Written by: Ushasi Dey
Edited by: Yashi Shah
WESTERN PHILOSOPHY V/S EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy, as a subject, finds its interest in human existence, general values, and reality. It poses questions concerning God, Free will, soul, reincarnation, rebirth, karma, the way of living, etc.
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. And when we talk about it, we should also be aware that it differs, for eg, the Western or Occidental philosophy and the Eastern or the Oriental philosophy. Western philosophy is mainly used in the Western parts of the world, such as in the European countries, while Eastern philosophy is prevalent in Asian countries.
The main principle of Eastern philosophy is unity. This cosmological unity is the main point in the journey of life as it goes towards the eternal realities. Life is round, and the recurrence with everything around it is important. Ethics is based on behavior, and dependence is from the inside to the outside. To be liberated, the inner self must be freed first per the world around it.
Western philosophy, on the other hand, is based on self-dedication to be of service to others. Life is service to God, money, community, and so on. Due to its Christian influence, there has to be a beginning and end to find meaning. Linear as it seems, Western philosophy is logical, scientific, and rational compared to the East’s concept of eternal and recurring.
The main differences between the school of thought or the philosophies of the East and West are the West’s Individualism and the East’s Collectivism. The Eastern philosophy is drawn much more into groups or society or people’s actions and thoughts as one to find meaning in life as they try to get rid of the false “me” concept and find meaning in discovering the true “me” concerning everything around them, or as part of a bigger scheme. In contrast, Western civilization is more individualistic, trying to find the meaning of life here and now with self at the center as it is already given and part of the divine. Eastern philosophy also thrives on virtues. This would be explained with the selfless approach to life. Satisfaction with what one has is the key. Meanwhile, Western philosophy focuses on ethics. As individuals, one must do what is supposed to be done without causing ill to others. Success is based on how much one walks his path without hurting others. Eastern philosophy is also more about the spiritual while Western philosophy is more of a hands-on style. The difference is the “I” of the West, and the “We” of the East, as one focuses on finding truth and meaning.
The similarities between eastern and western philosophy are greater than any differences cited by modern-day writers and lecturers on the topic. They talk about the same thing only in different manners.
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