DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY Page 1 of 10

PHL ELE - PA
PONTIFICAL AND ROYAL
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
Faculty of Arts and Letters

DEPARTMENT OF
PHILOSOPHY
CHED Center of Excellence for Philosophy

COURSE PLAN FOR

ELE - PA
Philosophical Anthropology
1st Term AY 2018-2019

Major Course for Philosophy Majors

Elective Course for Non-Philosophy Majors
CONTENTS
Outcomes Matrix 2

General Information 4

Course Learning Outcomes 4

Assessment Tasks 5

Delivery & Resources 6

Course Outline & Schedule 8

Course Policies 11

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

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© UST Department of Philosophy 2018
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OUTCOMES MATRIX
FACULTY OF ARTS & LETTERS <DEGREE PROGRAM>
COURSE INTENDED OUTCOMES
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES (2018) GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES
ThoGA A Thomasian
ASSESSMENT
A graduate of the UST Faculty of TASKS
<PROGRAM> In this course…
COMPETENCE  COMMITMENT  COMPASSION

Arts & Letters…

graduate…
1. You will be engaged to the primary sources
containing theories on man, human nature,

Position Paper, Thought Pieces, Concept Collage, Textual

Pen and Paper Quizzes, Concept Mapping, FGD with
person and becoming, from Eastern to
THOMASIAN CORE VALUES

Western traditions and from Ancient to

Contemporary period.

Outline, Term Paper, Synthesis Paper

1. Demonstrates knowledge in the
Humanities, Social Sciences and other 2. You will develop the reading competencies
LIFE-LONG LEARNERS

related disciplines and applies such required in formal philosophical studies.

knowledge in various academic
researches and creative endeavors. 3. (By the exposure and development of
reading competencies) You will be
2. Engages progressively in rational empowered to think critically, creatively
discourse towards solving theoretical and historically in dealing with issues
and practical problems. concerning the contemporary human person.

5. Demonstrates awareness and 4. You will acquire the competencies to

understanding of relevant social issues actively participate in varieties of
and responds pro-actively to local and academic discourse, most specially critical
global concerns. reading and writing.

5. You will be equipped with a life-long

disposition to think reflexively about and
for the human person.

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

FACULTY OF ARTS & LETTERS
© UST Department of Philosophy 2018
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Paper, Thought Pieces, Concept Collage,

CREATIVE & CRITICAL THINKERS
3. (By the exposure and development of

Textual Outline, Term Paper, Synthesis

Concept Mapping, FGD with Position
reading competencies) You will be
empowered to think critically,
creatively and historically in dealing
with issues concerning the
contemporary human person.
2. Engages progressively in rational

Paper
discourse towards solving theoretical 4. You will acquire the competencies to
and practical problems actively participate in varieties of
academic discourse, most specially
critical reading and writing.

5. You will be equipped with a life-long

disposition to think reflexively about
and for the human person.

Concept Mapping, FGD with Position

Collage, Term Paper, Synthesis Paper

3. (By the exposure and development of
reading competencies) You will be
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR &

Paper, Thought Pieces, Concept

empowered to think critically, creatively
and historically in dealing with issues
COLLABORATOR

3. Exhibits work ethic and leadership concerning the contemporary human person.
skills grounded in humane virtues.
4. You will acquire the competencies to
4. Articulates ideas and positions actively participate in varieties of
inspired by truth and guided by faith academic discourse, most specially critical
and reason. reading and writing.

5. You will be equipped with a life-long

disposition to think reflexively about and
for the human person.

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3. Exhibits work ethic and leadership
3. (By the exposure and development of

FGD with Position Paper,

skills grounded in humane virtues.

SERVANT LEADER

Paper, Synthesis Paper

Concept Collage, Term
reading competencies) You will be empowered
to think critically, creatively and historically in
5. Demonstrates awareness and
dealing with issues concerning the contemporary
understanding of relevant social issues
human person.
and responds pro-actively to local and
global concerns.
5. You will be equipped with a life-long
disposition to think reflexively about and for the
6. Embodies the highest standards of
human person.
integrity in both personal behavior and
professional decorum.

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

FACULTY OF ARTS & LETTERS
© UST Department of Philosophy 2018
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GENERAL INFORMATION
COURSE FACILITATOR: Mr. Peter Emmanuel Mara, MA
EMAIL ADD: pamara@ust.edu.ph
CONSULTATION HOURS: T-Th 16h00 – 17h00,
CONSULTATION VENUE: 2nd Floor, AB Faculty Room

COURSE CREDITS: 3 UNITS = 54 hours

PRE-RE QUISITES: none
CO-REQUISITES: NONE

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course deals with the philosophical appraisal of the nature of the human person. A
philosophical appraisal of the human person entails inquiring into the universal phenomenon we
call “man”—his being, powers, possibilities, and interpersonal relationships. Understanding man
as a universal phenomenon will, hopefully, lead to a better understanding of human individuality
in the context of cultural difference (and belonging) against the backdrop of a growing global
world.

A course on Philosophical Anthropology will present man as a being who recognizes the social
world—a world of human others and cultural differences—as constitutive of his very own
subjectivity. This task is best achieved if tackled from both the perspectives of the East and the
West. Moreover, the emergence of what we call the “global world” has forced us to deconstruct
our usual, and often dangerously myopic, conceptions of human nature, thereby tearing down
cultural walls and radically changing, for the better, our obsolete frameworks about how human
beings should live their lives. The tearing down of cultural walls only promotes dialogue,
recognition, and a global understanding of how men should live harmoniously together.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. You will be engaged to the primary sources containing theories on man, human nature,
person and becoming, from Eastern to Western traditions and from Ancient to
Contemporary period.

2. You will develop the reading competencies required in formal philosophical studies.

3. (By the exposure and development of reading competencies) You will be empowered to
think critically, creatively and historically in dealing with issues concerning the
contemporary human person.

4. You will acquire the competencies to actively participate in varieties of academic

discourse, most specially critical reading and writing.

5. You will be equipped with a life-long disposition to think reflexively about and for the
human person.

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

FACULTY OF ARTS & LETTERS
© UST Department of Philosophy 2018
DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY Page 6 of 10
PHL ELE - PA

ASSESSMENT TASKS
ITEM WEIGHT DUE
1 SUMMATIVE TESTS/QUIZZES 25%
- 2-3 Summative Tests for each grading period All quiz schedules
are announced.
2 REFLECTION/TOPICAL PAPERS & CONCEPT MAPPING 20%
- 2-3 Reflection papers for each grading period TBA
- Concept mapping in every major topical discussion
3 RECITATION and FOCUSED PANEL DISCUSSIONS 15% Every class session
4 MAJOR REQUIREMENT 40%
- Prelim Exams (written) Prelim Exams Week
- Final Exams (written & Course Project Output) Final Exams Week
PERIODIC GRADE 100%
FINAL GRADE AVERAGE OF PRELIM AND
FINAL PERIODIC GRADES

SUMMATIVE TESTS/QUIZZES :
Aims to assess the grasp of the basic concepts introduced and processed in class.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: 1,2,3

CONCEPT MAPPING
Concept maps are graphical tools for organizing and representing knowledge; they include
concepts, usually enclosed in circles or boxes, and linking these circles/boxes to show relationship
between concepts
LEARNING OUTCOMES: 1,2

RECITATIONS
This task is essential in ensuring progressive dialogue in lectures. Though oftentimes ungraded,
exceptional answers can be scored to augment the grades in other requirements
LEARNING OUTCOMES: 1,2, 3,4,5

ONLINE PANEL DISCUSSIONS WITH POSITION PAPERS

This task is necessary in forming your capacity to think, argue and decide with others. For this
task, you shall collectively decide on a position regarding particular issue concerning a philosophic
movement/period after having engaged yourselves in an ONLINE PANEL DISCUSSION through
the Blackboard Course site.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: 3, 4, 5

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

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© UST Department of Philosophy 2018
DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY Page 7 of 10
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REFLECTION/TOPICAL PAPERS
(Word Count Limit:~400 – 500 Words)
This requirement demands an insightful reflection from the students based on specific topics of
discussion. The reflection paper must express one’s interpretation, remarks, and understanding of
philosophical concepts emanating from his own thoughts and life experiences. In order to
penetrate deeply the philosophic significance of each concept in one’s consciousness, one should
be able to translate it to speech and writing. Plagiarism shall merit disciplinary action.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: 1,2,3,4

DELIVERY & RESOURCES

REQUIRED READINGS
The list of specific readings are found at the Course Outline portion of this syllabus. The primary
and secondary readings have been arranged according to themes. Most of them are accessible
in the library and/or online. But rare materials shall be provided and may be downloaded from
our Blackboard Course Site. It is strongly advised that you download all the materials and do
advance readings. Other references are also available in the UST Central Library and the
Internet.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Brown, Hunter (ed.) Images of the Human: The Philosophy of the Human Person in a Religious
Context. Chicago: Loyola Press, 1995.
Co, Alfredo P. The Blooming of a Hundred Flowers: The Philosophy of Ancient China. Manila: UST
Pub. House, 2002.
__________. “Some Reflections on the Thanatology of Zhuang Zi” in Karunungan: A Journal of
Philosophy Vol. 27 (2000), pp. 55-65.
Garcia, Leovino Ma. “Philosophically Speaking: What it means to be human?” in The Manila
Chronicle (July 13, 1997), p. 25.
Gould, James A, (ed.) Classic Philosophical Questions, 8th Ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1995.
Levinas, Emmanuel. Ethics and Infinity: Conversations with Phillipe Nemo, trans. Richard Cohen.
Quezon City: Claretians Pub., 1997.
Plato. “The Dialogues of Plato” in Great Books of Western World, Vol. 7. Chicago: Encyclopedia
Britannica, 1952.
Pojman, Louis P (ed.) Philosophy: the Quest for Truth. New York: Wadsworth, 1999.
Rosenstand, Nina (ed.) The Human Condition: An Introduction to Philosophy of Human Nature.
Boston: McGraw Hill, 2002.
Ricoeur, Paul. “Narrative Identity” in On Paul Ricoeur: Narrative and Interpretation, ed. David
Wood. NewYork: Routledge, 188-199.
Stevenson, Leslie, (ed.) The Study of Human Nature: A Reader. NewYork: Oxford Univ. Press,
1995

ONLINE REFERENCES
Φ http://www.philosophy-foundation.org/
Φ http://philosophynow.org/selection
Φ http://plato.stanford.edu/
Φ http://www.kritike.org/

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

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TECHNOLOGY USED & REQUIRED

The course shall predominantly be in lecture form, but would also employ technology (Blackboard)
for more efficient dissemination of rare course materials and submission of requirements. The
department strongly advices you to secure your eLeap Account with the EdTech Center and to
ensure that you have a strong internet connection during the scheduled online classes.

RULES ON ASSIGNMENTS & SUBMISSIONS

All requirements are expected to be submitted on or before the given deadline. Deduction shall
be given to late submissions.
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically as PDF documents (.pdf) to the
designated Assignment folder in the Blackboard Course site. There is no need for cover page. The
Blackboard system uses the SAFE ASSIGN software to check for originality of your work.

OFFICIAL FORMAT FOR PAPERS: All written outputs (reflection papers, essays, position paper,
reflection paper, etc.) must have the following format:
- FONT: Calibri; FONT SIZE: 11; SPACING: 1.5
- Personal details of the students must be written at the upper page of the paper, following
this format:

NAME: (LAST NAME), (FIRST NAME) (M.I.) Student No. PHL 103
YEAR AND SECTION: _______ DATE: ______
TITLE OF THE REQUIREMENT: REFLECTION PAPER #1

WORDCOUNT REQUIREMENT HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THE DISCUSSION OF THE ASSESSMENT

TASKS. (See page 7.)

RULES ON RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC HONESTY

Academic honesty is highly expected. Cheating, plagiarism and/or any act of academic
dishonesty shall render an automatic ZERO (as grade) in that specific requirement and a major
disciplinary sanction.

COURSE OUTLINE & SCHEDULE

Week Content Teaching- Assessment Tasks
Learning
Activities
UNIT I: THE VALUE OF SELF KNOWLEDGE AND
UNDERSTANDING Textual Oral
Reading Recitation
1 a. Introduction to Philosophy
b. The Value of Philosophy Lecture Reflection Paper
2 c. The Trial of Socrates 1
3 d. Narrative Identity Film Viewing (RP 1)

Readings: RP Essay
B. Russell, “The Value of Philosophy” Presentation
Plato, “Apology” Quiz (Q1)
Paul Ricoeur, “Narrative Identity”
Short Film Excerpt:
“The Examined Life”
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UNIT 2: THE BEGINNING OF HUMAN LIFE

4 a. Judeo Christian View Textual Oral Recitation
5 b. Hindu View Reading
c. Scientific View Reflection Paper
Lecture 2
Readings: (RP 2)
The Power of Myth - Joseph Campbell RP
The Book of Genesis Presentation Quiz (Q2)
Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad
Charles Darwin, “The Descent of Man”

UNIT 3: THE INWARD PROPERTIES OF HUMAN PERSON Textual Oral Recitation

a. Does Man Have a Soul? Reading
i. Phaedo – Plato Reflection Paper
6 ii. Summa Theologiae – Thomas Aquinas Lecture- 3 (RP 3)
7 iii. Meditations on First Philosophy – René Descartes Discussion
Quiz (Q3)
b. What is the Nature of Man? Panel
i. Good Human Nature - Meng Zi Discussion and Position Paper
8 ii. Evil Human Nature - Xun Zi Debate
Concept
Mapping
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS
c. The Ethical, Political, Sexual Textual Oral Recitation
10 i. The Nicomachean Ethics - Aristotle Reading
ii. The Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals – Immanuel Reflection Paper
Kant Lecture- 4
11 iii. Leviathan – Thomas Hobbes Discussion (RP 4)
12 iv. Social Contract – Jean Jacques Rousseau
13 v. The History of Sexuality - Michel Foucault Panel Quiz (Q4)
Discussion and
14 d. Death and Nothingness Debate Position Paper
i. Thanatology - Zhuang Zi
ii. Existentialism is Humanism – Jean Paul Sartre Concept
Mapping
UNIT 4: UNDERSTANDING THE HUMAN BEING IN THE GLOBAL
WORLD Textual Oral Recitation
Reading
15 a. Globalization – George Modelski Reflection Paper
16 b. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights – UN Lecture- 5
c. Dignitatis Humanae – Second Vatican Council Discussion (RP 5)

RP Quiz (Q5)
Presentation

FINAL EXAMINATIONS

COURSE POLICIES
I. ON ATTENDANCE:

- Attendance is checked regularly. Only up to 11 hours of absences are allowed to be incurred by a student.
Going beyond, a grade of FA (Failure due to absence) shall be given.
- Latecomers are allowed to enter the class, but shall be marked “late”. Three (3) instances of tardiness in class
are equivalent to one (1) absence.
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- Students nearing FA shall be notified and be reported to the Dean’s Office and Guidance Office for
appropriate actions.
- Absence with reasonable and valid excuse (i.e. sickness, accident, competition and death of a loved one) will be
honored, provided with the following:
 Due to sickness and accident: Medical Certificate and Excuse Letter from the guardian
 Due to competition (university-wide, local, int’l, etc.): Formal Letter from the Dean, Coach, etc.
 Due to the loss of a loved one: Excuse letter from the guardian AND Death Certificate.

II. UST CLOUD CAMPUS (E-LEAP) ACCOUNT ACTIVATION

 All students are obliged to activate their respective UST Campus Cloud (e-Leap) online accounts.
The following shall be the relevant reasons for the student account activation:
 ALL ANNOUNCEMENTS and COURSE MATERIALS (syllabus, readings, audio-video files, etc.)
 Online activities such as quizzes, assignments, and paper submissions.

II. ON SPECIAL QUIZ AND EXAM

- Special exams for prelims and finals are immediately given to students regardless of the excuse. However, not
all absentees are entitled to a special quiz. It must coincide with the following conditions:
 The student must notify the instructor in advance regarding his/her upcoming absence on the quiz session.
Necessary documents must be provided before or after the absence.
 In case of unexpected absence due to a valid and reasonable excuse mentioned above, the student must
approach the instructor as soon as s/he attends classes, and present necessary documents as proofs.
 The instructor will then set the schedule for the special quiz. The said schedule cannot be reset, unless due to
valid reason once again.
 The absentee will be given two weeks to request for special quiz after the scheduled quiz session in the
class calendar. Beyond the said period, no special quiz may be given anymore. Exemption from this policy
may be granted upon the discretion of the instructor depending on the circumstances.

III. OTHER POLICIES:

- Late submission of requirements always merits a huge deduction. Always follow deadlines.
- Cellular phones should be turned to silent mode. Phone calls and text messages must be done outside the
classroom.
- Gadgets (tablets and computers) are encourage to be used only for academic purposes (mobile learning
access, note-taking, textual reading in PDF, powerpoint presentation, etc.) inside the class.

SYLLABUS PREPARED BY: APPROVED BY:

MR. PETER EMMANUEL MARA, MA PROF. PAOLO BOLAÑOS, PhD

Course Facilitator Chair, Department of Philosophy

PROF. MICHAEL ANTHONY VASCO, PhD

Dean, Faculty of Arts & Letters

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

FACULTY OF ARTS & LETTERS
© UST Department of Philosophy 2018