When it comes to philosophy, America relies a lot on the history of European philosophy - and for good reason, given the cultural heritage of the country. However, as the nation embarks on another round of collective soul searching, the South China Morning Post has suggested that the use of Asian philosophy, from China, India and Japan, could have a beneficial impact on a country like the US that is struggling with a sense of identity. Looking at how these ideas would benefit America is best considered through the history of the study, and how these philosophies reached American shores. Jennifer Dawson explains.
A depiction of Chinese philosopher Confucius.
Chinese philosophy and emotion
While eastern philosophy often rests on what China has to offer, one of the greatest western proponents of the practice, Alan Watts, actually started as a Buddhist historian. Alan Watts' writing and books focused on how eastern philosophy has a sense of principles and living life according to that, rather than goals such as career, earnings, family or social life. This has been of enormous comfort to Chinese and East Asian people for thousands of years, especially in the tough conditions that prevailed until very recent years - China only seriously industrialized from the 1980s. The BBC have charted the rise of the anti work movement, tied to disillusionment with the idea that career is everything. Chinese philosophy provides a different way to approach life, one that seeks to identify principles and live by them - everything else is secondary.
Looking to Japan
According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Japanese philosophy may be one of the most intentionally well informed schools of thought anywhere in the world. The island has been subject to attempted invasions throughout its history and has had more Western influence since World War II. As a result, Japanese philosophy is at once similar to other regional practices, like Korean and Chinese, but is also very inclusive of western practices. This makes it a very modern, and very apt choice for western society. What does it teach? Japanese philosophy builds on the sense of having your own guiding principles and embraces the need for discipline to yourself and others, manifested through kindness and balance.
India’s ancient roots
The term ‘Indian philosophy’ is something of a misnomer given the staggering diversity of India and the wider subcontinent. However, that diversity of religion - between Theraveda Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam and Vajrayana - has given rise to a deep and important set of philosophical teachings. Indian philosophy has seen a huge growth in interest in recent years, especially in the western new age movement, with teachings related to Samkhya. According to analysis by General.com, this is the theory that the entire world stems from the self - and is similar to the western dualist philosophy of mind and body.
As it happens, many of the principles of eastern teaching that are relied on today actually have a lot to owe to western interaction. Building a graduated approach in this manner is a great way for learners to build their own sense of self.
