Comparative Analysis of The Philosophy of Self-Awareness in Eastern and Western Literature

Abstract

The idea of “self” has always been central to philosophy. It is the starting point for understanding human thought, feelings, and actions. The "I" determines who we are, how we think, and how we relate to others and the world around us. This study examines the philosophy of self from Eastern and Western perspectives. While many Western philosophers view the self as an individual and rational being, Eastern thinkers often view it as part of a larger whole, that is, a spiritual, natural, or divine force. Therefore, this article compares these two traditions through key figures from the West, such as Descartes, Kant, Emerson, and Frankl, and from the East, such as Jalaluddin Rumi, Alisher Navoi, Abu Hamid Ghazzali, Abu Bakr Razi, and Buddhist thinkers, using a comparative and explanatory approach to scientific research, analyzing philosophical texts and literary expressions that describe the self, motivation, and human purpose. The findings show that while Eastern and Western traditions differ in their descriptions of the self, their purpose is the same: to understand human existence and to find meaning.