The Concept of the Self in Eastern and Western Philosophical Tradition

The concept of the self remains one of the most enduring and contested subjects in philosophical discourse. Across both Eastern and Western traditions, the self has been variously defined, deconstructed, and reconstructed through metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical lenses. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the self as articulated in the philosophical traditions of the East—especially within Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism—and the West—primarily in the works of Plato, Descartes, Kant, and modern existentialists. Drawing on over two decades of research in comparative philosophy, this article illuminates how cultural, religious, and ontological assumptions shape divergent understandings of personhood, identity, and the ultimate nature of being. While Western traditions often emphasize autonomy and individuality, Eastern philosophies tend toward relationality, impermanence, and the transcendence of ego. This comparative inquiry reveals not only fundamental philosophical differences but also unexpected convergences that are increasingly relevant in a globalized world.