philosophy and the − Since what is false cannot be known.

What can only

be known is or must be true.

search of truth
Etymological Definition
− In other words, knowledge must be knowledge of
the truth.

JUSTIFIED
Φιλοσοφία in Greek
− In order to know something, it is not enough to
believe it merely correctly to be true; one must also
Greek origin (philosophia): (philo) love or loving and
have good reason for believing something
(sophia) wisdom or knowledge
− Any conjecture. speculation, or presumption does
not constitute knowledge.
Philosophy as the love of wisdom. It is the pursuit of
wisdom (p. 1,4) − We can only know something unless there is good
reason to believe.
Philosopher - a lover of wisdom − In other words, it must be a reasonable belief.
(Pilosopo, positive sense, p.3)
WAYS OF KNOWING EPISTEMOLOGICAL APPROACHES
Sophist - a wise or learned person reason absolutism
emotion relativism
Philosophaster - pretender to philosophical knowledge. language skepticism
(pilosopo, negative sense) sense perception empiricism
intuition rationalism
Phythagoras (57-495B.C.) - who first used the term. AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE
− Greek philosopher, mathematician, and founder of mathematics
the Pythagorean brotherhood. natural/biological sciences
− He formulated principles that influenced the human/social sciences
thought of Plato and Aristotle, although religious in history
nature. arts
− His theorem added to the advancement of ethics
mathematics and Western rational philosophy (p. 3) religion

DISTINCTION BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM The distinction between Knowledge (Kaalaman) and
Knowledge - Kaalaman Wisdom (Karunungan)
Wisdom - Karunungan
WISDOM involves an integration and application of
Knowledge - is a "Justified True Belief" knowledge, experience, and profound understanding
that consolidates our human capacity to bear the
BELIEF uncertainties of life.
− One cannot know something unless one believes − the ability to discern, distinguish, and decide
that thing. − what is right from wrong, good, or bad
− Even if something is true and one has plausible − the result of an ability to think and act using his /her
reasons for believing that it is true, one cannot knowledge, experience, understanding
know it without believing it. − an insight or an enlightened thought
− Belief does not constitute knowledge, but it is the − the sum or accumulated learning of a person
first condition of knowing something. through the ages
− In other words, belief is fundamental in any form of − It also means common sense or good judgment.
knowledge
“When we see persons of good character, we should
TRUE think of emulating them; when we see persons of a
− If one knows something, then it must be true. contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine
− If a certain belief is not true, even though how well ourselves. "
justified, or sincere a belief is, that does not - Confucius (551-479 BC)
necessarily constitute knowledge.
Difference between Facts (bagay, pangyayari,
katunayan) from Opinion (palagay, kuro-kuro)

FACTS
− are knowledge or information based on real or
actual occurrences
− an event or thing known to have happened or
existed
− a truth verifiable from experience or observation.

OPINION
− a confident assumption of something but not
− supported by positive knowledge
− the prevailing view or popular feeling
− an evaluation, impression, or estimation of the
value or worth of a person or thing
− Judgment
» based on special knowledge and given by an
expert
» or approximation of the merit of a person or
thing
» or belief not founded on certainty or proof
» or an evaluation given by an expert.

NOTES:
philosophaster - hypocrite

knowledge - justify true belief

"knowledge must be knowledge of the truth"

- you need others to affirm na its true (it needs

validation) (so it’s not supposed to be na ikaw lang yung
nag kknowledge)
OTHER NOTES FROM THE BOOK: » There are also those who are unable to understand
its significance and just dismiss it as something
CHAPTER 1 useless.
PHILOSOPHY AND THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH
Page 1-10 − Therefore, there is a distinction between the word
philosophy and the Filipino term pilosopo.
Philosophy
− has always been associated with wisdom, specifically ***According to Quito (1983), a Filipino professor of
the search for truth philosophy, there are two usages of the term philosophy
− often defined as a love for wisdom and wisdom in the current local trend or in our own local setting.
means “attaining the truth"
− is a deeper way of thinking or understanding the • When someone talks about the popular usage of
things that happen all around us or the things that philosophy, he/she is reminded of how the common
we do? people think of the way a pilosopo explains things or
− is centered on thinking, specifically, reflection events in one's surroundings.
− in the end, when we do philosophical reflections • To most common people, a pilosopo is someone
properly, we will be able to arrive at the truth whose way of thinking is different from those around
**there are many notions about what truth is him/her.

Philosophizing - when we are always motivated by our » The pilosopo in the negative sense is one who only
desire to know the truth considers one aspect of reality.
» He/She is one who will cling only to his/her own
LESSON 1 beliefs and never try to understand or consider the
The Meaning and Value of Philosophy and the Art of beliefs or views of others.
Philosophizing
Character of Pilosopong Tasyo who appears in the novel
Philosophy of Jose Rizal who represent the good sense of pilosopo.
− is not only rich in meaning, but also very valuable in These people engage others in a profound discussion.
our life.
− But its value is found not only in its being rich in THE ETYMOLOGY OF PHILOSOPHY
meaning and concept, but also in its being an art. Pythagoras (who was one of the wisest men of ancient
− As an art, it is something that must be practiced. Greece, lived somewhere between 570 and 495 BC.)
− He was born in Samos and later migrated to Croton
THE MEANING OF PHILOSOPHY in southern Italy.
Philosophy − The term philosophy comes from two Greek words:
− could mean a guiding principle philo or philien which means "love" and sophia which
− could also mean reason, rationale, or basis of means “wisdom” or “knowledge.”
something − Thus, philosophy means "love of wisdom or
− could also be understood as the study of the cause of knowledge."
something − It was the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras
who coined the word philosophia or philosophy.
Philosophical - we could either mean that one is taking − He was the same Greek mathematician who is
things in a very profound way or that he/she is being too credited for having laid the foundation of the
analytical about a particular subject matter or topic Pythagorean theorem.

Something is too Philosophical - we could mean that it is • The Greeks consider three kinds of love: eros, agape,
very complex or profound and that it requires a thorough and philia.
analysis and assessment to understand it. • The term eros (or erasthai) refers to a kind of love
that is passionate and intensely desires something; it
» Philosophy is important in life because it allows us to is often referred to as a sexual desire; hence, the
have a better if not a thorough understanding of modern notion of "erotic.” Eros as the "love of
things around us. desire," or "acquisitive love," is self-centered and is
 often a selfish response to some qualities of the
beloved like goodness or beauty.
• Philia involves a fondness and appreciation of the
qualities of the beloved, but such fondness is not
egotistical because the response is not centered on
the desire to acquire the object.

• Agape refers to the unconditional love of God for

man, but it could also be extended to a kind of
brotherly love for all humanity.
• Agape seeks a perfect love because it transcends the
desire for qualities and the necessity of reciprocity.

***According to the Greek philosopher Aristotle, all men

seek wisdom. Wisdom is attained through one's daily
experiences and from the experiences of other people.

− It is the objective of philosophy to teach us how to

reflect on our own experiences, so that we may gain
wisdom.

THE ACADEMIC DEFINITION OF PHILOSOPHY

− Traditionally and in the academe, philosophy is
defined in a more formal and logical or scientific
manner.
− Philosophy is a science because it is not based on
mere opinions or hypotheses.
− The concepts and principles of philosophy are based
on certain facts, and they have been analyzed,
demonstrated, or proven before being reduced to a
system
− Philosophy is the science all things or beings of
things because it studies all things or realities which
can be known and understood by human reason.
 branches of philosophy
The solution to the problem which theologians is
BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY
1. METAPHYSICS
− It comes from the Greek words petá (metá), meaning
confronted at would normally make an appeal to faith "beyond" or "after" and quorká (physiká), meaning
other than reason. "physical." For Aristotle, Metaphysics is the "First
philosophy."
Just like a scientist is always looking for solutions to a
problem Metaphysics has four major branches:
a. Cosmology
Philosophers would normally open problems. b. Ontology
Philosophy encourages us to think and to think hard. c. Natural Theology
d. Universal Science
ESSENTIAL OF STUDYING PHILOSOPHY
- For Bertrand Russell, philosophy enlarges the soul − It is an area or realm of philosophy concerned with
and elevates our consciousness both horizontally first principles and the fundamental nature of the
(extent) and vertically (depth) (are they sort of universe.
knowledge that are worth knowing) − It investigates the ultimate principles of reality
- It does not satisfy corporeal, physical, and material transcending those of any science.
needs or wants (p. 6). Its essential value transcends − It attempts to clarify and illuminate certain concepts
our visceral necessities. like existence, being, space, time, property, causality,
- It does not rely on scientific explanations. It begins and possibility.
by asking the “why-ness” of things. (p. 6) − Therefore, metaphysics is the philosophical inquiry
- For Russell, its value lies in its uncertainty (of
into subjects beyond the physical world.
providing exact knowledge) incompleteness (of
It asks the question: what is the ultimate reality that
providing definitive answers) makes up the universe? What is the nature and origin of
- Philosophy cannot (will not) offer any definitive being? What is being of Being? What is essence and
answer and exact knowledge of reality but it must be existence of God?
viewed for the sake of asking/posing (the right)
question. 2. EPISTEMOLOGY – Theory of Knowledge
- Philosophy must be studied for its own sake, that is,
− Epistemology is an area or realm of philosophy
for the sake of understanding.
concerned with the nature, sources, scope,
- More so, the value of philosophy lies in the
limitations, and validity of knowledge.
nourishment of the soul and improvement mind,
− It is essentially centered on investigating and
not the body. (p. 6)
examining the nature of knowledge and how it
- Philosophy offers the opposite of what theories and
relates to similar concepts such as truth, belief, and
science offers.
reason.
- It is only its ambiguous that makes us thrive.
− It comes from Greek étorun - episteme- which
- The question would lie with the ones asking
means “knowledge or “science" and loyos, “logos”.
An intelligent person asks intelligent sensible questions. − It is also known as Theory of Knowledge.
(p. 7) It asks the question: What can I know? How do I know
A wise person questions unquestioned truth. (p. 15) that I know? What are the limits of knowing? Can we
know something beyond experience? Is it possible to
In that disturbance we can thrive
know the unsayable or unfathomable? What are the
BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY limits of self-knowledge? What do people know? How do
1. Metaphysics we differentiate knowing from understanding?
2. Epistemology (Theory of Knowledge)
3. Ethics (Moral Philosophy)
4. Political Philosophy
5. Aesthetics (Philosophy of Art)
6. Philosophy of Religion
7. Philosophy of Science
8. Logic
3. ETHICS – Moral Philosophy beautiful? What aspects are involved in making aesthetic
− It is the area or domain of philosophy concerned with judgments?
how we should order our lives, what goals we should
seek, and what should count with us most. 4. PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION
− It is essentially the analysis of what is considered − It is an area or domain of philosophy concerned with
good conduct. the evaluation and examination of the possibility of
− It comes from the Greek word 'ethos' which means − religious knowledge,
custom, habit, or character. − the meaninglessness of religious language, the
− First, it refers to well base standards of right and grounds for believing in God, and the relationship
wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do, between faith and reason.
usually in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to − It is an attempt to examine critically and justify
society, fairness, or specific virtues. rationally the fundamental affirmations of any
− Second, it refers to the study and development of religious, metaphysical, and transcendental
one's ethical standards. In layman's term, we could knowledge or assertion about the beyond.
say that ethics is morality-in-action. − It is an aspect of philosophy in which religious
− It asks the question: What is the good life? What propositions and claims are subjected to a thorough
makes life worth living? Is living a virtuous life the rational and critical appraisal.
good life? What is the end of all human goodness? It asks the question: If everything that God created is
What sort of actions that are morally good? What good, where does evil come from? What is the source of
constitutes a moral act? evil? Does God share in the suffering of human beings?
− Ethics is the heart and soul of philosophical Can faith and reason be reconciled? Is Adam and Eve
understanding. merely a figment of the human mind?

4. POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY 5. PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE

− It is an area or domain of philosophy concerned with − It is an area or domain of philosophy concerned with
the origin of the state, the nature and structure of the formulation of adequate scientific
political and social systems, the relationship methodologies, the examination of epistemological
between political liberties and idealisms, the problems encountered in the individual sciences,
problems and issue of human rights, etc. and the clarification of scientific terms like fact,
− It is a critical elucidation and justification of the hypothesis, theory, or proof verification,
structures, systems and idealisms of an individual confirmation, law, etc.
creating and living in a political society. − It is a critical evaluation and thorough examination
− As human beings, we live in a social and political on the nature and approach of science in dealing
environment which aims to construct an orderly and with physical reality, in general.
well-balanced society grounded on justice, mutual It asks the question: Is there relativity in science? Which
respect, and civic concordance. is more plausible to believe: Creationism or Evolutionism?
It asks the question: what is justice? Can equality and What is the best theory that would explain the origin of
freedom co-exist with each other? What is the best form the universe? Can science solve everything or all human
of government? Which takes precedence in authority: problems? Is science god?
State or Religion? Does equality really exist? Does might
always make right? LOGIC
− It is an area or domain of philosophy concerned with
5. AESTHETICS – Philosophy of Art the formal principles of reasoning and the
− It is an area or domain of philosophy concerned fundamental criteria for valid reasoning
narrowly as the theory of beauty, or more broadly it − It is the study of the principle of correct reasoning
is the philosophy of art. and good argumentation.
− Generally, it is the critical reflection on art, culture, − It comes from the Greek word logikos' which means
and nature. reason or speech.
It asks the question: How do we determine what is − Its purpose is to develop a science of reasoning.
beautiful from what is ugly? Is beauty merely in the eyes − It clarifies our thinking and helps us to evaluate the
of the beholder? Is art appreciation subjective or reasoning behind the systems of belief and theories
objective? What should we judge when we judge art? that we encounter in life.
What criteria can we set to determine what is considered
− Logic is about reasoning and reasoning is a kind of “PRACTICAL BENEFIT”
thinking. One develops a CRITICAL MIND or critical thinking (pp.
− It is a kind of thinking in which we try to solve a 11-16)
problem, decide, or determine what is true.
− It is thinking with a purpose, which is to arrive at a ELEMENTS OF CRITICAL THINKING (pp.12-16)
conclusion. • Understanding (pp. 12-13)
It asks the question: what is logical argument? How can • Self-evaluation / self-critique (pp. 13-14)
we validate (or distinguish) good and (from) sound • Proactive thinking (p. 14)
argument Are all sound arguments good? What is the • Develop open-mindedness (pp. 14-15)
truth value of an argument? How can we differentiate • Empathic understanding (p. 14-15) 15)
and determine a valid from an invalid (fallacious) • Constructive critique (pp. 15-16)
argument?
DIFFERENCES OF CRITICAL THINKING AND CREATIVE THINKING
PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION & THE SEARCH FOR CRITICAL THINKING CREATIVE THINKING
TRUTH − Analytic reasoning − Generative reasoning
Epistemological Approaches To Truth − Convergent & Vertical − Divergent & Lateral
1. ABSOLUTISM - truth is absolute thinking thinking
2. RELATIVISM - truth is relative to the truth (to culture) − Inferential judgment − Suspends judgment
3. SKEPTISM - 0 truth is open to doubt and suspicion − Focused & Objective − Diffused & Subjective
4. EMPIRICIM - truth can be verified through
− Verbal & Use the Left − Visual & Use the right
experience
brain brain
5. RATIONALISM - truth can be justified by reason
− Linear & Leaning to − Associative & Open to
alone
probabilities possibilities
− Use logical methods & − Use eccentric methods &
DISTINCT YET RELATED...
rational solutions unorthodox solutions
APPROACH
- subjective − Order and structured; − Less structured;
- demands a certain attitude towards something you predictable spontaneous
want to do or know − Use “Yes but” argument − Use “Yes and” argument
- implies a certain belief about something
TRUTH:
METHOD • Object of all philosophical investigation (pp. 6 7)
- objective • As a value (pp. 19 20)
- demand a certain technique, a process, or a system
in doing a knowing something. THEORIES on Truth:
- Implies a certain know-how about something. • REALISM
• RELATIVISM
METHODS OF DOING (STUDYING) PHILOSOPHY • PRAGMATISM
1. Wonder – is the beginning of Wisdom (p.7) • CORRESPENDENCE THEORY
2. Reflection (pp. 7-9) • COHERENCE THEORY
− It does not (or will not) give you any explicit and • SKEPTICISM (not a theory but an attitude towards
satisfying answers BUT it will improve the WAY you the truth)
think and BEHAVE towards yourself and others.
− Philosophical Reflection (pp.16-18) is a profound
examination of the underlying meaning or cause of
reality (p. 11)
3. Speculation
4. Questioning
5. Critique

RESULT?
One gains (more) MEANING or SENSE (of understanding)
in life, not exactly knowing “the answer” (p. 8, 11)
 Truth and Theories on Truth (pp. 18 21) RELATIVISM (p.18)
WHAT IS TRUTH? − Basic assumptions: truth cannot be known in itself,
“What then is truth? A mobile army of metaphors, since truth is always relative or dependent on a
metonyms, and anthropomorphisms in short, a sum of person.
human relations, which have been enhanced, − Meaning: a philosophical belief that (absolute)
transposed, and embellished poetically and rhetorically, truth cannot be known, and that learning is only
and which after long use seem firm, canonical, and possible within the sphere of our mental states or
obligatory to a people truths are illusions about which conditions.
one has forgotten that is what they are metaphors which − Truth is relative or dependent upon one’s state of
are worn out and without sensuous power coins which knowing (for example, one’s culture or personal
have lost their pictures and now matter only as metal, no judgment).
longer as coins. − In other words, truth is subjective.
We still do not know where the urge for truth comes − Truth is always relative to the perception of the
from for as yet we have heard only of the obligation knowing subject (person).
imposed by society that it should exist to be truthful − Two (2) Types: Moral Relativism and Cultural
means using the customary metaphors in moral terms, Relativism
the obligation to lie according to fixed convention, to lie − This belief is contrasted with Objectivism.
herd like in a style obligatory for all.”
PRAGMATISM (p.19)
IS TRUTH ABSOLUTE? − Basic Assumption: the value of truth is dependent on
If truth is ABSOLUTE, If truth is NOT ABSOLUTE, its result or consequence.
then… then… − Meaning: A philosophical belief and movement
− It is accessible to every − It is accessible but becomes which holds that the truth or meaning of a
rational / intelligent relative to the viewer. proposition is relative to the acceptance of its
being. − Generally, it becomes practical consequence
− It is knowable by any subjective or personal. − Standards (Norms) of Truth:
thinking person. − It becomes culture » It depends on its use or utility.
− Error can likely be bounded. » It must be workable or doable.
impossible, or it could − Subject to censure or » It should have satisfying or beneficial
be avoided. critique. consequence/s.
− Error is probable and open » In other words, an idea is true if it satisfies these
to misinterpretation. norms.
− There are more than two or − Other related terms: Instrumentalism, Practicalism,
more interpretations. Consequentialism, Utilitarianism

CORRESPONDENCE THEORY (p.19)

REALISM (p.18) − Basic assumption: the truth or falsity of a statement
− Basic assumption: the mind can know the truth. There is resolved just by how it identifies with the world
is a reality outside the mind, and it can be known in and and whether it precisely depicts or corresponds with
through experience and inferential judgment. that world.
− Meaning: A philosophical belief which comprises in a − Meaning: This theory claims that true beliefs and
correspondence between mental representations and true statements correspond to the actual state of
reality affairs.
− Realists tends to believe that whatever we believe now − The truth or the falsity of a representation (or
is just an approximation of reality. statement) is determined solely by how it relates to
− This theory is oftentimes used in explaining moral or reality; that is, by whether it accurately describes
psychological problems. that reality.
− Other name: This belief supports the ‘Correspondence − This theory is oftentimes used in explaining logical,
Theory’ linguistic, or epistemological problems.
» Ideas are held true if they correspond with reality.
− This belief is contrasted with Skepticism
 COHERENCE THEORY (p.19) MAJOR TASKS OF (STUDYING) PHILOSOPHY:
− Basic assumption: truth is known only when it The fundamental task of philosophy is to clarify ideas or
belongs to a system of propositions that cohere expose ambiguous concepts, elucidate problematic
(consistent) with one another. issues, create logical explanations, amplify solutions, re-
− Meaning: this theory holds that truth cannot be evaluate, or criticize another philosophy, and synthesize
known or asserted of one proposition if isolated with diverse perspectives.
other propositions
» Absolute coherence is not possible. “The world says: "You have needs satisfy them.
− For Peirce, truth is the coherent inter-subjective • You have as much right as the rich and the mighty.
agreement of an open community of inquirers. • Don't hesitate to satisfy your needs; indeed, expand
− Truth must be consistent with or to other beings your needs and demand more."
(entities, units, or things). • This is the worldly doctrine of today. And they
− This theory is developed as an attack against or believe that this is freedom.
reaction to the theory of correspondence. • The result for the rich is isolation and suicide, for the
− The truth of the latter is simply identified within a poor, envy and murder.”
linear form of argumentation. - Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

SKEPTICISM (p.19)
− Basic assumption: truth cannot be known in any way
possible since it assumes the unreliability
(irregularity or inaccuracy) of the human mind to
grasp its real essence or meaning.
− Basic attitude to truth: suspension of judgment
» Not entirely an epistemological theory but a
philosophical attitude
» Types of attitudes: pessimism, cynicism,
suspicion, or nihilism
− Method: Doubt
− Meaning: This theory holds that knowledge of the
truth cannot be known with certainty.
− This theory is contrasted with Absolutism.

PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION Why is this important?

The study of philosophy helps us to amplify our
understanding of concepts, identify the wrong state of
things, and expand our horizons to explain and elaborate
intricate theories, issues, and the complexities of reality
which require insightful and reflective illumination

In the end, the dialogical spirit and communicative

discourse must be fostered and strengthened by
philosophical illuminations Jaspers writes,

“We cannot do without the thinking illumination of

philosophy In philosophical thinking we gain the vastness
of space, and at the same time a foothold in infinity But
this happens in consciousness, not in knowledge It
changes me, not my stock of information It can make us
more lucid, more firmly based, calmer amid the unrest of
we cannot help It can encourage us We grow more
certain, without being certain of the things we know.”