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Assess The Difference Between Enlightenment In The East And The West

524 Words3 Pages

The East and West are polar opposites of each other in the concept of self and object. The West arises to become a selfish individualized manner which is intensely aware of oneself who always needs to follow one path and direction. Its consciousness is always self aware of the surroundings and interprets the world as if oneself is the most important aspect. This is where the distinction between self and other come into play. It involves the perception of oneself and the perception that others have on itself. In terms of Taoism, there is complete rejection of this notion. Chuang-tzu on his constant beration of analysis offers a dichotomy between these two subjects. He offers the example that once when he was dreaming he was a butterfly, but …show more content…

Rather, they continue to be vital to the perception and interpretation of the world and its actions. There is a difference about enlightenment in the West and in the East. In the West it is the agreement about predisposed issues which is important to mature as a whole and shape history through the variation of multiple points of view to push society forward. Adam Smith, the founder of capitalism, stressed the importance the need for freedom and the ability for all of the people to play a part in their daily lives and not of others. Opposite to Eastern belief the West believes that Enlightenment philosophy can be used to guide one through life. Encouraging the use of democratic principles to embrace liberty and individual rights. These situations of enlightenment are sometimes taken in by negative interpretations. Such sprout the examples of Darwinism which redefined the laws of the universe, but in the terms for the worst because it later inspired eugenics and the holocaust. The enlightenment was feverishly taught throughout Western religions but were met with rampant hypocrisy because it allowed for the slavery in the early days of America. Fortunately, ideals are much better now a days and we can look at enlightenment for what it is. The problem is that there is no explanation as to how one may achieve such ideals. That is why the Eastern methods of reaching enlightenment are far

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