Eastern vs. Western Philosophies
Gig Φ Philosophy
(at-a-glance overviews of philosophical concepts)
Published October, 2022 [LAST UPDATED: 2024]
A Brief Introduction
*Please note that what follows are general descriptions that do not account for the wide variety of views within each regional tradition.
As such, there are philosophies that do not entirely conform to the abstractions listed below. Rather, these provide an introductory framework through which we may generally understand and compare schools of thought.
Traditionally refers to Euro-centric intellectuals and schools of thought. Further divided into analytic & continental; those these demarcations are arguably fluid / reductive.
Origins attributed to Ancient Greece
HISTORICAL WESTERN BIAS:
What's Missing in College Philosophy Classes? Chinese Philosophers
The Absence of Chinese Philosophy in the U.S.
Traditionally refers to Indian, Asian, African, and any other non-Western intellectuals and schools of thought.
Origins attributed to Ancient Persia & China
MAJOR TRADITIONS INCLUDE:
[but are not limited to] Zoroastrianism [1], Hinduism [1] [2], Buddhism, Confucianism [1] [2], Daoism [1], Mohism, Jainism, Shinto, and Indigenous Traditions (even those in the West share these characteristics) [1]
Compare & Contrast
General View
Approach
Applicability
Relationship b/t
Philosophy & Religion
Nature of Reality
Categories of Being
Theories of Knowledge
Limitations & Possibilities
Reason-based, Intellectual discipline
"Top-down"
Theories often focus on universals (divorced from daily life); Not always practical / practiced
Philosophy is clearly distinguished from religion
Philosophy = Reason
Religion = Faith
Reason ≠ Faith
Philosophy + Religion = Conflict
Presumes categories of division are real (e.g., good ≠ evil)
Dualistic = division, 2 separate & opposing entities
Speculation and inquiry lead to knowledge (although there are some skeptics)
Creates a presumption of duality which can be problematic when trying to understand an all-inclusive reality
Liberation-based, Unifying beyond reason
"Bottom-up"
Theories often focus solely on daily life;
Practical solutions to human suffering
No clear distinction or conflict between philosophy & religion
Even though they are not the same
(philosophy ≠ religion),
they are deeply intertwined
Philosophy + Religion = Compatible
No true divisions, distinctions, or opposing forces (merely illusions)
Monistic = a single, unified reality
Skeptical about the capacity for knowledge [transfer]
Reason separates the knower from what is trying to be known and so can only take us so far; true knowledge must include the knower