The Self in Western and

Eastern Thought
Confucianism

 Focused on having a harmonious social life

 The identity/ self- concept of the individual is interwoven with the identity
and status of the community
 Chu- tzu: gentle person in the most significant sense
 Subdued self= cultivated self
Taoism

 Tao= Universe
 Free flowing
 Relative
 Unitary
 Rejects hierarchy of Confucianism
 The self is an extension of the family or community
Buddhism

 Self is an illusion born out of ignorance

 Self is the source of all suffering