Comparing and Contrasting Western and Eastern Philosophical Traditions

This essay provides a comparative analysis of Western and Eastern philosophies. It begins by defining Western philosophy as originating from Greek thought and influenced by Rome and Christianity, contrasting it with Eastern philosophy, rooted in Asia and encompassing Confucianism, Taoism, and Mahayana Buddhism. The essay highlights key differences, such as the fragmentary nature of Western philosophy versus the holistic approach of Eastern philosophy. It then explores similarities, using examples like Aristotle and Confucius, who both emphasized virtue. The essay also references philosophers like Wonhyo and Epictetus to illustrate shared concepts. Finally, it highlights the common ground between Wang Yangming and Plato, who both argued for the existence of innate knowledge. The essay references works by Wong (2001) and Fieser (2008) to support its claims.

Western And Eastern Philosophy 1
WESTERN AND EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
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Western And Eastern Philosophy 2
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WESTERN AND EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy is universally described as the study of the knowledge or wisdom regarding
the general problems, situations, and facts connected with human existence, reasons, values, and
general reality. It is true that this definition of Philosophy differs and comes with the problems,
realities, as well as situations of certain individuals like, in this our case, the West and East.
Basically, Western philosophy (WP) is defined as the school of thought mainly from the
philosophy of Greek that influenced the larger part of western civilization. On the contrary, the
EP is primarily based in Asia. Moreover, WP takes its roots from Rome as well as Christianity,
particularly Judeo-Christianity (Wong 2001). On the other hand, Eastern philosophy comes from
Confucianism, Taoism, and Mahayana Buddhism. Therefore, it is true that (EP) Eastern
philosophy remains classical Chinese, whereas (WP) Western philosophy remains more of Latin.
It is true that WP (Western Philosophy) is fragmentary, whereas EP (Eastern philosophy)
remains holistic. Sankara Saranam is one typical philosopher who claims EP is mainly concerned
with general knowledge, whereas WP is concerned with specific knowledge.
Yes, there are some crucial similarities between Western philosophy and Eastern
philosophy. One might compare the fundamental ideas of the Greek philosopher Aristotle and
the Chinese philosopher Confucius and find they remain presenting similar basic concepts. All of
these people believed that virtue remained the uppermost goal an individual might strive for in
the society and that lasting rewards go to an individual who placed virtue above worldly
properties (Fieser 2008). Wonhyo, who was the Korean philosopher, held that virtue is the first
goal an individual might strive for in society. Epictetus, who was the Greek philosopher, also
believed in virtue as being the primary goal an individual might strive for in society. Epictetus
argued that it remains not the circumstances themselves that might trouble individuals, but their

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judgments regarding those circumstances. Epictetus argues that an individual should not fear
death since one does not know whether this death is a bad or a good thing. Wonhyo would agree
with this argument of Epictetus because he believed that everything in this world was one.
The best fundamental similarity of western and eastern thought remains epitomized in the
works of Wang Yangming and Plato. All the philosophers argue for the existence of innate
knowledge. They claim that people are born knowing good from bad, and right from wrong, and
they only need to be motivated to seek goodness to live a successful life.

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References
Fieser, J., 2008. Classical Eastern Philosophy. The History of Philosophy: A Short Survey.
Retrieved from https://www.utm.edu/staff/jfieser/class/110/4-eastern.htm
Wong, D., 2001. Comparative philosophy: Chinese and western. Retrieved from
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/comparphil-chiwes/