REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION COLLEGE

TACLOBAN CITY
A.Y. 2021-2022

Introduction to the

PHILOSOPHY
of the Human Person

GRADE 12

MODULE 1
The following are some reminders in using this module:
1. Please read and understand the lessons in this module.
2. Read the instruction carefully before answering the activity.
3. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks.
4. Submit the activity to your teacher on or before the deadline.
5. If you encounter any difficulty in answering the activity in this module, do not hesitate to
consult your teacher. Always bear in mind that you are not alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and gain deep
understanding of the relevant competencies.
YOU CAN DO IT!

Prepared by:
CECIL P. DAGA, LPT
INSTRUCTOR
 NATURE OF PHILOSOPHY

After going through this module, you are expected to accomplish the following Most Essential
Learning Competencies:
 Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view
 Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life
 Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic perspective

Week 1
MEANING OF PHILOSOPHY

 It came from the Greek word philo meaning love, and sophia which means wisdom. Therefore
philosophy means “love of wisdom”.
 Science of beings in their ultimate reasons, causes and principles, acquired by the aid of human reason
alone.
 Based on the innate thirst of the mind for deeper knowledge
 Begins where science ends
 People who engage in philosophy are called philosophers or “lovers of wisdom”.
 4 things to be considered about philosophy:
A. Science
 The investigation is systematic
 Not based on mere opinions or theories or hypothesis.
B. Natural light of Reason
 Natural capacity to think on simply, human reason alone or the so-called unaided reason.
 Does not base knowledge on authority, but solely on the reasoning power of the human mind.
C. Study of all things
 Studies human beings, society, religion, language, God, and plants, among other concerns.
 Does not limit himself to a particular object of inquiry.
D. First Cause or Highest Principle
 Principle of Identity
o Whatever is , is ; whatever is not, is not ; everything is what it is
o The statement itself is already true or show its truth
 Principle of Contradiction
o Whatever is , cannot at the same time not be
o It is impossible for the same thing both to be and not to be at the same time.
 Principle of Excluded Middle
o A thing either is or is not
o Two contradictories cannot be false or true together, one must be true and false.
 Principle of Sufficient Reason
o Nothing exist without a sufficient reason for its being and existence
o Must have reason, cause or ground
The following are the most notable ancient Greek philosophers.

 Pythagoras (570 BCE to 495 BCE) - A mathematician and scientist, he was credited with formulating
the Pythagorean Theorem. His work earned him many followers, and he established a community of
learners who were devoted to the study of religion and philosophy.

 Heraclitus (535 BCE to 475 BCE) - He proposed that everything that exists is based on a higher order
or plan which he called logos. For him, change is a permanent aspect of the human condition as he
was credited with the saying, “No man ever steps in the same river twice.

 Democritus (460 BCE to 370 BCE) - He devoted himself to the study of the causes of natural
phenomena. He was among the first to propose that matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms.

 Diogenes of Sinope (412 BCE to 323 BCE) - He was a known advocate of living a simple and virtuous
life. For Diogenes, one should not only talk of virtue but should show it in words and actions. His
emphasis on austerity and simplicity often went to the extreme, and he was said to have lived like a
beggar. He was also known to be a vocal critic of well-known philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle.
His teachings and views were later developed by his followers and influenced the development of
several schools of philosophy such as Cynicism and Stoicism.

 Epicurus (341 BCE to 270 BCE) - He believed that philosophy could enable man to live a life of
happiness. His views gave rise to Epicureanism - a school of philosophy which believes that wisdom
and simple living will result in a life free of fear and pain.

 Socrates (470 BCE to 399 BCE) - He was considered the foremost philosopher of ancient times. He
made great contributions to the field of ethics. Socrates was a known critic of intellectuals during his
time, but he himself did not claim to be “wise" and merely considered himself a “midwife" that helped
inquiring minds achieve wisdom. He also believed that philosophy could enable a man to live a life of
virtue. He was credited with formulating the Socratic Method - a means of examining a topic by devising
a series of questions that let the learner examine and analyze his knowledge and views regarding the
topic.

 Plato (427 BCE to 347 BCE) - A student of Socrates, he wrote down his mentor's teachings and
incorporated some of his own ideas into them. His teachings and writings were considered the
foundation of Western philosophy. Plato's most significant ideas included his Theory of Forms, which
proposes that everything that exists is based on an idea or template that can only be perceived in the
mind; these nonphysical ideas are eternal and unchanging. He also focused his studies on the ideal
society and proposed an ideal model of government and society which is ruled by wisdom and reason.
Plato is also known for his dialectic - a method of inquiry where two opposing ideas are discussed in an
attempt to arrive at new knowledge. Plato’s lasting contribution to learning was his founding of the
Academy, an institution of higher learning which was the first of its kind in the Western World.
  Aristotle (384 BCE to 322 BCE) - He attended the Academy, and was a prominent student of Plato.
Aristotle, however, disagreed with Plato’s theory of forms and took a different stance in interpreting
reality. For him, all ideas and views are based on perception and our reality is based on what we can
sense and perceive. This view greatly influenced the study of the physical sciences. Aristotle was
involved in a great variety of disciplines such as zoology, psychology, ethics, and politics. He also
proposed a system for the classification of plants and animals. His studies in logic led to the formulation
of a formal process of analyzing reasoning which gave rise to deductive reasoning - the process by
which specific statements are analyzed to reach a conclusion or generalization.

From their roots in ancient Greece, the thoughts and ideas of philosophers soon gained popularity in
many places throughout the world. The developments that started in ancient Greece brought about the
emergence of Western Philosophy. Meanwhile, Eastern Philosophy emerged from the communities and
civilizations in Asia. While both philosophies pondered the significant questions regarding human existence,
Western philosophy throughout the centuries became more systematic and specialized in its approach.
Eastern philosophy, on the other hand, is more fluid and places greater emphasis on social relations, the
family, and community.

At present, philosophy is an important field of study as it touches upon a diverse array of topics and
disciplines. Every aspect of human knowledge from the arts to science and technology has benefitted from the
inquiring nature of philosophy.

Why is there a need to philosophize?

Philosophers have often wondered and argued about the role of philosophy in man’s life. One view is
that each one of us is a philosopher, whether or not we have studied philosophy. We all have the potential to
philosophize since we have the tendency to wonder and doubt. We possess the capacity to reflect on our
experiences, and we have a never-ending need to learn and discover.

The Greek philosopher Plato traced man's need to philosophize to his sense of wonder. Whenever we
are confronted with an experience, we always wonder how it came about. Man's over bounding curiosity drives
him to ask questions, some of which have no definite answers. Where did we come from? Why do we exist?
For what purpose were we created? Consider a small child's curiosity about all the things around him, most of
which he encounters for the first time. This perspective drives the need of a philosopher to question, examine,
and learn more.

The 15th-century French philosopher Rene Descartes traced the need to philosophize to doubt.
Descartes was famous for rejecting or questioning established ideas, and he even went as far as doubting his
own ideas. His method of examining ideas and perspectives became the basis of critical thinking and analysis
in the sciences. For example, a scientific hypothesis must first be tested and verified before it is accepted as
truth. In life, we will be faced with several ideas and arguments which present themselves as “truths.” A critical
and questioning perspective is necessary to determine if indeed these ideas or views are correct or true.

The 20th-century Swiss-German philosopher Karl Jaspers saw the need to philosophize because of
experience. Jaspers believed that man is often confronted by experiences which challenge his ideas and
frameworks. Jaspers called these experiences limit situations, and these are often accompanied by feelings
of helplessness, anxiety, or dread. For Jaspers, philosophy provides us a means to understand adverse or
challenging conditions, and to rise above them and gain new knowledge and perspectives.

Finally, the need to philosophize is driven by the love for wisdom. To love wisdom is to have an
insatiable desire for truth. A philosopher does not seek knowledge to claim ownership of it; and one who
engages in philosophy is not satisfied with figuring out the answer to a question. He seeks to continue to
question, to probe, and to discuss in order to get to the bottom of things. The philosopher who exemplified this
perspective was Socrates. He gained fame for his curiosity and his constant debates with many of the
intellectual elite in Greece. Socrates is famous for having said “I know that I do not know...” and it is in
accepting this state of ignorance that one can begin to learn and understand. By expanding our knowledge
through philosophy, we begin to realize that learning is unceasing - there is a lot more to learn and experience
in life. Socrates is also recognized for his motto: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” And nowhere is it
more appropriate to embark on philosophy than in an examination of our own life.

BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY
A. Metaphysics
- Study of “reality” existence and nature of things that exist
- Metaphysics literally means “beyond physical”
- Study of reality that is beyond the scientific or mathematical realms
- Most discussed are the existence of God, the soul, and the afterlife
B. Ethics
- Explores the nature of moral virtue and evaluates human actions
- Study of “moral virtue, right and wrong”
- Placing value to personal actions, decisions and relations
- Important ethical issues today include abortion, sexual immortality, death penalty,
euthanasia, pornography, environment.
- Human values and how individuals should act.
C. Epistemology
- Study of “knowledge”
- Process by which we can know that something is true
- Addresses questions such as:
 What can I know?
 How is knowledge acquired?
 Can we be certain about anything?
 How can we differentiate truth from falsehood?
Empiricism - senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste)
Deduction - real knowledge is based on the logic, laws, method. Ex: Mathematics
D. Logic
- Study of right reasoning
- Science of correct thinking
- Greek word “Logos” – word, thought, idea, argument, account, reason or principle.
- Studies the valid reasoning and argumentation
E. Aesthetics
- Study of art, beauty, good taste
- Greek word “ aisthetikos” meaning “sense of perception”
- Concerned with the nature and perception of art, beauty and good taste.
Importance of Aesthetics
 It vitalizes our knowledge
- Makes us alive and useful
  It helps us to live more deeply and richly
- Able to live life to the fullest and makes our spirit lively
 It brings us in touch with our culture
- We are not able to forget our past, our culture.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOLISTIC THINKING AND PARTIAL THINKING?

Holistic thinking refers to a perspective that considers large-scale patterns in systems. This is
often described as looking at the “big picture” when describing and analyzing a situation or problem.
A holistic perspective requires an individual to have an open mindset and an ability to get the general
sense or impression regarding a situation. Partial thinking, on the other hand, focuses on specific
aspects of a situation. The partial view is an important component of analytical thinking, as an
individual focuses on certain areas or aspects of a problem in order to understand it. Though partial
thinking is useful, philosophy utilizes holistic thinking in making sense of problems and issues related
to the human experience.
People tend to apply an analytical perspective when looking at problems or situations. For
instance, doctors often focus on a specific set of symptoms to determine the cause of a patient’s
illness. Once a particular cause has been identified, the doctor then prescribes the appropriate
medicine and other treatments to address the illness. In the case of a person who experiences a
stomach ache, a doctor may prescribe the appropriate medicine that will address the physical causes
of the problem.
A holistic perspective, however, requires the doctor to look at the "big picture” and view the
patient’s illness as an aspect of his or her lifestyle and personal circumstances. When using this
perspective, a doctor may be able to identify other underlying causes of the illness. The doctor can
interview the patient and get an idea of his or her situation. In the case of the patient with stomach
problems, the doctor s inquiry into his or her habits and lifestyle may lead to the discovery that fatigue
and stress may be factors that cause the illness. Knowing this, the doctor can advise the patient to
make changes in his or her habits to reduce stress and eventually improve his or her well-being.
A holistic perspective can enable a person to step back and consider the general aspects of a
certain problem. In the case of an argument among friends, would it be beneficial to take one side or
act as a mediator and try to reconcile all sides? Should we simply condemn a person who
misbehaved in a video that has gone viral? Or should we reserve judgment until we get all the facts
regarding what made that person act in that manner? Adopting a holistic approach in thinking
encourages us not only to be more critical but also to be more considerate in dealing with others.
A holistic view also gives rise to a more appreciative perspective about life, as we are able to
look at life in its totality. This means that we try to understand a situation from different vantage points
so we can see it more fully. Just as we savor food in its entirety and not pick out each ingredient and
taste it, we experience and appreciate life in its entirety and not just its specific "flavors”. All the
positive and negative experiences in our life come together to give meaning to our existence, and we
learn to appreciate our individual experiences as vital aspects of a larger and more meaningful life.

WHAT ARE THE PRACTICAL USES OF PHILOSOPHY IN OUR LIVES?

Philosophy has an important place in our daily lives. Engaging in philosophical reflection leads
to the development of beneficial skills that individuals can apply in everyday situations.
Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis and interpretation of
concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems. It also trains us to be critical of our own ideas as
well as of others - meaning, we don’t simply accept or reject whatever is presented to us. One can
apply this critical and analytical mindset in processing information gained from media and addressing
certain issues encountered in life. Critical thinking skills can help us avoid being tricked by false
claims or manipulative schemes.
 Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision making. The ability to analyze a
problem or dilemma, identify its significant aspects, and come up with alternative solutions is an
important skill learned through philosophy.
A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly and adequately present his or
her ideas. Discussion and debate require skills in presenting and communicating ideas. Philosophy
can also help us be more open to new and different ideas. Communication skills are also enhanced
by the study of philosophy because it trains us to be very clear and precise about our thoughts and
sentiments in order to express exactly what we want to say.
Wisdom is one intended product of philosophizing, and this refers to a person’s ability to apply
knowledge to daily life particularly in making sound choices and judgment.
Finally, knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self-development. One can be a
better student, scientist, artist, professional, and citizen if he or she has the capacity for inquiry,
critical thinking, and reflection. In addition, philosophy encourages a person to know oneself, his or
her strengths and weaknesses, establish an identity, and determine his or her purpose in life. Self-
knowledge also grows along with one's understanding of the world and this is essential to the
realization of the self. These are tools to develop one's own ideas and views and engage fully in
useful activities in the community, nation, and the world at large.
 LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET: WEEK 1

NATURE OF PHILOSOPHY

NAME: SCORE:

STRAND/BLOCK: SCHEDULE:

ACTIVITY NO. 1

What words come to your mind when you hear the word PHILOSOPHY? Write your answers in
the blank circles.

PHILOSOPHY
ACTIVITY NO. 2

ESSAY: Answer the following questions:

1. Give an example or situation on how you use philosophy in your daily lives.

2. How can having a holistic view help us become better individuals?

3. How can you as a person benefit from philosophizing?

4. Cite a situation where you adopted a holistic view in looking at a problem or situation. How did
adopting a holistic view help you make sense of the situation?

5. How can philosophy help you become a productive individual and citizen?