Comparison of Eastern and Western Philosophy

Comparison of Eastern and Western Philosophy

By Jimmy Kurian

The search and love for knowledge are as intrinsic to human nature as the drives for self-preservation and social interaction. From the time we wonder at the colors and sounds about us to the moment we finally confront eternity with our last breaths, we are occupied with the pursuit of understanding our environment, ourselves, and the nature of whatever reality may exist beyond. People essentially want to know, and the basic questions of lifeÐ'--why, who, whence, whither, and howÐ'--tease even the staunchest materialist in the quiet moments of awe or the times of pressing injustice. To answer these questions, there have evolved two great philosophies, which are usually designated by the geographical divisions of East and West. The modern Western approach addresses the problem from an objective, theoretical, and pluralistic standpoint, whereas the ancient Eastern approach is more subjective, experiential, and holistic. The West looks outward to external data, and the east turn inward to internal experience; one method is based primarily on dialectics and discursive deductive speculation, while the other is based on introspection and direct intuitive insight.

The Eastern orientation is becoming increasingly important in the West as we begin to realize the there are more things in heaven and earth that are dreamt of most Western philosophies, As proponents of the Western approach investigate increasingly subtle aspects of reality, the basic assumptions of the two philosophies are becoming less divergent. The philosophy of the VedÐ"Ñžnta long ago declared that the whole universe is BrahmanÐ'--all-pervading ConsciousnessÐ'--and modern science is now beginning to come to the same conclusion, based on empirical data and inferential methodology. Quantum field theory and the theory of relativity are pointing toward the essential unity of all things, and the disciplines of physics and metaphysics are thus finding common ground. In their search for an intellectually satisfying explanation of the nature of reality, modern Western scientists and philosophers are discovering and exploring the wisdom of the Asian world view. A similar transition from materialism to idealism is evident in the arts. The modern artist has shifted to literal replication to abstract interpretation and finally