Topic > Philosophy of the Self: Western science and Eastern karma

The study of the philosophy of the Self is divided into two visions, the Western and the Eastern. Everyone has their own way of determining their frame of reference, beliefs, source of knowledge, ways of pursuing a good life, mode of cognition, true nature, view of self, life and the universe, theological vision, the ideal of the self and the cultural framework. . This essay on "Philosophy of the Self" examines both points of view with the aim of better understanding the difference between Western and Eastern philosophy of the self. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The first philosophical vision is the Western one. Based on the video, it is discussed that the West faces individualism. It focuses only on the distinctions and oppositions of the self. With the above discussions, Western perceptions are the thoughts that we believe who we personally are as an individual. We define ourselves scientifically. I know myself as a woman or girl while others may define themselves as a man, gay or lesbian. Knowing what your gender is makes us different from others. Another thing that highlights our differences from each other is our experiences in everyday life where we have shaped our perceptions in everything. It means we have our own source of knowledge. Meanwhile, the Eastern one is the other philosophical view of the self. Eastern thought believes in the form of self-development with the involvement of relationships or religions. Buddhism, one of the most influential secular beliefs, states that there is no self and there is only nothingness, everything else is an illusion. They believe that man can achieve perfect enlightenment. According to them, human life is made up of suffering and meditation, spiritual and physical work and good behavior are the ways to achieve enlightenment, or nirvana. Come to think of it, Buddhism is not really devoted to God or does not believe in the eternal soul unlike other religions. They believe that there is no permanent self because there is no permanent, unchanging soul. I agree, as I also believe that change is the only permanent in this world. Life is not constant, it goes on forever. Like myself, I change every second, I grow and develop and this explains reality. We cannot say that this is me, that I am this way or that without changing it in the future. Another eastern religion is Hinduism in which they believe in the reincarnation of life. I don't really believe in reincarnation or rebirth. The ability to die and come back to life seems to deny the afterlife. Related to reincarnation is karma. Karma is the connotation of causality that past actions influence future events. I believe there are good and bad karmas. If a person is mean to others, they will not treat them well in return, making them less happy. Karma for me is like a reminder to do good things so that I can live a happy life without regrets. The same goes for the golden rule of Confucianism. The principle of reciprocity as stated: "Do not do to others what you do not want done to you", is my motto in life. I must say that it is really a good model of principle in man's disciplinary behavior. Putting ourselves in the same position is an accomplishment. It doesn't matter what happens. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, there are two ways of seeing oneself according to philosophy. The first one we talked about was the western one, the second the eastern one. Both have similarities and differences that have shaped our view of the world based on where.