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1. THE SELF FROM VARIOUS
PERSPECTIVES
(THE EASTERN AND WESTERN
THOUGHTS)

2. Objectives:
 Differentiate the concept of the self between
oriental and western thoughts;
 Create a representation of the Filipino self; and
 Appreciate the influence of both western and
eastern philosophies in shaping the self.

3. The self is conceptualized in varied ways from
different perspectives. All over the world, although
there are notions of the existence or just a silhouette of
the term self, the explanations vary much based on the
times, the place, and the lifestyle. The eastern and
western thoughts regard self differently although there
are in reality the gradual flow of influence from
western to eastern concepts of self and vice versa.

4. Take for example the collectivism of Eastern
people when it comes to solving a certain task which
is related to the belief that many heads (selves) are
better than one. The Western people would practice
individualism as it’s their principle to solve a task by
their own and no longer need others to do it for them.

5. • Individualism is an orientation concerned with
the independent and self reliance of the
individual.
• Collectivism is an orientation characterized by
belongingness to larger groups or collectives.

6. • Western represent Europe and Northern
America
• Eastern represent Asia

7. The Self in Western Thoughts
Western philosophers focus on the uniqueness of
self in relation to individuality, thus, believing in the
independency from others. Individualism occurs not
because the self is form in alienation with other human
beings nor its preference to a solitary and lonely world
but rather, its assertion for distinctiveness of identity,
referring it to the self.

8. The freedom to express self in words and actions
is common, as self is given the leeway to be satisfied
by doing such and if ever there are some things to be
changed, the self welcomes changes.

9. The Self in Eastern Thoughts
The self in the East is always regarded in relation
with others and not compelled to autonomous entity
separated from social sphere. The I of the self is
always looked at the level of We especially when it
comes to family members or circle of friends. The
significant others are always the underpinnings in
understanding the development of self.

10. The acceptance of what is at the present is one
indicator that Eastern people can stay even without a
lot of changes as long as they are with their social
support system. The more the merrier is the bottom
line for the self in collective sense.

11. Confucianism
• The Confucian self is seen as not static for it is
aiming for a virtue of selflessness, thus, it
undergoes a process of development.
• Confucius claimed that a person may have self or
does not have self.

12. • If a person did service and he is very much
aware of its purpose, then that person has self
and regarded his/her action as selfishness.
• But if that person choose to do service above
self, that is considered as no self at all or can be
regarded as subdued self.

13. • The self according to Confucius operates with
social relationships. How a person shows his/her
being gentleman (noble and selfless) to others,
would determine the nature of social order and
balance.

14. Buddhism
• Buddhism on the other hand, rejects the notion of
having self and instead follows the doctrine of no-self.
• The self is regarded by the Buddhists as an illusion and
the cause of sufferings.
• To attain the state of Nirvana (place for perfect
happiness and peace), a person should renounce self as
it prevents in attaining Nirvana.

15. Hinduism
• Hinduism believes in the existence of
unchanging and independent self which is
considered as the true self (Atman) that
knows the nature of self and witness to all that
happens. The feeling of consciousness is the
true self.

16. • It is different from mind and body as these will perish
during death but the true self remains.
• The one which is impermanent and continuously
changing is considered as the non true self such as the
body and thoughts that keep on changing due to
development.

17. Taoism
• Taoism as another philosophy follows the rules
of the Tao which is in harmony with the nature
or the universe.
• It is not confided to the actions of a person in
relation to others but it aims to attain a balanced
life with the society and nature, for it gives a
person a freedom to attain the ideal self of
selflessness without forgetting the existence of
self.

18. • As long that equality, unselfish motives and
unbiased ideas are practiced, the person is
behaving in complementary with other beings,
thus, in harmony with the universe.

19. Filipino Psychology
• Filipino Psychology focuses on the cultural
orientation of a person and his/her ideas based on
experiences.
• The Filipino’s self which includes his/her
thoughts, feelings and ideas basically developed
from constant communication with significant
others.
• The attainment of the desired inner self is gained
through pakikipag kapwa tao or having good
relationship with others.

20. • Success is based on the standards of society.
• Other people always matter in the decision
making as Filipinos consider the social norms.
• The self changes in adjustment to the changing
society.
• The experiences made the self either strong or
weak depending on the foundations brought by
experiences.