Final answer:
Richard Nisbett suggests that Western thought is analytic, focusing on objects and rules independently of context, which contrasts with the holistic thought of East Asian cultures that emphasize context and relationships. Western anthropocentrism is attributed by Lynn White to historical theological beliefs, while Nisbett points to cultural legacies of individualism and critical analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Richard Nisbett's Analysis of Western Thought Process
Richard Nisbett's seminal work on cultural psychology suggests that Westerners tend to engage in an analytic thought process. This is characterized by a focus on objects independently from their context, an inclination towards using rules and categories to understand behavior, and a preference for logic and attributes of objects when explaining events. Nisbett's research posits that this can be contrasted with East Asian cultures, where holistic thought is more prevalent, emphasizing context and relationships over isolated elements.
Lynn White attributed the Western anthropocentric perspective to a legacy of Christian dominion theology, which asserted human supremacy over the natural world. In contrast, in his analysis, Nisbett refers to cultural inheritance, including philosophical traditions like those from ancient Greece, which have long emphasized individualism and critical analysis.
Westerners, according to Nisbett's analysis, do not present a full or complete picture of the world, but rather, they filter perception through a lens that prioritizes survival and relevance to their own lives. This suggests an adaptability of the mind to believe what is most immediately or apparently pertinent, which might not always align with the broader or holistic understanding of a situation.