UTS - Chapter 1 - Lesson 4 R
UTS - Chapter 1 - Lesson 4 R
UTS - Chapter 1 - Lesson 4 R
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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.