East Vs West Philosphoes
These two philosophies differ in three principles: individualism vs. collectivism, fragmentary and holistic, and conflict and harmony. First, individualism is highly desired in the West. I think this is ironic because although people may superficially praise individualism, what they really want is conformity. In a philosophical context, Western schools emphasize the individual experience as being independent from the universe and society. Just as the Western idea of individualism can get out of hand; the idea of collectivism has been damaging in the history of the East. Example, Tyrannical communist leaders have devastated people from North Korea to Cambodia. Another example is that Confucianism and Taoism, while they do share some similarities, are actually different. Confucianism is more political and ethical, and it stresses duty to others, tradition, and ceremony. On the other hand, Taoism is more metaphysical and epistemological, and is similar to Western philosophies since st...