Eastern and Western Philosophers Comparison Paper

Confucianism and Existentialism: Confucius and Camus

Confucius is one of the most widespread Eastern philosophies. It has more of a following than any single Western philosophy. Confucius places emphasis on the effect of a good man’s actions, based on the heroes of his past. According to Confucius, “It is the man that can make the Way great, and not the Way that can make man great.” Confucius’ philosophy of the Tao is similar to the Taoism of Lao Tzu in that both loved learning. However, Lao Tzu did not feel action was appropriate. He sought for simple understanding of the Tao or Way. In contrast, Confucius sought for action based on knowledge – action in an attempt to better humanity. To achieve what Confucius termed “Enlightenment”, one must follow the Eightfold Path. Confucius believed that following this path is the one true way to Enlightenment and only man can follow it himself. The natural events that occur in one’s life are the Tao or Way and Confucius felt that this path could be altered by one’s actions. He felt man is responsible for his own ultimate happiness and it could be achieved through this path, which includes right thought and right action.

Albert Camus was one of the Existentialist philosophers of continental Europe that appeared in response to Hegel’s Absolute Idealism. Other philosophers with Existential themes include Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Sartre. Many artists reflected Existential themes throughout this time period as well: Kafka, Dostoevsky, Picasso, etc. Existentialism maintains that an individual is ineffectual against the world around him, which brings about suffering. This suffering is what gives life value but it is a losing struggle. Action will make no difference. Many Existential philosophers believe that committing suicide is the only thing that makes sense in such an irrational world. However, Camus did not condone suicide – although it is the one question that summed up his theories. Camus felt that suicide was a...