INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY

OF THE HUMAN PERSON

WEEK 3

JUNE 30-JULY 2-4, 2025

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RECAP/REVIEW

3 PHILOSOPICAL PERSPECTIVES
4 ASPECTS TO CONSIDER IN HOLISTIC THINKING
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ACTIVITY: BRAINSTORMING

I'd like you to think of things you know to be true – facts you're
certain about.
"Now, let's think of things you believe to be true, but you might
not be completely sure about. These are beliefs or things you
think might be true, but haven't been proven yet.
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OBJECTIVE:

DISTINGUISH OPINION FROM TRUTH PPT11/12-Ic-2.1

At the end of the lesson, learners will be able

to, Understand opinion and truth.
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UNLOCKING DIFFICULTIES:

TRUTH
. the body of real things, events, and facts.
 EXAMPLES OF FACTUAL STATEMENTS 6

The Earth revolves around the Sun.

(This is a scientifically proven fact.) Discussion Point: What evidence supports this
statement? (Scientific observation, astronomical data)
The capital of France is Paris.
(This is a widely accepted geographical fact.) Discussion Point: How could we verify this?
(Look it up in an atlas, encyclopedia, or reliable website)
Albert Einstein developed the theory of relativity.
(This is a historical fact.) Discussion Point: How do we know this is true? (Historical records,
scientific publications)
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OPINION

.a view or judgment formed

about something, not necessarily based on
fact or knowledge.
 EXAMPLES OF OPINION 8

Chocolate ice cream is the best flavor.

(This is a matter of personal taste.) Discussion Point: Why is this an opinion? (Taste is subjective; different
people have different preferences.)
That movie was incredibly boring.
(This is a subjective evaluation.) Discussion Point: What makes a movie "boring"? Is this opinion
universally shared? This highlights that opinions can be influenced by personal experiences and biases.
Reading is more enjoyable than watching TV.
(This is a matter of personal preference.) Discussion Point: What are the pros and cons of each activity?
This prompts students to consider different perspectives and support their opinions with reasons.
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ACTIVITY:

Each group will sort statements into "opinion" and "truth"

categories.
Maximum participation of the member is a must.
5 minutes to accomplish the task.
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ANALYSIS

How do you find the activity?

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GENERALIZATION

Let's summarize what you've learned today.

What are the key differences between
opinions and truths?“
Give examples.
QUIZ-UNDERSTANDING OPINION AND TRUTH.
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1. Which of the following is an opinion?

a) The Earth is round.

b) The sky is blue.
c) Chocolate ice cream is the best flavor.
d) Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

Answer: c)
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2. A factual statement is:

a) Based on feelings and beliefs.

b) Supported by evidence and can be verified.
c) Always subjective and open to interpretation.
d) Often expressed using words like "should" or "ought."

Answer: b)
3. Which sentence expresses an opinion? 14

a) "The population of Canada is approximately 38 million."

b) "The Prime Minister gave a speech yesterday."
c) "That movie was incredibly boring."
d) "The capital of France is Paris."

Answer: c)
4. What is a key difference between a fact and an opinion? 15

a) Facts are always positive; opinions are always negative.

b) Facts can be proven or disproven, opinions cannot.
c) Opinions are always based on emotion; facts are always based on logic.
d) Facts are written in books; opinions are only spoken.

Answer: b)
5. Identify the opinion in the following sentences: "The sun is a star. It's the 16

best star in the galaxy."

a) The sun is a star.

b) It's the best star in the galaxy.
c) Both are opinions.
d) Both are facts.

Answer: b)
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ASSIGNMENT:

RESEARCH THE
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
FALLACIES AND BIASES
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DAY 2
INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY
OF THE HUMAN PERSON

WEEK 3- DAY 2

JUNE 30-JULY 2-4, 2025

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RECAP
Who can give the difference between truth and opinion?
Any body can give examples for truth statement and opinion
statement.
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ANALYSIS

What’s the video clip all about?

Do you have an idea what are other types of
fallacies not mentioned in the video clip?
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OBJECTIVE:

DISTINGUISH OPINION FROM TRUTH PPT11/12-Ic-2.1

At the end of the lesson, learners will be

able to,
Enhance their understanding of logical fallacies by identifying and
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UNLOCKING DIFFICULTIES

Definition of "fallacy“
A fallacy is a mistake in thinking that makes an argument bad, even if the
conclusion is true.
It's like a broken bridge – you might still get to the other side, but the journey
is unsafe.
Learning about fallacies helps you spot bad arguments and build good ones.
It makes you a better thinker and less likely to be fooled.
Understanding fallacies (bad logic) is super important for good 27

thinking.
Fallacies can be sneaky hiding in arguments.
Learning to spot them helps us;
> See through fake news and propaganda.
> Make better decisions based on facts.
> Build strong, logical arguments ourselves.
Basically, knowing about fallacies makes us better thinkers.
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DIFFERENT TYPES OF FALLACIES

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1. Appeal to Authority:
This fallacy argues that a claim is true simply because an authority figure said
so, without providing further supporting evidence. The authority might not be
an expert in the relevant field, or their opinion might be biased or outdated.
Exercise: Consider the statement: "Dr. Smith, a renowned cardiologist, says
that drinking this new energy drink is the key to a healthy heart." Why is this
potentially fallacious? (Hint: Consider Dr. Smith's expertise outside of
cardiology and any potential conflicts of interest.)
2. Bandwagon Fallacy (Appeal to Popularity): 30

This fallacy asserts that something is true or good simply because it

is popular or widely believed. Popularity is not a measure of truth or
quality.
Exercise: Analyze the statement: "Everyone is buying this new
phone; therefore, it must be the best phone on the market." What's
the flaw in this reasoning? (Hint: Think about marketing, trends, and
the diversity of consumer preferences.)
3. A red herring is a fallacy that introduces an irrelevant topic to divert 31

attention from the original issue. The goal is to distract the audience from the
main point of the argument by focusing on something unrelated but attention-
grabbing. It's like throwing a smelly fish (the red herring) to distract a hunting
dog from the real trail.
Example 1: Argument about raising the minimum wage.
• Original Argument: "Raising the minimum wage will help low-income workers and
boost the economy."
• Red Herring Response: "But what about the impact on small businesses? They'll
have to lay off workers or raise prices, and that will hurt consumers!" While the
impact on small businesses is a relevant concern, introducing it as a sole response to
the original argument about helping low-income workers is a red herring. It shifts the
focus away from the initial point about wage increases and economic benefits.
4. Straw Man Fallacy: 32

This fallacy misrepresents someone's argument to make it easier to attack. It

involves creating a distorted or simplified version of the opponent's position
and then refuting that distorted version.
Exercise: Consider this scenario: Person A argues for stricter environmental
regulations. Person B responds: "So you want to shut down all businesses
and destroy the economy?" How is Person B committing a straw man fallacy?
(Hint: Compare Person A's actual argument to Person B's misrepresentation.)
5. Ad Hominem: 33

This fallacy attacks the person making the argument rather than
addressing the argument itself. It attempts to discredit the argument
by discrediting the person.
Exercise: Analyze the statement: "You can't believe anything that
politician says; they're all corrupt." Why is this an ad hominem fallacy?
(Hint: Does the statement address the content of the politician's
argument, or simply attack their character?)
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ACTIVITY:
Divide students into small groups. Provide each group
with several statements, some containing fallacies and
some not. Each group should identify the fallacies
present, explain why they are fallacies, and rewrite the
flawed statements to be more logical and accurate.
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE GROUPS:

For each fallacious statement, identify the type of fallacy,

explain why it's a fallacy, and then rewrite it to be more logically
sound and accurate. For the non-fallacious statements, simply
explain why they are logically sound. Remember to support
your answers with reasoning and evidence where possible.
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PRESENTATION
Recognizing fallacies is a crucial life skill that enhances our
37

ability to navigate the complexities of information and engage

in productive discourse.
It equips us to be more critical thinkers, less susceptible/harm
to manipulation, and better communicators.
Let's explore how this skill improves several aspects of daily
life:
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1.News Evaluation:
We're constantly exposed to news, and spotting fallacies—
like straw man arguments (twisting someone's words) or
emotional appeals instead of facts—helps us tell reliable
news from propaganda.
If a news source frequently uses these tricks, it's a warning
sign.
2. Advertising: 39

Ads use fallacies to sell things.

Think of appeals to authority ("doctors recommend"),
bandwagon effects ("everyone's doing it"), or false choices
("buy this or fail").
Understanding these helps us resist manipulative
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3.Respectful Debate:
Good debates involve reasoned arguments.
Knowing fallacies—like attacking the person instead
of their argument (ad hominem)—lets us point out
flawed reasoning without being rude.
This makes discussions more productive.
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4. Opinion Formation:
Strong opinions need good evidence.
Recognizing fallacies, like confusing correlation (things
happening together) with causation (one thing causing
another), helps us avoid basing beliefs on bad logic.
This leads to more accurate understanding.
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GENERALIZATION

Someone can summarized our discussion this

morning/afternoon?
 QUIZ 43

1. Slippery Slope
Question: Which of the following statements best exemplifies a slippery
slope fallacy?

a) If we allow same-sex marriage, then soon people will be marrying their pets.
b) Increased access to firearms is correlated with a higher rate of gun violence.
c) The continued use of fossil fuels will contribute to rising sea levels.
d) Smoking significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.
2. Appeal to Authority 44

Question: Which statement commits an appeal to authority fallacy?

a) "My doctor, a leading expert in cardiology, recommends this medication."
b) "The scientific consensus, based on extensive research, supports the
theory of evolution."
c) "A famous actor endorses this brand of toothpaste, so it must be good."
d) "Studies show a link between diet and heart health."
3. Appeal to Emotion 45

Question: Which statement primarily uses an appeal to emotion

instead of logic?
a) "The data clearly shows a rise in unemployment."
b) "Think of the children! We must protect them from this danger."
c) "This policy will save taxpayers money."
d) "The proposed legislation has several significant flaws."
4. Red Herring 46

Question: Which statement is a red herring?

a) "We need to address the issue of climate change."
b) "Let's talk about something else; did you see the football game last
night?"
c) "The evidence clearly shows the defendant is guilty."
d) "This new policy will improve the economy."
5. Loaded Question 47

Question: Which of the following is a loaded question?

a) "What is your favorite color?"
b) "Have you stopped cheating on your taxes?"
c) "What are your thoughts on this new policy?"
d) "How many hours do you work each week?"
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ANSWER KEY

1. A
2. C
3. B
4. B
5. B
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ASSIGNMENT:

Create a poster or presentation explaining different types

of fallacies. (same group members)
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CONTINUATION DAY 3/4

Example 1: Fallacious Statement 51

Statement: "My neighbor believes in astrology; therefore, astrology must be true."

Type of Fallacy: Appeal to Authority (specifically, an unqualified authority).

Why it's a fallacy: The neighbor's belief doesn't provide evidence for the truth of
astrology. The neighbor's expertise on the subject isn't established. Beliefs don't equal
truth. To be a valid argument, evidence supporting astrology would be necessary.

Rewritten Statement: "Some people believe in astrology, but there's currently no

scientific evidence to support its claims. Further research is needed to determine the
validity of astrological predictions."
Statement: "If we allow same-sex marriage, then soon people will be marrying
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animals!"

Type of Fallacy: Slippery Slope.

Why it's a fallacy: This argument assumes a causal chain of events without providing
evidence. Allowing same-sex marriage doesn't logically lead to people marrying
animals. It's a hyperbole that exaggerates the consequences to create fear.

Rewritten Statement: "The legalization of same-sex marriage is a complex issue with

various social and legal implications. Some people may have concerns about its
potential effects, but it's important to have an informed discussion based on facts
and evidence rather than speculation."
Statement: "The sun is a star because it emits light and
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heat through nuclear fusion, just like other stars."

Why it's logically sound: This statement is a well-

supported scientific fact. The definition of a star
includes emitting light and heat via nuclear fusion. The
sun fulfills this definition; therefore, the conclusion is
logically sound and backed by scientific evidence.
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OBJECTIVE:

DISTINGUISH OPINION FROM TRUTH PPT11/12-Ic-2.1

At the end of the lesson, learners will be able to,

distinguish between factual claims and subjective opinions within complex
texts
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RECAP/REVIEW
Briefly review the key concepts from Days 1 and 2:
distinguishing fact from opinion, identifying bias and
persuasive techniques.
Engage students with a quick review activity, perhaps a
short quiz or a quick "true or false" game.
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We're constantly exposed to information.

How do we determine reliability?
What are the risks of accepting information
uncritically?
What can happen if we accept unreliable information
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Exactly! Unreliable information can lead to serious

consequences in many areas of life.
Let's consider some examples.
First, think about health. What are some potential
consequences of believing health misinformation?"
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 Following ineffective or dangerous treatments: Believing a false claim

about a miracle cure could lead to delaying proper medical care or using
harmful substances.
 Ignoring important health advice: Dismissing accurate medical advice
due to misinformation could lead to worsening health conditions.

 Making unhealthy lifestyle choices: Following misleading information

about diet or exercise could have negative impacts on physical and mental
health.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF CRITICAL EVALUATION

Why is Critical Evaluation Important?

• Constant exposure to information.
• Need to determine reliability.
• Consequences of accepting unreliable information (health,
finance, politics, social issues).
IMAGE DEPICTING NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF
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MISINFORMATION
ANALYZING INFORMATION SOURCES 61
TYPES OF BIASES 62
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REFINING CREDIBILITY
CRITERIA 64

•Our Credibility Checklist

• Author Expertise
• Evidence
• Unbiased Presentation
• Source Citations
• Publication Date
• Website Reputation
 GROUP ACTIVITY: SOURCE ANALYSIS 65

Title: Put Your Skills to the Test!

Instructions: Divide into groups. Analyze

provided sources, evaluate credibility,
identify biases, and persuasive techniques.
Prepare a short presentation of your findings.
 PRESENTATION 66
Source B: Community Website Blog Post

 Brief Overview: This blog post, found on [Website Name], strongly supports the
park's construction. It uses emotional language and anecdotal evidence, focusing on
the positive aspects.

 Credibility Evaluation: Low credibility. The post lacks specific data, cites no
sources, and relies heavily on emotional appeals rather than factual information. The
author's expertise is unknown.

 Bias & Persuasive Techniques: Strong pro-park bias. Persuasive techniques

include emotional appeals ("Imagine the fun!"), anecdotal evidence ("My neighbor
said…"), and omission of negative aspects.
 FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT: CRITICALLY 67
EVALUATING INFORMATION
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each multiple-choice question.

1. Which of the following is the BEST example of a credible

source for information about the health benefits of a new
supplement?
a) A testimonial from a celebrity on social media.
b) An advertisement for the supplement on television.
c) A peer-reviewed scientific study published in a medical journal.
d) A blog post written by a self-proclaimed health expert.
2. A website claims that a particular diet will lead to 68
significant weight loss in just one week. What should
you be MOST concerned about?

a) The website's design and layout.

b) Whether the website is easy to navigate.
c) The lack of scientific evidence supporting the claim.
d) Whether the website has many images.
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3. Which of the following is an example of confirmation bias?

a) Reading articles from various sources to get a balanced

perspective.
b) Only seeking out information that confirms pre-existing beliefs.
c) Critically evaluating the credibility of sources.
d) Considering multiple perspectives before forming an opinion.
4. You're researching the effectiveness of a new teaching method. 70

Which source would likely be the MOST reliable?

a) A personal blog post by a teacher who used the method.
b) b) A research study published in an education journal, with a
detailed methodology.
c) c) A social media post discussing the method.
d) d) An opinion piece in a newspaper about the method.
5. A news article reports on a new scientific discovery but fails to cite any
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sources or mention the methodology used. What should you think?

a) The article is likely credible because it's in a newspaper.

b) The article is probably accurate, as newspapers always report facts.
c) The article's credibility is questionable due to the lack of supporting evidence.
d) It doesn't matter; the information is still interesting.
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ANSWER KEY
C
C
B
B
C