Eastern and Western Perspective

Question 1

(Asia)

Answer 1

EASTERN PERSPECTIVE

Question 2

(Europe and north
America)

Answer 2

WESTERN PERPECTVE

Question 3

Define self by its relation to others (family, friends, society)

Answer 3

Confucianism (Confucius)

Question 4

Self is connected to the natural
world and the flow of Tao
(Universal way)

Answer 4

Taoism (Lao Tzu)

Question 5

Self is a temporary product of
karma and clinging. Life’s goal is
to achieve enlightenment, which is
the liberation from suffering by
letting go of attachment to the self
and the world

Answer 5

Buddhism (Siddhartha Gautama)

Question 6

i. Realize one’s self to spiritual
practice
ii. Atman: self, soul
iii. Brahman: the universal divine
ground of all being

Answer 6

Hinduism (No Founder)

Question 7

Similar: Rene Descartes
ii. Self lies in thought (I think
therefore I am)
iii. We are rational beings, separate
from the body and capable of
understanding the world through reason

Answer 7

Rational Self

Question 8

i. Similar: John Locke
ii. Self is a blank slate shaped by
experience though the senses
(tabula rasa)
iii. We acquire knowledge and identity
through perception and reflection.

Answer 8

Empirical Self

Question 9

i. Similar: Sigmund Freud
ii. Self is divided into three parts:

Answer 9

Freud’s theory of self

Question 10

a. drives and desires
b. similar: appetitive

Answer 10

Id

Question 11

a. reality principle
b. similar:
Rational/Mind
(Nous)

Answer 11

Ego

Question 12

a. internalized
morals
b. similar: spirited

Answer 12

Super Ego

Question 13

self is a distinct, autonomous entity,
separate from others and the
external world.

Answer 13

Individual Self