Western Ethics vs. Eastern Ethics — What's the Difference?

Western Ethics, deeply rooted in Greek philosophical traditions, often prioritizes the individual, valuing concepts like autonomy, rights, and personal freedom. It's heavily influenced by thinkers like Socrates, Aristotle, and Kant. In contrast, Eastern Ethics, with foundations in Asian philosophies, emphasizes collective harmony, interdependence, and familial and societal roles.

Drawing from the Judeo-Christian tradition, Western Ethics often concentrates on individual morality, personal responsibility, and the idea of justice. It approaches ethical dilemmas through a lens of rights and often seeks clear distinctions between right and wrong. Eastern Ethics, influenced by Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, underscores the importance of duties, relationships, and maintaining social and cosmic harmony.

When considering the environment, Western Ethics tends to view humanity as separate from nature, examining ethical issues from a human-centric perspective. Eastern Ethics, on the other hand, often sees humans as a part of nature, promoting a holistic view and stressing the interconnectedness of all things.

In discussions of selfhood, Western Ethics promotes the idea of a stable, independent self, emphasizing personal development and self-realization. Eastern Ethics, conversely, frequently discusses the self as interconnected and fluid, emphasizing the self's relation to the broader community and universe.

The contrasts between Western Ethics and Eastern Ethics are not absolute. Both traditions have rich, diverse histories with multiple schools of thought. However, the emphasis on individualism in the West and collectivism in the East remains a notable distinction.