GRANT INSTITUTE OF TRADE AND TECHNOLOGY

Green Valley Subdivision,

San Pablo City, Laguna
Senior High School Department

Introduction to Philosophy of the Human Person

(Day 1)
What I know (Activity 1)

Directions: First, you have to create a graphic organizer. The main idea is the word
"philosophy. Then, make an essay about your answer to the following questions:

1. What words come to mind when you hear the word Philosophy? Why do we need to
study Philosophy?

What’s In
The word philosophy comes from two Greek words: philos (love) and sophia
(wisdom). The ancient Greeks used this term to refer to “love of wisdom” and they soon
applied it to the study or discipline that uses human reason to investigate the ultimate causes,
reasons, and principles which govern all things.
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental questions about existence,
knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
Philosophy in simple words is a way of thinking about the world, the universe, and
society. It works by asking very basic questions about the nature of human thought, the
nature of the universe, and the connections between them. The ideas in philosophy are often
general and abstract.
Philosophy is the study of humans and the world by thinking and asking questions. It
is a science and an art. Philosophy tries to answer important questions by coming up with
answers about real things and asking "why?"

Do you know of some Greek Philosophers?

Philosophers- are people who engage in philosophy.

Direction: Identify the following person in the picture below. Write your answer on the space
provided below.
The most notable ancient Greek philosophers are:

1. Pythagoras (570 BCE to 495 BCE)- A mathematician and scientist, he was credited
with formulating the Pythagorean theorem.
2. Heraclitus (535 BCe to 475 BCE)- He proposed that everything that exists is based on
a higher order or plan which he called logos.
3. Democritus (460 BCE to 370 BCE)- He devoted himself to the study of the causes of
natural phenomena.
4. Diogenes of Sinope (412 BCE to 323 BCE)- He was a known advocate of living a
simple and virtuous life.
5. Epicurus (341 BCE to 270 BCE)- He believed that philosophy could enable man to
live a life of happiness.
6. Socrates (470 BCE to 399 BCE)- He was considered the foremost philosophers of
ancient times. He was credited with formulating the Socratic method- 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.
7. Plato (427 BCE to 347 BCE)- A student of Socrates, he wrote down his mentor’s
teaching and incorporated some of his own ideas into them. Plato’s most significant
ideas included his Theory of Forms, which proposes that everything that exist is based
on an idea or template than can only be perceived in the mind. 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.
8. Aristotle (384 BCE to 322 BCE)- He attended the Academy, and was the prominent
student. of Plato. For him, all ideas and views are based on perception and our reality
is based on what we can sense and perceive.

Activity 2.
Direction. Direction: Complete the table below. Write your answer in your notebook
Actions WHAT MUST BE DONE BEFORE
THE ACTION?
1. Buying new clothes
 2. Choosing friends
3. Eating food
4. Deciding where to study for Senior
High School
5. Attending classes in the afternoon
6. Going to school
7. Visiting a friend
8. Joining an organization in school
9. Playing computer games
10. Buying a new gadget
11. Asking permission if you would like
to go out with friends
12. Helping a stranger
13. Traveling with your family
14. Going to mass or any religious
activities
15. Watching movies that are not
allowed for your age
16. Posting your opinion or feelings in
the social media
17. Communicating to your siblings
about a conflict
18. Giving opinions
19. Going out with the opposite sex
20. Confronting a person who verbally
hurt you

(Day 2)
Holistic and Partial Point of View
What I know (Activity 3)
Directions: The students will have a group activity. Share a situation where they use a
holistic and partial thinking perspective. You have to write your answer on a manila paper
and then present it in front.

Holistic thinking refers to a perspective that considers large-scale patterns in systems.

A holistic perspective requires an individual to have an open mindset and ability to get the
general sense or impression regarding a situation.
The term "holistic thinking" refers to a big picture mentality in which a person
recognizes the interconnectedness of various elements that form larger systems, patterns and
objects. Thinking holistically is the opposite of analyzing something, which involves
breaking down a larger system into its details. Holistic medicine is a prominent example of
holistic thinking.
 A medical professional who believes in holistic care considers the relationship
between the mind, body and spirit. For example, holistic doctors don't just provide patients
with medications. Instead, they look at ways to improve life balance and eradicate health
problems from their root source, such as high stress or bad nutrition.
Partial thinking focuses on specific aspects of a situation. The partial view is an
important component of analytical thinking, as an individual.
It is a perspective that looks at reality based on a single or partial component of a
system whereas the holistic perspective tries to broaden the understanding of reality by taking
considerations of other possible casual agents or factors be it biological, theological or any
other factors that may contribute in understanding a certain phenomenon.
In philosophy, point of view describes the perception of an event or phenomenon and how
exactly it is viewed. Point of view often is shaped by an individual's beliefs or experiences.
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. A
holistic view gives rise to a more appreciative perspective about life, as we are able to look at
life in its totality.

Activity 4.

Direction: Based on your answers in Table 1, what must be done before taking action? Do
you consider it helpful if you do this before taking action? Why or why not?

Simple actions seem to take on a whole new meaning when one engages in reflection. Like
buying a new gadget, think of the questions you asked yourself as you considered buying the
said item.

You may start with simple questions, but since we are in a reflective and philosophizing
mood, we try to think of deeper questions and reflect on the situation.

Assignment 1.

Directions: Search online about the following branches of Philosophy that deals with a
particular aspect of a life or phenomenon:

1. Aesthetics
2. Logic
3. Epistemology
4. Ethics
5. Political Philosophy
6. Metaphysics

(Day 3)

The Value of Doing Philosophy in Obtaining a Broad Perspective on Life

Why do we philosophize?

We all have the potential to philosophize since we have the tendency to wonder and
doubt. A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly and adequately present his or
her ideas.

Doing philosophy can be applied in day-to-day activities and life perspectives.

Because it involves an evaluative process, doing philosophy allows a person to make better
decisions and act accordingly to situations with the help of various philosophical skills. On
life perspectives, philosophy enables reflective thinking which greatly influences a person’s
view of life, challenges, and relationships

In doing philosophy, a holistic perspective on the subject is always required. Failure

to do so or only using a partial point of view may lead to illogical or incorrect conclusions.

What’s In

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.

French philosopher Rene Descartes traced the need to philosophize to doubt. 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.

Swiss-German philosopher Karl Jaspers saw the need to philosophize because of

experience. These experiences limit situation, philosophy provides us a means to understand
adverse or challenging conditions, and to rise above them and gain new knowledge and
perspective.

The need to philosophize is driven by the love for wisdom. To love wisdom is to have
an insatiable desire for truth. Philosophy itself is a distinct area of knowledge with its own
goals, concerns, and ways of doing things.

“LIFE IS LIVED THROUGH PERSPECTIVE, WHAT ONE

BELIVES ARE UPS AND DOWNS, THE OTHER SEES AS GROWTH.”

What is It

The following are the branches of philosophy that deals with a particular aspect of life or
phenomena.

1. Aesthetics is the branch of Philosophy which deals with beauty and what makes
things “beautiful”.
2. Logic is branch of philosophy which deals with correct reasoning.
3. Epistemology discusses the nature of knowledge and knowing.
4. Ethics is the branch which deals with moral questions and dilemmas.
5. Political Philosophy studies governments and deals with questions of justice, power
and the rights and obligations of citizens.
 6. Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy which deals with questions regarding reality
and existence.
7. Philosophy of the Human Person-is an area in philosophy

Activity 5.

Directions: What can you say about the quotation below? Do you agree with this?
Express your answers and make an Essay.

• Broadening your Perspective can be life-changing

(Day 4)

Doing a Philosophical Reflection on a Situation from Holistic Perspective

Reflection requires a person to be willing to examine one’s thoughts, feelings, and action
and to learn more about one’s life and experiences.

Human self-reflection is the capacity of humans to exercise introspection and to attempt to

learn more about their fundamental nature and essence.

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.

Reflection is vital in ensuring that our actions and decisions are well thought out and are
done with due regard for their implications and consequences on ourselves, others, and our
surroundings.

When we reflect, we can judge whether our actions or decisions are reasonable or not.
Doing Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis and interpretation of concepts,
definitions, arguments, and problems.

Doing Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision making. The ability to analyze
a problem or dilemma, identify the significant aspects, and come up with alternative solutions is an
important skill learned through philosophy.

In the process of doing philosophy, it is critical to have a holistic point of view-the perception
of looking at all aspects of a situation first before making a conclusion.

Wisdom as it refers to a person’s ability to apply knowledge to daily life particularly in

making sound choices and judgment is the intended product of philosophizing.

Finally, knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self-development.

Examples of activities that emanated from a deliberate reflection

1. Learning from your previous mistakes and not repeating them again
2. Evaluating and knowing the best choice from a set of options
3. Gaining a holistic point of view first before making any conclusion.