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1. The Self: According
to Eastern definitions
A comparative approach between
Eastern and Western societies.
Prepared by: Mr. Mikhail Magayones, RPm

2. Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss Eastern schools of thought and what they say
about the self.
2. Compare Eastern philosophies and Western philosophies
of the self.
3. Discern between an individualist or collectivist societies.

3. Confucianism
● Confucianism is a philosophy based on mutual respect and
kindness toward others. Conceptualized even before the birth
of Confucius but was later developed during the Han Dynasty.
● The self-concept and identity are interwoven with the identity
and status of his/ her community or culture. Self-cultivation is
the ultimate purpose of life in which the needs of the self is
repressed or subdued for the good of many.
Kung Fu Tzu
Chinese philosopher
Founder of the Confucianism
philosophy (551 B.C.E.)

4. Taoism
● Taoism teaches living the way of Tao or the universe. It sought
to break free from the strict Confucianist principles.
● Taoism asserts that the self is an extension of the family and
community, that the ideal self is selflessness but not forgetting
the self. It seeks a balanced life with society and nature.
Lao Tzu
Chinese philosopher
Founder of Taoism
(500 B.C.E.)

5. Buddhism
● Buddhism teaches the concept of Karma (law of cause and
effect), reincarnation, Nirvana, and Four Noble Truths.
● In a more specific view, Buddhism teaches the self to be an
illusion and product of ignorance, attachment to worldly things,
and human-centered needs. The self is also the source of
human suffering. Further, renouncing and detachment from
these worldly needs or cravings allows one to attain Nirvana.
Siddharta Gautama
Indian monk, mendicant, teacher,
religious leader
Founder of Buddhist philosophy
(5th-4th B.C.E.).

6. Western and Eastern cultural differences
Attributes Western Culture Eastern Culture
View on Creation Dualistic view of creation -
Man is an object and is separate from
the Creator.
Holistic view of creation - Man is part of
an interwoven whole.
Group Orientation/
Loyalty
Loose loyalty in groups, competitive. Values group welfare and cooperation.
Group Structure Egalitarian - values equality
regardless of rank.
Hierarchical - values and respects
hierarchy and group structure.
How one describes
one’s self
Focuses on personal/ individual
attributes.
Focuses on social roles.
Personal and
Societal
Characteristics
Individualist - “Me first.” Collectivist - “For the good of many than
my own.”

7. Individualism
Common traits of individualist cultures:
● Independence is highly valued; dependence is regarded as
shameful or embarrassing.
● There is greater emphasis on uniqueness.
● Tend to be self-reliant and self-sufficient.
● Individual rights are highly valued.
● Countries considered as individualist societies are the United
States, Germany, Ireland, Australia, and South Africa.

8. Collectivism
Common traits of collectivist cultures:
● Rules tend to lean more to selflessness and greater good than
individual gains.
● Working in groups is how things get done.
● Common goals are of greater emphasis than individual goals.
● Families and communities are central to society.
● Countries considered collectivistic include Japan, China,
Korea, Taiwan, Venezuela, Guatemala, Indonesia, Ecuador,
Argentina, Brazil, and India.

9. Is the Philippines really a “collectivist society”?
The Philippines is a collectivist society. Some evidences include:
1. Close Family Ties: Our close family ties which is not only to
immediate family but also to our extended family and
relationships. We highly value being a “member” of the
group or community. This also extends in the workplace
where employees treat each other like family members and
doing favors for them in exchange for their loyalty.
2. Tradition: Normative societies like ours prefer to maintain
and honor traditions and view societal change with
suspicion.
3. Social hierarchy: A social structure such as a family also
has a hierarchy where elder members are treated with
respect. We also respect figures of authority in our society.
In Photo: Bayanihan, a Filipino tradition
wherein members of the community help each
other.

10. Key Points:
● Early Eastern philosophies centered on harmony and man
being a part of a bigger structure (society, nature, higher
dimension).
● Western schools of thought (as discussed in prior chapters)
start off from the individual person being the subject of study
and lesser emphasis on his/ her membership in society.
● Individuals in Western and Eastern societies vary in their
personal characteristics, group attitudes, social structure and
culture.
● Differences in culture can influence how one constructs his/ her
own self-concept.

11. References:
1. Alata,E.J.P.,Caslib,N.,Serafica,J.P.J.,Pawilen,R.A.,(2018).
Understanding the Self. Rex Bookstore Inc.
2. Cherry,K. (n.d.). Individualistic Cultures and Behaviors.
Retrieved from:
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-individualistic-cultures-
2795273
3. Cherry,K. (n.d.). Understanding Collectivist Cultures. Retrieved
from:
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-collectivistic-cultures-2
794962
4. https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country/the-philippines/