DO NOT REPOST – PROPERTY OF Shiela Mae D. M.
Asian Moral Understanding on Culture
Understanding the Differences between Western and Eastern Ethics.
The Difference between Western and Eastern Ethics
Western Ethics Eastern Ethics
Focus Finding the truth Protocol and respect
Basis Rational Thought Religious teaching
Rooted Judeo, Christianity, Greek, Athens Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism,
and Roman and Hinduism
Emphasis Logic and Individualism Collectivism or Group
Table 1. The Difference between Western and Eastern Ethics
The Western Ethics
o Focus - Finding the truth
The Western focus on finding the truth using logic and reasoning. Finding
the truth may also hurt or disrespect someone. If so, they doesn’t mind if it will be
disrespectful to someone just to prove their point or tell the truth.
o Basis – Rational thought
Western using logic and reason to evaluate information and make decision.
It involves critical examining of information by weighing pro and cons of different
options using evidences and reasoning to make logical conclusion.
o Rooted in – Judeo-Christianity, Greek, Athens and Romans.
Most of the religions emerged in the West are believing in more than one
god. The ethics of western culture are based or rooted on Judeo-Christianity,
Greek, Athens and Romans where people or worshipers believe in more than one
, DO NOT REPOST – PROPERTY OF Shiela Mae D. M.
Individualist people have the desire to stand out relatively to others. It
reflects a sense of independence rather than dependence. They set personal goals
that may not match those of the group on which he or she belongs. Individualist
person also pursue what is enjoyable to him or her and engage in benefit analyses
to determine what may profit them
The Eastern Ethics
o Focus - Protocol and respect
In the eastern culture there is a strong emphasis on following protocols
rituals and showing honor and respect to others. These values play a significant
role in shaping ethical behavior and interaction within Eastern cultures.
o Basis – Religious teaching
Eastern countries is where most of the religions emerge such as Hinduism,
Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Eastern people, being religious, believe
and follow what does their religion believe. They follow the norms and values since
they were young and remain to follow it as time goes by.
o Rooted in – Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Hinduism
In eastern, they believed in one god but each country have different religion
and God to worship. Eastern countries are where most of the religions where born.
Therefore, cultures are rooted in Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism and Taoism.
➢ Buddhism is a middle way of wisdom and passion. It began in India
and spread and diversified throughout the Far East. It is based on
the teaching of Buddha. Buddhist believe in rebirth (reincarnation)
that resulted from attachments (karma). They also believe that
achieving Nirvana means escape from the cycle of rebirth. Nirvana
Asian Moral Understanding on Culture
Understanding the Differences between Western and Eastern Ethics.
The Difference between Western and Eastern Ethics
Western Ethics Eastern Ethics
Focus Finding the truth Protocol and respect
Basis Rational Thought Religious teaching
Rooted Judeo, Christianity, Greek, Athens Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism,
and Roman and Hinduism
Emphasis Logic and Individualism Collectivism or Group
Table 1. The Difference between Western and Eastern Ethics
The Western Ethics
o Focus - Finding the truth
The Western focus on finding the truth using logic and reasoning. Finding
the truth may also hurt or disrespect someone. If so, they doesn’t mind if it will be
disrespectful to someone just to prove their point or tell the truth.
o Basis – Rational thought
Western using logic and reason to evaluate information and make decision.
It involves critical examining of information by weighing pro and cons of different
options using evidences and reasoning to make logical conclusion.
o Rooted in – Judeo-Christianity, Greek, Athens and Romans.
Most of the religions emerged in the West are believing in more than one
god. The ethics of western culture are based or rooted on Judeo-Christianity,
Greek, Athens and Romans where people or worshipers believe in more than one
, DO NOT REPOST – PROPERTY OF Shiela Mae D. M.
Individualist people have the desire to stand out relatively to others. It
reflects a sense of independence rather than dependence. They set personal goals
that may not match those of the group on which he or she belongs. Individualist
person also pursue what is enjoyable to him or her and engage in benefit analyses
to determine what may profit them
The Eastern Ethics
o Focus - Protocol and respect
In the eastern culture there is a strong emphasis on following protocols
rituals and showing honor and respect to others. These values play a significant
role in shaping ethical behavior and interaction within Eastern cultures.
o Basis – Religious teaching
Eastern countries is where most of the religions emerge such as Hinduism,
Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Eastern people, being religious, believe
and follow what does their religion believe. They follow the norms and values since
they were young and remain to follow it as time goes by.
o Rooted in – Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Hinduism
In eastern, they believed in one god but each country have different religion
and God to worship. Eastern countries are where most of the religions where born.
Therefore, cultures are rooted in Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism and Taoism.
➢ Buddhism is a middle way of wisdom and passion. It began in India
and spread and diversified throughout the Far East. It is based on
the teaching of Buddha. Buddhist believe in rebirth (reincarnation)
that resulted from attachments (karma). They also believe that
achieving Nirvana means escape from the cycle of rebirth. Nirvana
