In this article, we will compare the main features of western philosophy with those of Eastern philosophy. We will also discuss how neo-Confucianism and Buddhism have shaped western philosophy and the influence of yoga on both systems. While these differences are quite obvious, we will also look at some of the main differences between the two systems. We’ll also look at some of the key points of argumentation in western and Eastern philosophy.
Argumentation in western philosophy vs eastern philosophy
There are some fundamental differences between eastern and western philosophy, but they have similar goals. The western-style philosophical system aims to find meaning and purpose in life, while the eastern philosophy strives to find truth in reality. These two systems also tend to be quite different from one another, which is why these distinctions are problematic. In addition, modern-day scholarship tends to make arbitrary distinctions, creating an artificial boundary between the two traditions. Westerners ‘discovered’ eastern philosophy in the 18th and 19th centuries CE, and tended to split it into western-style philosophy and eastern-style philosophy, and this division reflects that.
Western philosophers are prone to believe that philosophical traditions outside the West do not exist. Trying to convince them otherwise is not an easy task, so they need to be persuaded in a convincing manner. Chinese philosophers, on the other hand, have used argumentation from the beginning. One example is the book “God Without Religion,” written by Sankara Saranam, which claims that Chinese philosophy focuses on general knowledge, while Western philosophy aims to find specific knowledge. Chinese philosophy addresses the entire human condition, while Western philosophy started with the Greeks.
The differences between western and eastern philosophy are rooted in their approaches to argumentation. Western schools tend to break down concepts into sub-concepts and analyse them, whereas eastern schools use more sedative and descriptive approaches. Eastern schools focus on the individual, and are much more likely to help a person find peace and satisfaction with their life. And this is why eastern philosophy is a better choice for individuals who want to solve their problems.
Influence of Buddhism on western philosophy vs eastern philosophy
The influence of Buddhism on western philosophy vs eastern philosophical thought is well known, but it’s also worth exploring the different perspectives it brings to the discussion. Among other influences, the Mahayana tradition brings Buddhism into dialogue with naturalistic analytic philosophy. The differences between these two branches of philosophy are quite substantial and deserve closer examination. Here are some key points to consider when comparing the two systems.
The main difference between Western philosophy and eastern philosophy is largely the concept of god. Western philosophy, on the other hand, tends to disavow the existence of god and holds that they are separate from the universe. However, both the Greek and Roman pantheon of gods and the Abrahamic religions teach that the universe was created by a single, all-powerful god. While western philosophy claims to be infallible, the eastern schools of thought believe that the cosmos is part of a conscious process.
Influence of neo-Confucianism on western philosophy vs eastern philosophy
The neo-Confucian philosophy incorporated Buddhist and Taoist ideas, although its adherents opposed them. Among other things, they rejected Buddhist relic worship. Some neo-Confucian writings modified Buddhist concepts for Confucian interest. In the early modern period, neo-Confucianism was officially recognized in China and spread throughout Asia.
The Joseon Dynasty in Korea, for example, incorporated neo-Confucianic concepts into their state ideology. Buddhism and organized religion were considered poisonous to the neo-Confucian order, and were restricted by the Joseon. Neo-Confucian scholars began developing new theories during this period. Two notable examples of these scholars are Yi Hwang, who published a book titled ‘On Confucianism and Modernity’ in 1536.
The influence of neo-Confucian texts on western philosophy vs eastern philosophy is extensive. The neo-Confucian philosopher Joseph Chan, who is based in traditional Confucian ethical and political thought, views himself as a ‘Confucian scholar’, bringing new ideas and concepts to the discussion of moral and social values. Chan also proposes improvements to the Confucian tradition.
The Zhuangzi, a classical Chinese philosopher, is closely related to the Epicureans and Hellenistic Stoics, although there are some differences. In both works, the emphasis on accepting what is inevitable in human life and dampening one’s desire are fundamental themes. The Zhuangzi argues that human beings are not separate entities and should identify with the world.
In Mencius’ The Heart and Mind, Confucian texts uphold an ideal of a different kind of attunement. Mengzi, a Confucian writer, is sometimes known as the “Mencius” by Christian missionaries. According to Mencius’ theory, every human being possesses the germs, tendencies, and sprouts of goodness. These seeds are sent by a force called ‘tian’, which can be translated as Heaven.
Hall and Ames’ interpretation of Confucianism also focuses on the importance of relationships in life. The Confucian view of the individual is essentially relational, with an emphasis on relationships and social order. In addition, Hall and Ames argue that the individual is the focal point of a field of relationships, and Henry Rosemont, Jr. sees him as the sum of all his various social roles. Confucianism has also identified the human capacity to critique and reject the social set-up.
Influence of yoga on western philosophy vs eastern philosophy
While Western and Eastern philosophies are derived from the same sources, their ways of thinking and their emphasis on behavior differ. While Western philosophy tends to focus more on ideas and principles, Eastern philosophy is more focused on behavior and the eternal nature of reality. This distinction is evident in its emphasis on the recurrence of phenomena. In addition, Eastern philosophy emphasizes the freedom of the inner self in accordance with the world around it.
The philosophical and spiritual hybridism arising from the Theosophical Society and other contemporary pseudo-spiritual orientations is entirely different from the Indian way of thinking. Yoga is unique in that it teaches western man valuable thinking that has played a vital role in the history of universal spirituality. Westerners can recognize great discoveries of Indian thought through personal experience. Likewise, yogic practitioners have made a great contribution to the field of psychology.
Despite their similarities, the two philosophical schools differ in their approach to healing the body. Eastern philosophy uses whole foods and herbal remedies to heal the body while Western philosophy forces and isolates therapeutic actions. In contrast, Western philosophy uses laboratory-made medicines to cure disease. While Eastern philosophy is a more practical, hands-on approach, Western philosophy emphasizes the philosophical concepts of compassion, love, and knowledge.