of the Human Person

MODULE FOR GRADE 12

Prepared by: Jullienne Grace S. Andrino
Ramon Torres Sagasa National High School-SHS

Source: Introduction to the Philosophy of Human Person Textbook (Ropberto D. Abella, M.Div.,D.Min.)
 Table of Contents

Lesson 1: What is philosophy?

Lesson 2: Methods of philosophizing

Lesson 3: The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit

Lesson 4: The Human Person in the Environment

Lesson 5: Freedom of the Human Person

Lesson 6: Intersubjectivity

Lesson 7: The Human Person in Society

Lesson 8: Human Person as Oriented Towards their Impeding Death

LESSON 1: WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY?
Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:
1. discuss philosophy and its importance as a discipline and a means for
understanding life.
2. distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view;
3. recognize human activities that emanated from deliberate reflection;
4. recognize reflection as an important aspect of philosophy;
5. realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life;
6. do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic perspective;
and PHILOSOPHY
7. discuss their thoughts regarding the importance of philosophy in their lives.

 PHILOSOPHY – comes from two Greek words: philos(love) and

Sophia(wisdom). The Greeks used this term to refer to “love of
wisdom”.

 PHILOSOPHERS (lovers of wisdom) – people who engage in

philosophy.

Philosophy is the study that uses human reason to investigate the

ultimate causes, reasons and principles which govern all things.

b. What other philosophical questions have you asked yourself? What led you to
Philosophers applied philosophy to the study or the discipline that uses human
ponder those questions?
reason to investigate the ultimate causes, reasons and principles which govern all
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things.
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Activity 1: THINK! THINK! THINK! (INDIVIDUAL)
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a. What words come to your mind when you hear the word philosophy? Write the
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words in the blank circles.
c. Do you think that you will be able to figure out the answers to these
philosophical questions? Explain.
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NOTABLE ANCIENT GREEK PHILOSOPHERS:  His most significant ideas included his THEORY OF FORMS (which proposes
1. PYTHAGORAS (570 BCE – 495 BCE) that everything that exists is based on an idea or template that can only
 Mathematician and scientist be perceived in the mind; these nonphysical ideas are eternal and
 Formulated the Pythagorean Theorem unchanging.
 Has established a community of learners who were devoted to study  Proposed an ideal model of government and society ruled by wisdom and
religion and philosophy reason
2. HERACLITUS (535 BCE – 475 BCE)  Known for his DIALECTIC (a method of inquiry where two opposing ideas
 Proposed that everything that exists is based on a higher order or plan he are discussed in an attempt to arrive at new knowledge.
called logos.  Founded the ACADEMY (an institution of higher learning which was the
 Change is a permanent aspect of the human condition. first of its kind in the Western world.
 “No man ever steps in the same river twice.” 8. ARISTOTLE (384 BCE-322 BCE)
3. DEMOCRITUS (460 BCE – 370 BCE)  Attended the Academy and was a prominent student of Plato.
 Devoted to study the causes of natural phenomena.  Disagreed with Plato’s Theory of Forms
 Among the first to propose that matter is composed of tiny particles called  For him, All ideas and views are based on perception and our reality are
atoms. based on what we can sense and perceive.
4. DIOGENES OF SINOPE (412 BCE – 323 BCE)  Greatly influence the study of physical sciences.
 A known advocate of living a simple and virtuous life.  Involved in great variety of discipline such as zoology, psychology, ethics
 He was said to have lived like a beggar. and politics.
 A vocal critic of well-known philosophers Plato and Aristotle.  Proposed a system of classification of plants and animals.
 His views were developed by his followers and influenced the development  His studies gave rise to DEDUCTIVE REASONING (the process by which
of several schools of philosophy such as CYNICISM and STOICISM. specific statements are analyzed to reach a conclusion or generalization).
5. EPICRUS (341 BCE-270 BCE)
 Philosophy could enable man to live with happiness. WHY IS THERE A NEED TO PHILOSOPHIZE?
 Gave rise to Epicureanism (a school of philosophy which believes that Each of us is a philosopher, whether or not we have studied philosophy. We all
wisdom and simple living will result in a life free of fear and pain). have the potential to philosophize since we have the tendency to wonder and
6. SOCRATES (470 BCE-399 BCE) doubt.
 The foremost philosopher of ancient times.  The Greek philosopher Plato traced man’s need to philosophize to his
 Has a great contribution on Ethics. sense of wonder.
 Known critic of intellectuals during his time but he himself did not claim to  The 15th century French philosopher Rene Descartes traced the need to
be wise. philosophize to doubt.
 Also believed that philosophy could enable a man to live a life of virtue.  The 20th century Swiss-German philosopher Karl Jaspers saw the need to
 Formulated the Socratic Method (a means of examining the topic by philosophize because of experience. Jaspers called these experiences
devising a series of questions that let the learner examine and analyze his limit situation which accompanied by feeling of helplessness, anxiety or
knowledge and views regarding the topic. dread.
7. PLATO (427 BCE-347 BCE)  Finally, the need to philosophize is driven by the love for wisdom. To
 A student of Socrates. love wisdom is to have an insatiable desire for truth. A philosopher does
 His teachings and writings were considered the Foundation of Western not seek knowledge to claim ownership of it; and one who engages in
Philosophy. philosophy is not satisfied with figuring out the answer to a question.
HOW DO WE CHARACTERIZE THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY?
Characteristics of Philosophy:
1. A way of analyzing frameworks PHILOSOPHY
A framework is defined as a way of thinking about the world and is composed of
the views and beliefs of person.
Internal Questions – questions dealing with our correctness and values which as an analysis of as an examination
can be addressed using our own personal frameworks. as a discipline
frameworks of knowledge
External Questions- questions the very frameworks upon which people based
their own beliefs and views.
2. An examination of a particular area of knowledge
The central principle of philosophy is examination and questioning. Philosophy
goes hand in hand with other disciplines in examining their fundamental purposes
and evaluating the changes they experience.
3. A distinct area of knowledge with its own goals, concerns and ways of
Write your answers here:
doing things
Branches of Philosophy
a. Aesthetics- philosophy which deals with beauty and what makes things
beautiful.
b. Logic – a branch of philosophy which deals with correct reasoning
PHILOSOPHY
c. Epistemology – discusses the nature of knowledge and knowing
d. Ethics – deals with moral questions and dilemmas
e. Political Philosophy – studies governments and deals with questions of
as an analysis as an as a
justice, power and the rights and obligations of citizens of examination
f. Metaphysics – deals with questions regarding reality and existence frameworks of knowledge discipline
g. Philosophy of Human Person – (although not a branch of philosophy) an
area of philosophy that understands the human person from a philosophical
perspective – integrating and synthesizing the different branches of philosophy
and other fields of study to know the truth about the human person.
TWO IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT PHILOSOPHIZING
1. Philosophy is a reflective and meditative activity
2. A method of metal exercise
b. Based on the characteristics of Philosophy, would it be possible for any person
Activity 2: THINK MORE! THINK DEEPER! to engage in philosophical discussion? Why or Why not?
a. Analyze the characteristics of philosophy by expanding the graphic organizer. _________________________________________________________________
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOLISTIC THINKING AND PARTIAL What is the difference between the first 2 questions and the last three questions?
THINKING? - If you concentrate only on simple questions, you would just buy that shirt
1. HOLISTIC THINKING immediately. But reflection allows you an opportunity to think more
 Refers to a perspective that considers large-scale patterns in systems. deeply about your action, your motivations for doing such action, and
 Often describe as looking at the “big picture” when describing and even its possible consequences.
analyzing a situation or problem. Reflection is vital in ensuring that our actions and decisions are well thought out
 Requires an open mind set. and are done with due regard for their implications and consequences on
 Considers the general aspect of the problem. ourselves, others and our surroundings.
 Gives rise to a more appreciative perspective about life, as we are able to Reflection helps us understand ourselves and our actions better. When we reflect,
look at life in its totality. we can judge whether our actions or decisions are reasonable or not.
2. PARTIAL THINKING
 Focuses on specific aspects of situation. Activity 3: THINK TWICE! THINK THRICE! THINK HUNDREDS OF TIMES!
 An important component of analytical thinking as an individual focuses on A. Engage in a reflection on the given situation below. List down simple, serious
certain areas or aspects of the problem. and deep questions you would ask yourself in this situation.
DISCUSS! You open your wallet and saw that you still have a hundred pesos left
1. Cite a situation where you adopted a holistic view in looking at a problem or from your weekly allowance.
situation. How did adopting a holistic view help you make sense of the situation? Answers:
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2. How can having a holistic view help us become better individuals?
_________________________________________________________________ B. Have you ever had an experience where reflecting on your actions benefited
_________________________________________________________________ you? Has reflection ever helped you avoid making a bad decision?
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HOW DOES ONE ENGAGE IN REFLECTION? _________________________________________________________________
REFLECTION – requires a person to be willing to examine one’s thoughts, _________________________________________________________________
feelings and actions and to learn more about one’s life and experiences. _________________________________________________________________
Example: Buying Clothes
1. Will this fit me? WHAT ARE THE PRACTICAL USES OF PHILOSOPHY ON OUR LIVES?
2. Do I look good in this color?
3. Do I even have to buy a new t-shirt today? 1. Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis and
4. Am I better off spending my money on other things? interpretation of concepts, definitions, arguments and problems.
5. Do I see myself wearing this shirt often, or am I going to wear it once?
2. Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision making.
 _______________9. It is a perspective that considers the big picture when
3. A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly and adequately looking at problems and situations.
present his or her ideas. _______________10. It is a perspective that focuses on specific aspects of a
WISDOM – is one intended product of philosophizing, and this refers to situation.
the person’s ability to apply knowledge to daily life particularly in making sound
choices and judgment. GROUP ACTIVITY 1
How can reflection help you solve the following problems? Form groups and
4. Finally, knowledge of philosophy can contribute to self-development. conduct a role play on the ff. situations:

DISCUSS! 1. You heard that one of your friends was hurt in a fight with some students from
A. How can philosophy help you become a productive individual?
a nearby school. Your other friends approach you saying that they want you to go
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_________________________________________________________________ with them after class to look for the students who hurt your friend.
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2. Your family has already made up plans to go on vacation but two days before
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_________________ your trip, your father had an accident and your planned vacation had to be
B. Answers activities 2,3 and 4 on Introduction to the Philosophy of Human cancelled. Your younger sister was really looking forward to the trip and was
Person Activity Sheets. (provided by teacher)
upset with your father for ruining it.

TEST 1
Identify the following. Write your answers on the blank before each number. 3. You have been saving your extra allowance in order to buy a new pair of
_______________1. It is the study or discipline that uses human reason to rubber shoes. Your mother, however, is asking you to give your money to your
investigate the ultimate causes, reasons and principles which govern all things.
_______________2. The Greek term for philosophy, philosophia, means sister so she can buy a new bag for school.
__________________.
_______________3. The Greek philosopher Plato believes that philosophy is 4. One of your friends uploaded embarrassing pictures of another friend on an
brought about by mans sense of ____________.
online site. It was supposed to be a joke, but your other friends are angry at her
_______________4. He believes that persons engage in philosophy in order to
make sense of difficult life experiences. for doing it and are telling you not to talk to her.
_______________5. Rene Descartes considers this as reason why people
philosophize.
OUTPUT1:
_______________6. It refers to the way of thinking about the world and is made
up of person’s views and beliefs. Make a poster showing a holistic view of your life. Come up with a creative
_______________7. These questions that examines personal ideas regarding visualization that will show your life in its totality and how your various
correctness and values. experiences contributed to give meaning to your life.
_______________8. It is an activity that requires a person to examine his or her
thoughts, feelings and actions and learn from experience.
 Philosophers often grapple with the concept of truth. Truth lies at the heart of
LESSON 2: METHODS OF PHILOSOPHIZING any inquiry. Knowledge must be truthful to gain validity and acceptance.
PROPOSITIONS – statements about the world or reality
Which of the ff. statements are true?
- May or may not carry truth
1. The sun is the center of the solar system.
- Are usually stated as short statements or sentences
2. Asia is the largest continent in the world.
3. God made the world in seven days.
WHAT IS TRUTH AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
4. Man has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Knowledge – is the clear awareness and understanding of something.
5. China’s continued presence in the Spratlys is a violation of international law.
- It is the product of questions that allow for clear answers provided by
6. A person must always consider the interests of his or her family before his or
facts.
her own happiness.
- Comprised of ideas and beliefs that we know to be true.
7. Citizens have the right to take up arms and overthrow an oppressive
Complete the ff. Statements:
government.
I know that…
8. The President has done very little to uphold democracy and look after the
I know why…
interests of the Filipino people.
I know how…
Facts – propositions or statements which are observed to be real or truthful.
Were you able to easily judge the truthfulness of the statements? Why?
Ex.: I know that fish live in water.
Which of the statements are obviously true? Which ones required more
Claim – statement that cannot be taken as true since it is simply not
thought to determine their truthfulness?
immediately evident and further examination is required to establish whether it is
Which of these statements may be true for others but not true in your
true or false.
judgment?
Ex.: I know that my school is the best school in the city.
Which of these statements do you personally believe to be true but may
 Truthful statements, therefore, can be considered as based on facts.
be disputed by other people?
HOW DO WE KNOW IF SOMETHING IS TRUE?
OBJECTIVES:
There are several views regarding truth. Ancient Greek philosophers approached
At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:
the problem of truth by looking at the nature of knowledge and how we know
1. define the role of philosophy in determining truth and knowledge;
what we know. It is said that there are instances when we have to unlearn
2. distinguish opinion from truth;
something to learn new things.
3. analyze situations that show the difference between opinion and truth;
1. Let’s start with the very obvious things we know about ourselves:
4. realize that the methods of philosophy lead to wisdom and truth; and
I am alive.
5. evaluate opinions.
I have a body.
I can breathe.
In today’s society, we encounter a lot of information from various sources such
Doubt has a very important purpose in philosophy as it drives our desire to
as the media and our interactions with friends, family and members of the
discover truth. Using doubt as our starting point, let’s revise the statements to
community. Some of it was helpful but some may mislead us or may even be
make them easier to scrutinize and analyze.
utterly false.
Am I alive?
Example: Many people have been misled by claims of miracle drugs.
Do I have a body?
Can I breathe?
Now how will you figure out the answers? Let’s apply systematic doubt.
I am alive! Can I play basketball?
I have a body! Can I fry egg?
I can breathe! Do I understand the lesson?
 This is one perspective of truth – that A BELIEF IS TRUE IF IT CAN BE
JUSTIFIED OR PROVEN THROUGH THE USE OF ONE’S SENSES. How will you really prove that you can play basketball? That you can fry egg?
That you do understand the lesson? Yes by doing these things. But some would
2. Another example. argue that the proof is not only in the act but also in the product. This means you
I am a Filipino. should not only show that you can fry eggs but you can make delicious fried
Let’s apply a systematic doubt. eggs.
Am I a Filipino?  Determining truth in this case requires a person to PROVE A
Filipino(noun) STATEMENT THROUGH AN ACTION.
1. a native of Philippine Island Philosophers also believed that claims and beliefs should also be subjected to
2. a citizen of the republic of the Philippines tests to determine truth. Any claim, therefore, should be subjected to tests to
3. the Tagalog-based official language of the Republic of the prove their validity.
Philippines
WAYS TO DETERMINE THE TRUTHFULNESS OF A STATEMENT:
Does it apply to you? Definitions 1 and 2 are the ones that best applies to you, 1. A BELIEF IS TRUE IF IT CAN BE JUSTIFIED OR PROVEN THROUGH THE USE OF
since refer to Filipinos as person. Definition 3 cannot be used in this case since it ONE’S SENSES.
refers to the Filipino language and not to Filipinos as persons. 2. A BELIEF OR STATEMENT IS TRUE IF IT IS BASED ON FACTS.
 This is another basis for determining truth: A BELIEF OR STATEMENT IS 3. GETTING A CONSENSUS OR HAVING PEOPLE AGREE ON A COMMON BELIEF.
TRUE IF IT IS BASED ON FACTS. 4. PROVE A STATEMENT THROUGH AN ACTION.
3. If you’re not sure that you are a Filipino, what additional proof should you look
for to prove, without doubt, that you are a Filipino? You can try: Activity 4: THINK MY TINY LITTLE THINKER!
a. Ask your parents and other relatives. Apply systematic doubt in analyzing the ff. statements. Describe how you will
b. Look for official documents that prove you are a Filipino. determine their truthfulness.
Let us imagine, however, that in your search to figure out if you are a Filipino,
you find out the ff: 1. Our classroom is tidy.
1. All your parents and relatives agree that you are a Filipino. 2. Our school is big.
2. Your birth certificate proves that you were born in the Philippines. 3. I am a good student.
Then you can proudly say I am a Filipino! 4. We live in a safe community.
 Another way of determining what is true is GETTING A CONSENSUS OR
HAVING PEOPLE AGREE ON A COMMON BELIEF. Answers:

4. Finally, let us consider these statements:

I can play basketball.
I can fry an egg.
I understand the lesson.
 EXPLANATIONS
 Are statements that assume the claim to be true and provide reasons why
the statement is true.
For instance, statement 4 provides details or explanation inoreder to support the
idea “my sister is selfish”.
ARGUMENTS
 Are a series of statements that provide reasons to convince the reader or
HOW CAN PHILOSOPHY GUIDE US IN DISTINGUISHING TRUTH FROM listener that a claim or opinion is truthful.
OPINION?  Arguments are made with the assumption that the truth of the claim or
1. It takes me 30 minutes to walk 2. Living near the school is better opinion is still to be determined.
from my home to school. because we don’t have to spend Logic is the branch of philosophy that focuses on the analysis of arguments.
much for transportation.
3. My sister ate the last piece of Activity 5: THINK ONE MORE TIME! (Refer to the book, pp 28-29)
pizza pie. 4. My sister is a selfish person
Book: Introduction to the Philosophy of Human Person Textbook (Ropberto D.
because she ate the last piece of
5. The policeman firmly pushed the pizza pie and did not share it with Abella, M.Div.,D.Min.)
suspect to his knees and placed me.
him in handcuffs. WHAT SHOULD WE CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING AT ARGUMENTS OR
6. The aggressive manner by which OPINION?
the policeman arrested the suspect
is an example of the brutality that
Arguments often taken the form of statements that are either claims of facts and
characterizes our police force.
are phrased in such a way that they seem reasonable. However, a number of
arguments maybe based on faulty reasoning.
What did you notice about the statements? Which column has statements that
are more factual?
FALLACIES - a number of arguments maybe based on faulty reasoning.
Some of the fallacies may be intentional, as the person making the claim is
OPINIONS
desperate to convince you to accept his or her argument.
 statements that go beyond providing facts.
 Provide conclusions or perspective regarding certain situations.
Examples of fallacies:
 Advance a belief about a certain thing or person
 The bases for making arguments and convincing people that a certain
Fallacy Characteristics Example
claim is a fact.
Ad hominem Attacking the person “Of course he believes
CONCLUSION presenting the argument that the government is
 A judgment based on certain facts. instead of the argument flawed, he is a rebel and
 The facts that form the bases of a conclusion may not be disputed but the itself a Communist!”
conclusion itself could still be contested or questioned. Appeal to force Using the threat of force “If this peace agreement
BELIEFS or an undesirable event will not be signed by the
 Are statements that express convictions that are not easily and clearly to advance an argument government, then we will
have no recourse but to
explained by facts.
 go to war.”
Appeal to emotion using emotions such a “All these charges are The most common biases are enumerated below.
pity or sympathy baseless; this is just plain Bias Characteristics Example
harassment – can’t you Correspondence bias Tendency to judge a ‘These soldiers who
see how this is affecting or attribution effect person’s personality by fought in the war are all
my family?” his or her actions, bloodthirsty murderers!”
Appeal to the popular The idea is presented as “Every boy your age without regard for
acceptable because a lot already has a girlfriend, external factors or
of people accept it you should go find out!” influences
Appeal to tradition The idea is acceptable “Marriage should be Confirmation bias Tendency to look for and “How can I accept his
because it has been true between a man and a readily accept view that there is no
for a long time woman. It has been for a information which fits god? I am a Christian!”
long time in this country; one’s own beliefs or
it should remain so today views and to reject ideas
and in the future.” or views that go against
Begging the question Assuming the thing or “I have a right to free it
idea to be proven is true; speech, therefore you Framing Focusing on a certain of a “Preliminary evidence has
also known as “circular cannot stop me from problem while ignoring still not pointed out the
argument” talking.” other aspects actual cause of the plane
Cause-and-effect Assuming a “cause-and- “Ever since you bought crush, but investigators
effect” relationship that sweater, everything are currently focusing on
between unrelated events has been going wrong in the possibility of pilot
your life. You should get error.”
rid of it.” Hindsight The tendency to see past “Magellan’s assault on
Fallacy of composition Assuming that what is “These case of robbery in events as predictable, or Mactan Island was a
true of a part is true for this district have to ascribe a pattern to foolhardy venture, made
the whole convinced me that the historical events by an overconfident,
city has become a den of careless man who
thieves and criminals.” underestimates the
Fallacy of division Assuming that what is “You come from a family valour of the native
true for the whole is true of doctors and Filipinos.”
for its parts intellectuals! Surely you Conflict of interest A person group is “As the daughter of the
can do better in this connected to or has a accused, I believed I
course!” vested interest in the have the right to express
issue being discussed my option on the issue of
When looking at an option, be aware of bias or the personal views of person his alleged corrupt
presenting it. practices.”
BIAS Cultural bias Analyzing an event in “I do not agree with this
issue based on one’s western practice of
 Personal views of a person presenting it.
cultural standards placing aged parents in
 Tendencies or influences that affect the views of people. retirement homes. We
Filipinos take care of our
family members.”
 Father Gomez: it is the Catholic Church’s stand that life is sacred. We have long
How can an understanding of the difference between truth and opinion opposed capital punishment since it violates the sacredness of life. The killing of
lead us to wisdom? suspected addicts is a violation of god’s law and goes against human right and
 The ability to determined truth goes hand in hand with the holistic rule of law. We call on the government to put stop to these senseless murders. It
perspective and enables us to make wiser decisions, especially in is very Christian’s duty to take a stand against murder and the prevailing culture
choosing the ideas and views which we find acceptable. and join our call to respect life and the rule of law.
 An individual cannot live his or her life just agreeing with everybody he or
she meets. A critical mind aided by philosophy can help us from our own Mr. Tolentino: Anybody who says that these criminals deserve human rights is
personal point of view that can guide us in making decisions and actions an idiot! What about the victims of these addicts who never stood a chance
when faced with a problem. against them? My daughter was roped and murdered by addicts and they
Let us imagine several individuals reacting to news on the television and radio deserved to die in the worst way possible! It’s about time that these pieces of
about the recent killings of drug pusher and addicts throughout the country. Let’s filth get what they deserved. If I had my way, I would kill them all myself!
analyze the opinions of these individuals.
Mrs. Alonzo: I am very distressed by this news! These drug addicts are people
Mang Antonio: the drug addicts had it coming. It is good that these pieces of too. My son is a drug addict and we have been exerting every effort to help him
trash are dealt with. In our barangay, the addicts have been committing crime clean up and reform himself. But it is a process. I am afraid that one day I will
for years! Now that this is happening and addicts are being killed left and right, hear news that one of the drug addicts killed is my son.
they have been surrendering to the police or have disappeared, I say that we
should keep killing them until none are left. Looking carefully at these opinions, we can see various claims, views, biases, and
possible fallacies embedded in them. Let us carefully examine these statements
Attorney Macaraig: As a lawyer and a citizen, I am deeply disturbed by these to make sense of the various ideas they wish to convey.
events. Yes, drug addicts are a danger to society. But these killing are done
outside of the due process that is guaranteed by our justice system and laws. Mang Antonio – A citizen who lives in barangay where the presence of drug
Anybody can just point a finger at anyone and say that he or she is an addict. Are addicts is a problem.
the people committing these murders exercising due process in determining if the Atty .Macaraig – a lawyer and a citizen
people they are killing are indeed addicts? The killing are also a violation of Mrs. Lopez – a housewife whose family lives in a peaceful community
human right which are guaranteed for all citizens, whether they are law-abiding Father Gomez – a priest
or accused of a crime. What I am saying is that these drug addicts have right Mr.Tolentino – a father whose daughter was raped and murdered by drug
too. Aside from that, these acts are nothing but vigilantism, which has no place in addicts
a law-abiding society. These killing may lead to more crime which may affect not Mrs. Alonzo – a mother whose son is a drug addict
only those who are said to be guilty, but also innocent citizens.
Figuring out the backgrounds of the people who made the statement allows us
Mrs. Lopez: I already do not care about this issue. These killings make me out understanding the context by which they formed these views and opinions on
nervous, but at least I am not affected by this. My family are decent and we live the issue.
in a peaceful community that has no drug addicts. As long as these criminals are  For instance, we can understand Mr. Tolentino’s very emotional response
dealt with a peace and order are maintained in our community, I couldn’t care to the issue because his daughter was raped and killed by an addict.
less about what is happening to these addicts.
  On the other hand, Mrs. Lopez’s indifferent attitude is influenced by the You have your own bias and perspective which play a huge influence in your
fact that she and her family have not experienced the problems brought decisions. Let’s identify your own personal bias regarding the issue.
about by drug addiction. a. Do you consider drug addicts as a human person or a criminal?
 Mrs. Alonzo also has an emotional response to the issue because her son b. Do you know a drug addict or a drug user? Do you consider that person a
is a drug addict. criminal or a person?
Do they make sense given the backgrounds of the people who uttered them? c. Have you ever been affected by problems related to drug addiction? How did it
What biases can you see in the statements now that you have figured out the make you feel?
backgrounds of these individuals? d. Do you believe that killing drug addicts is an effective way of solving the
problem of drug addiction?
Their view s regarding drug addicts: e. Do you believe that drug addicts deserve to die for being drug addicts?
Mang Antonio: drug addicts are criminals and pieces of trash Philosophical Questions:
Atty. Macaraig: Drug addicts have rights too 1. If drug addiction is a crime and drug addicts are criminals, does this mean
Mrs. Lopez: drug addicts are criminal and she “couldn’t care less about what is that any other form of addiction is also a crime? Can people addicted to coffee be
happening” to them considered as criminals?
Father Gomez: drug addicts have human rights and their lives are sacred 2. If we get rid of the drug addicts but not the drug manufacturers and pushers,
Mr. Tolentino: drug addicts are pieces of filth do we solve the problem of addiction? Are we just getting rid of the symptoms
Mrs. Alonzo: these drug addicts are people too. My son is a drug addict. but not the causes of the problem?
Their views on the killing of drug addicts: What other philosophical questions can you come up with regarding this issue?
Mang Antonio: The killings have led to the surrender of addicts or their Test 2: Identify the following and write your answers on the blank
disappearance. “We should keep killing them until none are left”. provided.
Atty. Macaraig: “These killings are violation of human rights…these acts are _______________1. It is a clear awareness and understanding of something.
nothing but vigilantism, which has no place in a law-abiding society. These killing _______________2. These are statements which are observed to be real and
may lead to more crimes…” truthful.
Mrs. Lopez: “I really do not care about this issue… as long as these criminals are _______________3. These are statements which need to be examined to
dealt with and peace and order are maintained in our community, I couldn’t care determine whether they are true or false.
less about what is happening to these addicts”. _______________4. These are comprised of statements that provide views on a
Father Gomez: “The killing of suspected addicts is a violation of God’s law and certain matter.
goes against human rights and the rule of law.” _______________5. This is judgment based on a certain facts.
Mr. Tolentino: “It’s about time that these pieces of filth get what they deserve. _______________6. These are statements that assume a claim is true and
If I had my way, I would kill them all myself!” provide reasons to support them.
Mrs. Alonzo: “I am very distressed by this news… I am afraid that one day I will _______________7. These are statements that express convictions that are not
hear news that one of these drug addicts killed is my son.” easily explained by facts.
_______________8. This is a series of statements that provide reasons to
o Which opinion, do you think, has the most number of verifiable claims and convince a person that a claim or opinion is truthful.
arguments? _______________9. These are arguments based on faulty reasoning.
o If an opinion is more truthful, does it immediately mean that it is most _______________10. These are tendencies or influences that affect the views of
acceptable to you? people.
LESSON 3: THE HUMAN PERSON AS AN EMBODIED SPIRIT

MAN – the general term commonly used to refer to the entire human race.
HUMAN – refers to man as a specie (Homo Sapiens) or modern human beings
HUMAN BEING – is also used to distinguish man from other animals
PERSON – is a much more complex term which generally refers to a human being
granted recognition of a certain rights, protection, responsibilities, and dignity,
above all.
HUMAN PERSON - the totality of an individual, possessing awareness, self-
determination and the capacity to interact with others and with himself or herself.
PERSONHOOD – refers to the state of being a person
HUMAN NATURE – refers to the characteristics that distinguish humans from all
other creatures. These traits are assumed to arise independent of the influence of
culture and society.

WHAT IS THE HUMAN PERSON?

A PERSON
has self- is able to reach out and
has awareness of self
determination interact with others has dignity

 The first trait that defines a person is self-awareness. Self-awareness

refers to the person having a clear perception of oneself, including his or
her thoughts, emotions, identity, and actions.
o The human person is defined by a deeper awareness which is
driven by rationality or human thought.
o This awareness gives rise to the notion of self, which philosophers
describe as the person who is actively aware that he or she is
perceiving and experiencing reality.
o This awareness of the self also enables us person to experience an
inner world that is defined by our personal thoughts and ideas.
o Interiority is the quality of being focused on one’s inner life and
identity.
 Another trait that defines a person is self-determination.