Philosophy Essay Sample: Comparison of Philosophical Views

According to Mark (2016), there is arbitrary division as well as similarities between the Western and Eastern philosophical doctrines regarding the human existence. It is evident that Eastern philosophies and Western philosophies trigger radical views among scholars in higher institutions and other research institutions. However, from the basic scrutiny of the two philosophical doctrines there exist meager disparities whereas the secondary scrutiny unravels detailed divergent views. Many scholars believe that these two distinct doctrines are the same while others believe they are different. This essay will compare and contrast western philosophical teachings and those emanating from the east while basing facts on the ultimate purpose of human beings in consolidation with various human traits such as achievements, failures, goodness and spiritual capacities.

It is evident that Western philosophy is inclined to fragmentary while the eastern philosophy is perceived as holistic. According to Mark, (2016), Western philosophical doctrines put more emphasis on the general knowledge attained in society. These entail prior principles formulated by great thinkers and scholars. A good example is the great teachings instilled by Aristotle who encouraged his learners to participate in critical reasoning. On the flipside, Eastern doctrines are inclined to religion. A majority of the Eastern philosophers like Confucius argue that there is no religion without the existence of God. Therefore, Eastern doctrines put the focus on the entirety of human existence, while Western doctrines put the focus on specific aspects.

It is evident that Western philosophy is based on vertical development. That is the teachings of Plato, Epicurus, Aristotle and those of Socrates are viewed as rational and empirical. They put emphasis on the issue of Critical thinking and the element of using already established facts. On the other hand, eastern philosophical Doctrines are structured on parallel growth. For instance, during the early days, several schools in the Eastern region developed and each was distinct in teaching unique doctrines. Such teachings were based on Buddhism, Yoga, and Sankhya where each theory presented unique teaching (Luo, 2014).

According to Mark (2016) the fundamental doctrines of the great philosophers from the east and those from the west present similar concepts. For instance, Confucius from the Chinese origin and Aristotle from the Greek insisted that human virtues were paramount. They both argued that good morals were decent to people in any society. Besides, they presented good morals as a necessary trait and that all human beings were subject to them. Another set of philosophers to offer similar opinions are Wonhyo from Korea and Epictetus from Greek. Wonhyo insinuated that human thinking was right based on personal judgments (Luo, 2014). In Wonhyo doctrines, if someone believes something is wrong or right then that is the proper judgment. Epictetus, on the other hand, argues that human beings should not relent speaking what they view as decent. Epictetus argues that it is not situations that hinder human beings but rather their judgment on issues. Therefore, it is evident that both doctrines were promoting good virtues in society.

There exist similarities between western and eastern doctrines concerning innate morality. Such revelations are epitomized in the works of Plato of the West and his counterpart Wang from the East. They both argue that human beings are born with the knowledge to differentiate right from wrong (Luo, 2014). The knowledge only manifests depending on the upbringing and the societal views on what is considered as decent. Several sources quote Plato questioning, What is decent and what is not? (Mark, 2016) In his doctrines, he presents human beings as the sole determinants of the morals in society. Besides, Wing from the east adds more weight to the argument by stating that human intuition is basic and exists in all people. Hence, it is evident that both philosophers believed that human decency was paramount and that all people are endowed with knowledgeable from the period inception.

In spite of the disparities between the eastern and western philosophical doctrines, they both uphold humanity. For instance, they are both designed to promote good morals in our society. According to Mark (2016), human beings are born with knowledge, but it requires the effort of external forces for an individual to realize and put it into use. Such can be attained through education and religion radicalization. It is evident that Western doctrines put more emphasis on education while the latter puts more focus on religion. However, the objective of promoting a decent humanity is achieved from both sides.

In a nutshell, it is notable that there are uniformity and disparity between philosophical doctrines emanating from the West and those from the East. Such is evident from the many teachings presented by the great philosophers as stated. However, it is notable that they both encourage prudent morals among human beings. The comparison of philosophical teachings from the East and those of West has revealed a shared objective of creating a healthy society that embraces pitfalls, achievements and spiritual capacities.

References

Luo, Y. (2014). From West Leads East to West Meets East: Philosophical Insights from Asia. Multidisciplinary Insights from New AIB Fellows, 3-28. doi:10.1108/s1064-485720140000016001

Mark, E. (2016). Similarities Between Eastern & Western Philosophy (Article) - Ancient History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://www.ancient.eu/article/855/