
4
ABSTRACTION
There are actually a lot of sources in which you can analyze the perspective of each culture
and country about the concept of “self.” You can see it in their literature like 'how one culture
depicts a hero or a villain in their stories. You can see it in their social organization like how they
see their boss or their subordinate. Artworks, dances, and even clothing may show you clues
about the “self.“
In this lesson, we will look at religious beliefs and political philosophies that greatly
influenced the mindset of each nation or culture. Since almost all the theories about the self,
which were discussed in the previous lessons, also came from Western scientific research, we
will highlight the Eastern thoughts in this lesson.
CULTURAL PERCEPTIONS OF SELF
- Eastern and Western dichotomy wherein eastern as called Orientals represents ASIA and
western represents the EUROPE and NOTHERN AMERICA
EASTERN THOUGHTS OF
SELF
CONFUCIANISM

• Code of ethical conduct, of how one should properly act according to their relationship with
other people—harmonious social life. (Ho, 1996)
• Self-cultivation is seen as the ultimate purpose of life, but the characteristics of a chun-tzu, a
man of virtue or noble character are still embedded in his/her social relationship.

EASTERN THOUGHTS OF SELF


CONFUCIANISM

• The cultivated self is a subdued self -- It is conditioned to respond to perceptions, not of its
own needs and aspirations, but of SOCIAL REQUIREMENTS AND OBLIGATIONS
wherein the personal needs are repressed for the good of many, making Confucian society
also hierarchal for the purpose of maintaining order and balance in society.

EASTERN THOUGHTS OF SELF


TAOISM

• It is living in the way of the Tao or the universe. However, Taoism rejects having one
definition of what the Tao is.
• 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.
• 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 the change.

EASTERN THOUGHTS OF SELF


BUDDHISM

• 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 suffering;
• 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.

EASTERN THOUGHTS OF SELF


WESTERN THOUGHTS OF
SELF
• Western perspective does not discount the role of environment and society in the formation
of the self but the focus is always looking towards the self. You compare yourself in order to
be better, you create associations and bask in the glory of that group for your self-esteem;
you put PRIMACY IN DEVELOPING YOURSELF.
• Western thought looks at the world in dualities wherein you are distinct from the other
person, the creator is separate from the object s/he created.

WESTERN THOUGHTS OF SELF


DIFFERENCES OF WESTERN
AND EASTERN THOUGHTS
• Evaluation of the self also differs as Americans would highlight their personal achievements
while Asians would rather keep a low profile as promoting the self can be seen as
boastfulness that disrupts social relationships;
• The Western culture then is what we would call an individualistic culture since their focus is
on the person;

DIFFERENCES OF WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHTS


• Asian culture, on the other hand, is called a collectivistic culture as the group and social
relations 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;

DIFFERENCES OF WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHTS


• Eastern or oriental persons look after the welfare of their groups and value 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, 2003).
• Westerners also emphasize more on the value of equality even if they see that the individual
can rise above everything else; they also promote ideals “fair” competition and protect the
individual;
• As Asians, with their collective regard, puts more emphasis on hierarchy—as the culture
wants to keep things in harmony and in order.

DIFFERENCES OF WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHTS


• Westerners would most likely call their boss, parents, or other seniors by their first name;
• Asians have respectful terms for seniors and a lot of workers would not dare go against
ranking officials. (Qingxue, 2003).

DIFFERENCES OF WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHTS


AS FOR THE PHILIPPINES
• Filipinos can also consider the colonization experience for differences and similarities with
our Asian neighbors;
• We might also find variation among provinces and regions due to geographical conditions;
• With social media, migration, and intermarriages, variety between the Westerners and Asian
perceptions may either be blurred or highlighted, whereas conflict is inevitable in diversity,
peace is also possible through the understanding of where each of us is coming from.

AS FOR THE PHILIPPINES


END.

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