MISAMIS ORIENTAL INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Sta. Cruz, Cogon, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental
Basic Education Department
Senior High School
S.Y. 2021-2022, First Semester
Tel. No. 333-5054, Cell No. 09652357351
COURSE MODULE
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human
Person
Prepared by:
KHRISNA CARA O. SOLDE, LPT
Teacher, Philosophy
Reviewed and Checked by:
MR. PELOGO K. JANIO
Asst. Principal, Senior High
School
Approved by:
MRS. NYMPHA R. DELSOCORA,
Principal, Basic Education Dept.
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SUBJECT Introduction to the Philosophy MODULE NO.: 2
TITLE: of the Human Person
GRADE: 12 DATE October 4, 2021-October
COVERED: 15, 2021
TRACK: Academic/TVL STRAND: HUMSS, STEM, ABM,
TVL
Teacher: [Link] Cara O. Solde, LPT
INTRODUCTION:
“There are no facts, only interpretations.”
- Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
Are you aware of the truth? Do you think there is really a thing called truth? Or everything is just
a product of one’s imagination? Do you believe that there are methods that will help us uncover the
truth? Have you ever wondered on how to utilize those methods to fully grasp the truth?
In the previous modules, the meaning and process of doing philosophy were discussed to give
us a glimpse of what philosophy is all about, the importance of holism, as well as learning how to
construct a philosophical essay through the exercises given. However, in search for wisdom, the
learner must evaluate arguments and ways of expressing one’s beliefs, emotions, and opinions.
Remember, philosophizing is to think or express oneself in a philosophical standpoint.
In this module, we will learn about the different ways and methods of looking at truth, different
theories of knowledge on truth and opinion, invalid arguments such as fallacies and biases, and
Platonic idealism on the Allegory of the Cave.
Remember to reflect on the following questions:
1. What are the different methods of looking at truth?
2. What are the different theories of knowledge on truth and opinion?
3. How can we identify fallacies and biases?
4. How do we know the truth? How do we judge something to be true?
LESSON COVERAGE:
In this module, you will examine the questions given as you take the following lessons under the
topic, “Methods of Philosophizing”:
Lesson 1 – Different Methods of Philosophizing/ Philosophical methods
Lesson 2 – Theory of Knowledge on Truth and Opinion
Lesson 3 – Invalid Arguments: Fallacies and Biases
Lesson 4 – Platonic Idealism on the Allegory of the Cave
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this module, the students will be able to:
LO1: Analyze situations that show the difference between opinion and truth:
LO2: Apply philosophical theories on current situations in the society;
LO3: Examine every statement to recognize fallacies in arguments leading to
the truth; and
LO4: Identify based assessments on certain circumstances to determine its verity and factuality.
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SENSITIVITY CHECK
I. WHAT DO YOU KNOW?
In two or three sentences, please explain your answers of the following questions.
1. Do you believe in the truth? If so, what is the truth?
2. Have you ever doubted the truth? Why or why not?
3. Have you experienced being denied or deceived of the truth? If so, why do you think it happens?
III. TWO LIES AND A TRUTH:
A student shall tell two lies and a truth about themselves. The student shall explain each truth and
A lie about themselves in two sentences.
IV. ONE-MINUTE CHALLENGE:
A brain teaser is a form of puzzle that requires thought to solve. It often requires thinking in
unconventional ways with given constraints in mind; sometimes, it also involves lateral thinking, logical
puzzles, and riddles. The following are sample brain-teaser, please read it carefully and input your
answer on the space provided after every item.
1. Eskimos are very good hunters, but they never hunt penguins. Why not?
2. You are in a cabin and it is pitch black. You have one match on you. Which do you
light first, the newspaper, the lamp, the candle, or the fireplace?
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DISCUSSION:
Methods of Philosophizing
The following are philosophical methods and other ways to derived at truth:
Methods Definition/Description
A. Phenomenology - It focuses on careful inspection and description of
phenomena or appearances defined as any object of
conscious experience, which we are conscious of
(Johnston, 2006)
- It believes that an experience being studied based on the
subjective point of view of an individual. One of its
notable philosopher is Edmund Husserl.
- People could be strongly biased on their perception of
things and they must be careful to weed out this bias.
B. Existentialism - It is based on one’s attitude or outlook.
- Emphasizes the importance of free individual choice ,
regardless of the power of other people to influence and
coerce our desires, beliefs, and decisions.
- One is never free of one’s situation but one is always free
to negate that situation and to try to change it.
- This implies that a person might not be able to change his
circumstances, but he can change his attitude toward that
situation.
- Some of its notable philosophers are Soren Kierkegaard,
Friedrich Nietzsche, and Jean-Paul Sartre
C. Postmodernism - It values our existence in the world and in relation to it.
- There is no one truth that is true for all people at all times,
but there are several truths that are true and unique for
each person. There is no objective truth.
- Some of its notable philosophers were Jacques Derrida
and Michael Foccault.
D. Analytic Tradition - It puts a great emphasis on the role of language in truth
and logic because truth and logic can only manifest
through words and sentences.
- Language cannot objectively describe truth as language
is socially conditioned which means the meaning of
words is created by what people have agreed upon.
E. Logic and Critical - It serves as a paths to freedom from half-truths and
thinking deceptions.
- Logic is centered on the analysis and construction of
arguments. Critical thinking is distinguishing facts
(objective) and opinions or personal feelings (subjective)
and it helps us uncover bias and prejudice and open to
new ideas not necessarily in agreement with previous
thought.
Theory of Knowledge on Truth and Opinion
Accordingly, the truth lies at the heart of any inquiry whether that’s an assumption, a
question, a thesis statement, or an idea. But the truth, as known to almost everyone, has no
absolute measure. There are a lot of justifications of the truth before claiming it to be a true
belief.
Remember, something could be true because you believe it to be true, and that there is
justification for such belief. A belief, on the other hand, may be justified by using one’s
perception and senses by appealing to authority or using reasoning. That is why, it is very
important to provide bases or proofs before assuming something to be true.
The following are theories on the nature of knowledge and truth:
Theories Definition/Description Examples
1. Correspondence - It states that something is True: A dog barks
Theory true if it corresponds to False: Pigs can fly.
reality or the actual state of
affairs. Analyze:
- It assumes a direct Manananggal terrorizes
relationship between an idea Manila
and reality and that a Men gives birth to twins
statement can be taken as
fact. Q. Does it corresponds to
- It emphasizes that for an reality? If so, it is true, if not,
idea to be true, it must be then it is not true.
reflected in the reality.
2. Coherence Theory - Something is true if it makes - Muslims have a belief that
sense when placed in a certain animals like pigs
certain situation or context. are unclean.
- There is possibility that there
will be varied truths from - Laws make sense if they
different perspectives. conform to previous laws
- It has a certain degree of and to a set of general
consistency which renders principles like justice,
its truthful. democracy, and liberty.
- What is true in the past,
must also be true in both
present and future.
3. Relativism - A philosophical concept Jane believed that true love
which contends that there waits while Janna believes
are no absolute truth. that “true love is a matter of
- An idea or principle is only choice”.
true within a particular - Both point of view could
context. be true in a particular
- It is possible for alternative context or situation. True
truths to exist in various love waits could be true
context or situations. for Jane while true love is
a matter of choice could
be true to Janna.
4. Constructivist - Holds that knowledge is On Marriage:
Theory shaped by social forces and - Marriage is a merging of
influence by culture and families and is a
history; foundation of the nation
- Knowledge is gained as part as stated in the 1987
of social experience and Constitution (Philippines).
requires interaction and - Marriage is a contract
collaboration. between two consenting
adults; union can be
nullified through lawful
means (West).
5. Consensus Theory - Views knowledge as based - Electing Public Officials
on agreement, and that
something is true if almost - Agreeing on whether to
everyone agrees that it is wear a uniform or not
true. during online classes.
- Certain beliefs, traditions,
and practices is a product of
a consensus or agreement.
- Imposed by influential group
or institutions such as
governments or religious
organizations.
6. Pragmatic Theory - Holds the view that - COVID 19 Vaccine
something is true if we can
put it into practice or if useful - The Effectiveness of K-12
in real life. Education in the
- Ideas should be continually Philippines.
tested to conform its validity.
- It shall go through the
process of verification (verify
ideas using senses or
experiences).
- To see is to believe.
Invalid Arguments: Fallacies and Biases
Constructing an argument is very crucial as it could be correct or faulty. In the first
module, logic is discussed as one of the major branches in philosophy which serves as the
path to freedom from half-truths and deceptions. Critical thinking is distinguishing facts and
opinions or personal feelings. In rational choices, first, we suspend beliefs and judgment until
all facts have been gathered and considered.
Though facts are important, critical thinking also takes into consideration cultural
systems, values, and beliefs. Critical thinking helps us uncover bias and prejudice and open
to new ideas not necessarily in agreement with previous thought.
Moreover, a lot of arguments contain fallacies or faulty reasoning and biases. That’s
why it is important to note that facts are generally established truths, can easily be verified,
and do not easily change from one situation to another. Opinions, on the other hand, are more
subjective and may express certain views and beliefs which is necessarily true to everyone.
The following are the common fallacies and biases that one should avoid to commit:
Common Fallacies Definition/Description Examples
1. Against the Person - Attacking the person making - Of course, he believes
or Argumentum ad the argument instead of the that the government is
Hominem argument itself. flawed. He is a rebel and
a Communist.
- Dorothy believes that true
love waits because she
has no boyfriend since
birth.
2. Appeal to Force or - Using the threat of force or - If this peace agreement
Argumentum ad an undesirable event to will not be signed by the
Baculum advance an argument. government, then we will
have no recourse but to
go to war.
- If you do not say yes to
my offer, I will kill your
family.
3. Appeal to Popular - Idea is presented as - Every boy at your age
or Argumentum acceptable because a lot of already has a girlfriend,
people accept it or you should go find one.
somebody who is famous
believed it to be acceptable. - Trial and Error marriage is
okay because a lot of
people are doing it.
4. Appeal to Emotion - Using emotions such as pity - All those charges are
or Argumentum ad or sympathy to advance an baseless; this is just plain
Misericordiam argument. harassment- can’t you
see how this is affecting
my family?
- Filing a case against the
accused is unacceptable,
won’t you give mercy to
him since he only ate
once a day before
stealing a food from your
store?
5. Appeal to Tradition - An idea is acceptable - Marriage should be
because it has been true for between a man and a
a long time. woman. It has been so for
a long time in this country,
it should remain so today
and in the future.
- Trial and error marriage is
wrong because our family
do not adhere to that for a
long period of time.
6. Begging the - Assuming the thing or ideas - I have a right to free
Question or to be proven is true. speech, therefore, you
Circular cannot stop me from
Reasoning talking.
- I am late because I woke
up late.
7. Fallacy of Cause- - Assuming a cause-and- - Ever since you brought
and-Effect effect relationship between that sweater, everything
unrelated events. has been going wrong in
your life.
- Every time you travel on
Friday the 13th, you
always met an accident.
You should stop travelling
on that day then.
8. Fallacy of - Assuming that what is true - These cases of robberies
Composition for a part is true for the in the district may have
whole. convinced me that the city
has become a den of
thieves and criminals.
- James is smart, therefore,
his entire family is smart.
9. Fallacy of Division - Assuming that what is true - You come from a family of
for the whole is true for its doctors and intellectuals!
parts Surely you can do better
in this course.
- Jeremy comes from the
school with prominent
students. Therefore, He is
also a prominent student.
Biases
1. Correspondence - The tendency to judge a - These soldiers who fought
Bias or Attribution person’s personality by in the war are all
Effect his/her actions, without bloodthirsty murderers!
regard for external factors or - All the students who failed
influences. are hardheaded and
stubborn.
2. Confirmation Bias - The tendency to look for and - How can I accept his view
readily accept information that there is no God? I am
which fits with one’s own a Christian.
beliefs or views and to reject - I don’t believe that family
ideas or view that go against is important as it is the
it. basic unit of the society,
because I don’t have a
family and I’m fine without
it.
3. Framing - Focusing on a certain aspect - Preliminary evidences
of a problem while ignoring have still not pointed out
other aspects the actual cause of the
plane crash, but
investigation are currently
focusing on the possibility
of pilot error.
- A murder happened at
Sitio Mahinahon in which
a previous inmate was
found near the crime
scene. The investigators
are now focusing on
finding the inmate.
4. Hindsight - The tendency to see past - Magellan’s assault in
events as predictable or to Mactan Island was a
ascribe a pattern to historical foolhardy venture, made
events. by an overconfident,
careless man who
underestimate the valor of
the native Filipinos.
- Mia is the daughter of a
call girl, no wonder, she
becomes a call girl.
5. Conflict of Interest - A person or group is - As the daughter of the
connected to or has a vested accused, I believe I have
interest in the issue being the right to express my
discussed. opinion on the issue of his
alleged corrupt practices.
- Job is the son of the
murderer at the same
time the judge of the
murderer’s trials.
6. Cultural Bias - Analyzing an event or issue - I do not agree with this
base on one’s cultural Western practice of
standards. placing aged parents in
the retirement homes,
We, Filipinos, take care of
our family members.
The methodology or method that philosophers use to address philosophical questions is
critical thinking which involves questioning the assumptions, beliefs, basis of ideas, claims.
and opinions. It means finding out the reason behind things and understanding the impact of
that realization to one’s life. Some of the attributes of a critical thinker include the following:
1. Looks for evidence to support assumption and beliefs.
2. Adjusts opinions
3. Examines the problem
4. Rejects irrelevant and incorrect information
5. Has the courage to say “I don’t know” and has a habit of exercising good judgment
to choose effective means in achieving worthy goals.
Platonic Idealism on the Allegory of the Cave
The Allegory of the Cave is a metaphor used to illustrate the two worlds of realities:
World of Forms/Ideas and World of Material (temporal, changing, limited, material). The
following are the different representations of the
world of material or appearances inside the cave and
its meaning:
A. The Cave – an analogy for the human
condition and his experience; it could be for
our education or the lack of it. The cave
also represents our viewed reality.
B. The Shadows – the only reality people in
the cave could recognize. It is considered
as a flawed reflection of reality.
C. The Prisoners – it represents all
individuals who are trap in
ignorance.
D. The Puppeteers – it represents
individuals and organizations who
instruct knowledge.
E. The Fire – a source of manufactured
light
F. The Chains – it represents anything that keeps the prisoners from having the
freedom to learn.
In addition, the world of forms represents permanence which is the primary criterion of
reality. It is changeless, eternal, and non-material. The following are its representations and
meaning.
A. The Outside Region – it represents
the higher level of understanding and
education. It is where forms or truth
are present.
B. The Objects (Outside Region) – it
represents the forms. It is the highest
kind of truth or reality.
C. The Freed Prisoner – it represents
those individuals who wish to
enlighten and educate others.
RESOURCES:
Abella, Roberto D. (2016) Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person for
Senior High School, C & E Publishing, Quezon City, Philippines
Ramos, Christine Carmela R. (2016) Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human
Person, REX Book Store, Manila, Philippines
Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) (2019), Teaching the Essential
Topics of Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person from the
2019 Summer In-Service Training (INSET) for Senior High School
Teachers
