|
Comparison
Number
|
Cultural Element
|
Eastern Tradition
|
Western Tradition
|
|
C1
|
What the cosmos is |
Self-operating and self-organizing system. |
Controlled by some divine or supernormal power. |
|
C2
|
Purpose of investigating phenomena |
To know the manifestation of the universe. |
To mark distinctions between the knower and the thing
known. |
|
C3
|
Origin of knowledge |
Arises from synthesis which comes through "spiral" logic
and contemplation of the self and the universe. |
Arises from postulation with emphasis on analysis through
"linear" logic by syllogism and dialectic processes. |
|
C4
|
Reasoning |
Focus on multiple causes and effects in interrelated
chains. |
Focus on singular cause-to-effect linear chains. |
|
C5
|
Human nature |
Neither innately good or evil, but blinded by human desire. |
Fundamentally evil. |
|
C6
|
Role of humans in the natural world |
To live with nature in harmony. |
To master nature. |