Eastern Martial Arts. They’re not passive observers; they are active participants in life, selecting actions in harmony with nature. The disciplines of Buddhism and Taoism, are, however, concerned with changing the consciousness of normal, socially adjusted people.” In the five decades since these words were written, Western psychology has become increasingly interested in aiding “normal” individuals to reach their maximum psychological potential. - 6237038 <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]>>/Rotate 0/Type/Page>> The self-concept is a knowledge representation that contains knowledge about us, including our beliefs about our personality traits, physical characteristics, abilities, values, goals, and roles, as well as the knowledge that we exist as individuals. In analyzing a mythological work, a proper understanding of the nature of the self and its relation to the Cosmos is essential. It is often suggested that contrasting Eastern vs. Western characteristics bring about significant overall differences between the culture and society of the East and of the West. Eastern concepts of the ego differ from Western concepts. Similarities and differences in society. Christopher I. Beckwith has identified a translation of the Buddhist three marks of existence, in Pyrrho's teachings. Thus, we come to a more authentic and genuine view of reality. They will usually claim that the West is rational, scientific, and individualist whereas the East is more irrational, spontaneous, and collectivist. <>/MediaBox[0 0 612 792]/Parent 3 0 R/Resources<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/XObject<>>>/Type/Page>> In analyzing a mythological work, a proper understanding of the nature of the self and its relation to the Cosmos is essential. Heraclitus), in early Western philosophy a static view of reality was taken, with substance as the carrier of properties and the basis for identity of the self. The Concept of ‘The Self’ in Western and Eastern Traditions. 2018-10-12T20:23:10-07:00 Linear as it seems, Western philosophy is logical, scientific, and rational compared to the East’s concept of eternal and recurring. AppendPDF Pro 5.5 Linux Kernel 2.6 64bit Oct 2 2014 Library 10.1.0 The similarities between eastern and western philosophy are greater than any differences cited by modern-day writers and lecturers on the topic. Eastern culture uses the spiritual and missionary approach of searching inside oneself for answers through meditation whereas western culture takes on a pragmatic and emotional approach in searching outside oneself through research and analysis. uuid:0c6cadd9-a9d4-11b2-0a00-782dad000000 Differentiate the concept of self according to Western thought against Eastern/Oriental perspectives; 2. endobj Jen is a second generation Chinese-American who speaks from her experiences navigating two distinct kinds of selves—an Asian identity shaped at home by her immigrant parents and a Western identity acquired outside the home growing up in Scarsdale, New York. However, since east and west refers to various countries and cultures scattered across the globe, only a broad generalization can be m… 2018-10-12T20:23:10-07:00 endobj Richard C. Page: is an associate professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services at the University of Georgia, Athens. 17 0 obj Western concept of self 94s an individualistic self that is deeply aware of itself, its uniqueness, sense of direction, purpose and volition(act of making choice). However, through the process of meditation and mindfulness, we are able to examine the inner workings of our mind and come to understand the nature of illusion and how it arises. Terms such as nirvana, satori, realization, awakening, and enlightenment denote the highest state of spiritual and psychological development and transcendence. Eastern western. The self and emotion. Eastern psychologies maintain that, as a result of social and self-conditioning, our ambitions, beliefs, desires, expectations, preconceptions, and views of the nature of reality are illusory. The self is located at the center within the individual through which the world is perceived. In contrast, the Western civilization is more individualistic, trying to find the meaning of life here and now with self at the center as it is already given and part of the divine. Humans are intersubjective beings interacting with other people and environmental factors in a constant state of flux. The term ‘self’ refers to an individual human being, along with their body, mind, and in some cases, the concept of a ‘soul’. Life is a universal process in which every individual is an essential part. The self has been conceptualized in a variety of ways by European and American theorists who have addressed a number of different contexts of human behavior. endobj The most often cited difference is that western philosophy is 'fragmentary' while eastern philosophy is 'holistic'. <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]>>/Rotate 0/Type/Page>> In Western society, the individual rules. Student Gateway Faculty & Staff Gateway  Donate, 888.308.0032 | 55 Eureka Street Pasadena, CA 91103 | Privacy Policy | © 2019 Saybrook University | Consumer Disclosures, In Blog, Human Experience, Mind-Body Medicine, 5 different types of therapy in psychology, 5 career paths for a Ph.D. in social work, Connecting guided imagery and motivational interviewing in meditation class. Appligent AppendPDF Pro 5.5 Can similarities be found in western philosophy with the eastern concept of self (no-self) in Buddhism? Like the breath rises and falls or the seasons come and go, all things are seen as being in a constant process of arising, forming, and dissolving. %PDF-1.7 %���� The approaches of Buddhism, Taoism, Vedanta, or yoga are not easily comparable to religious or philosophical systems as we understand them in the West. The main difference between eastern and western ethics is the fact that Western Ethics is about finding truth, whereas Eastern Ethics are very much about the protocol, and showing of respect. endobj the differences in their answers, and the similarities. Since we think and act in accordance with these illusions, we invariably suffer … Part of what is developing in children as they grow is the fundamental cognitive part of the self, known as the self-concept. THE SELF IN WESTERN. To some extent Western formulations of the self … 1 0 obj Clearly, human beings cannot be reduced to parts but must be understood within the context of the whole. 2 0 obj The general assumption seems to be that drug therapies and techniques that lead to behavioral change will also initiate change in mental processes and states. Eastern culture has a circular view of the universe that is based upon the perception of eternal recurrence whereas Western culture has a linear view of the universe that is based on the Christian philosophy that everything has a beginning and an end. 2018-10-12T20:23:10-07:00 9 0 obj 3 0 obj In Buddhism the no-self is called anatman. endobj There is no soul and no-self. The article examines the Western ideas concerning how the self is constructed and how it relates to perception and experience. A comparison of culture and philosophy between Eastern and Western societies. Moreover, public displays of affection are often frowned upon in Eastern countries. In antiquity, the Greek philosopher Pyrrho traveled with Alexander the Great's army on its conquest of India (327 to 325 BCE) and based his philosophy of Pyrrhonism on what he learned there. THE WESTERN CONCEPT OF THE SEI,F 5 when she writes, "As an American researcher, I had been taught to act: independence, mastery, competence, were deemed key vir-tues." But when she interacted with native Japanese, she states, "I felt keenly the deconstruction of the self into various constituents at war with one another" (Kondo 1986:78). The western view of the ‘enduring self’ refers to the notion that … From Eastern perspectives, however, the ego is a social fiction. “Life ceases to be problematic when it is understood that the ego is a social fiction.” — Alan Watts. To some extent Western formulations of the self evidence a homunculus-like quality lacking in some Eastern conceptions, especially those derived from the Vijnanavada and Zen Buddhist traditions. Reductionism, while useful in certain applications, is not helpful in understanding the person. <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]>>/Rotate 0/Type/Page>> <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]>>/Rotate 0/Type/Page>> However, more accurately, they offer “therapy” for everyday living as their teachings are designed to assist the person in working toward optimal functioning and psychological well-being. The Western society focuses on the individual's self-development, and parents and children are often independent individuals. Concepts of the Self: Western and Eastern Perspectives Concepts of the Self: Western and Eastern Perspectives Page, Richard C.; Berkow, Daniel N. 1991-04-01 00:00:00 Richard C. Page is a n associate professor in the Department oJCounseIing a n d Human Development Services at the University oJGeorgia. One of … Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Shenism, and Taoism are some common religions in these countries. People build taxonomies for both to try and get some clarity; the distinctions continue to proliferate in an unhelpful way. Individualism – favours the individual as an independent entity and encourages self-promotion and self-worth. <> Every time you fail to feed the needs and desires of your fictional self (which comes from the standards created by you, your loved ones, or your reputation), you suffer. Eastern way is by observing objective reality of what things are without exaggeration brings things into the perfect state of balance because balance is objective realty. endobj In the West, the ego (regardless of the various ways in which theorists define it) is seen as central to identity and personality. Until the advent of cognitive, existential, phenomenological, humanistic, and transpersonal perspectives, little effort was devoted to the rigorous study of inner mental states and processes and embodied cognition. We value personal achievements over group efforts. endstream Similarities between the concept of the self and the concept of emotion: There is no agreed upon definition of the self or for emotion. Comparison Between Eastern and Western Philosophy Broadly, speaking, ... Self-dedication to the goal (success, happiness, etc.) Alan Watts, the late British philosopher, proposed that there were two great myths of the self—myth here not used in the sense of something false, but rather as a way of interpreting oneself and one’s reality. MODULE 1: The Self from Various Perspectives Source: Understanding the Self. Our illusions and distortions, caused by our belief in a fictional ego bent on fortification and justification of a self, prevents us from recognizing the underlying harmony and unity that pervades all of life. The eastern and western philosophy present similar issues when it comes to the idea of the state of being a human being. Since Eastern psychologies are inwardly focused, they may appear to be narcissistic or nihilistic. 2 With notable exceptions (e.g. Eastern and Western philosophy published 12-1-2014 Here I start a series on differences and similarities between Eastern and Western philosophy, and my position in that. Explain the concept of self as found in Asian thoughts; and 3. This answer is informed by New Age ideology. Comparison of Western and Eastern Concepts of Self Western Eastern Duality- you are distinct from other persons Other persons are part of your self Talk about their personal attributes Talk about their social roles Highlights personal achievements Keeps a low profile and avoid boastfulness Individualistic- focus on the person Collectivistic- group and social relations are more important … In this report, we will first survey three important theoreticians from the western tradition to unravel the view of the Self that they take and follow it up with a … 8 0 obj Eastern culture bel… The writings put emphasis on the fact that eastern and western similarities are largely similar. Understanding the Self Associate professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services. Various scholars and institutions of higher learning have maintained arbitrary divisions in the eastern and western philosophy. Another important characteristic of Eastern and Western systems of virtue ethics is the integration of personal and professional life. The term ‘self’ refers to an individual human being, along with their body, mind, and in some cases, the concept of a ‘soul’. uuid:0c6cbe0d-a9d4-11b2-0a00-10b5a2d6ff7f Collectivism – individuals are part of a group and the needs of the group come before the individual. In Western thought, people tend to answer affirmatively and think of the self as an entity separate from others. A person could not act one way at home and a completely different way in public, especially civic leaders, merchants, teachers, and rulers. It emphasizes values the West has forgotten. Alan Watts, the late British philosopher, proposed that there were two great myths of the self—myth here not used in the sense of something false, but rather as a way of interpreting oneself and one’s reality. Buddhism, by contrast, recognized no substance and saw reality not in terms of things but in Western and Eastern Religion Comparison Islam and Buddhism are two distinct religious traditions that provide their own meaningful responses to the fundamental questions about life. At the end of this lesson, you should be able to: 1. Western heritage: The western tradition is commonly acknowledged to be “imbued with a style of <> Eastern philosophy also thrives on … In Search of the Self: Eastern versus Western Perspectives Can similarities be found in western philosophy with the eastern concept of self (no-self) in Buddhism? Reductionism, while useful in certain applications, is not helpful in understanding the person. Wanhyo states that “Thinking makes good and bad.” endobj We then come to experience a profound change in attitude and perspective. It is evident that there exists a pluralism with respect to the existence of the self, as well as that some Western authors have similar views to the Eastern concept of the self (e. g. Hume). In Buddhism the no-self is called anatman. Suggests that alternative definitions of the self from outside of Western culture may assist in the ongoing development of future models of the person within Western psychology. Concepts of the Self: Western and Eastern Perspectives. Comparison between Western and Eastern Ethics: Eastern world refers to countries in the Asia and Middle East whereas Western world refers to North and South America, Europe, Australia and New Zeeland. Eastern psychologies maintain that, as a result of social and self-conditioning, our ambitions, beliefs, desires, expectations, preconceptions, and views of the nature of reality are illusory. Similarities and differences in society. In other words, it assumes that we humans are… East and West may have numerous differences based on culture. Eternal reality of the universal truth: self-liberation through getting rid of the false "Me" and discovering the true "Me" "Me" is here and now. Eastern and Western religions also differ in the way people worship them. The west wants it … 5 0 obj Western people rely mainly on reason and logic which are the more popular sources of knowledge. Name two (2) things that represent Western and Eastern Concept/Perspective of the Self. Self-concept tends to be more malleable when people are younger and still going through the process of self-discovery and identity formation. Due to its Christian influence, there has to be a beginning and end to find meaning. Similarities between the concept of the self and the concept of emotion: There is no agreed upon definition of the self or for emotion. It is often suggested that contrasting Eastern vs. Western characteristics bring about significant overall differences between the culture and society of the East and of the West. And less practical practices that may be present in their eastern counterparts. In Eastern philosophy , though, the self is often treated as an illusion. Main Difference – Eastern vs Western Culture. The article examines the Western ideas concerning how the self is constructed and how it relates to perception and experience. For Western psychology, according to Alan Watts, “The psychotherapist has, for the most part, been interested in changing the consciousness of…disturbed individuals. endobj 16 0 obj <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]>>/Rotate 0/Type/Page>> The true “Me” in every human being is a … It does not easily leave the home when it is underage. Western Ethics, on the other hand, has more of an emphasis on self and what is rationally or logically true. Prince 9.0 rev 5 (www.princexml.com) In the Eastern view, we are all in need of “therapy” (normal or disturbed alike) since few of us are functioning free from the influence of delusions, projections, or uncurbed desires. Buddha spoke about the emptiness of the form, in the sense that the form is the physical body, and the human being is just impermanence. comparison and bring out the essential features inherent in the eastern and western traditions. Center within the context of the Buddhist three marks of existence, Pyrrho. Greater respect for the amount of time it takes to truly learn a art. Own eye similarities of western and eastern concept of self self-development, and parents and children are often frowned upon in eastern philosophy unequivocally argues that self... Self from Various perspectives source: understanding the person are part of a group and the similarities instant. 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