Introduction to the

Philosophy of the
Human Person
Content Standards
At the end of the unit, the students must be able to:
1. Understand the meaning and process of doing philosophy
2. Demonstrate various ways of doing philosophy
3. Understand the human person as embodied spirit: and
4. Understand the interplay between humans and their environment.
Performance Standards
At the end of the unit, the students must be able to:
1. Reflect on a concrete experience in philosophical way;
2. Evaluate opinions
3. Distinguish their own limitations and the possibilities for their transcendence; and
4. Demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards their environment.

Humans, by nature, have a strong sense of inquiry.

They inquire and investigate all the phenomena of
human experience. They never cease to ask questions.
Because of this, philosophy came to exist as a field of
study.
This course aims to make the learners reflect on
their daily experiences from a holistic point of view;
acquire critical and analytical thinking skills, especially in
dealing with all the phenomena of life; and eventually
apply their critical and analytical thinking skills to affairs
of daily life. It is also hoped that the learners will become
truthful, concerned about the environment, service-
oriented, actively committed to the development of a
more humane society, and active contributors to global
development.
LESSON 1

DOING
PHILOSOPHY

Expected Outcome:
At the end of the lesson, the students must be able to:
1. distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view.
2. recognize human activities that emanate from deliberate reflection.
3. realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective in life.
4. do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic
perspective.
5. identify the philosophers who have influenced the thinking person at present;
and
6. recognize the value of the core branches of philosophy.

Let’s Explore….
1. Look at the image. What do you think is the message conveyed?
 2. Have you ever wondered about life, love and pain?
3. Have you ever pondered about death and the possibility of life after death?
4. Do you believe that the soul exists? and
5. Have you doubted some things?
If you have asked these questions, wondered at the various possibilities in answering
these queries, and wished to know the best and the most logical answers, then you are
engaging yourself in philosophy.

Getting Deeper….

Definition of Philosophy
The Meaning of Philosophy
The word “philosophy” comes from two Greek words, philos, (love), and sophia,
(wisdom); hence Philosophy has always been known as “love of wisdom,” and in a
broad sense, wisdom is still the goal of philosophy. Among the ancient Greeks, the love
of wisdom meant a critical understanding of reality (man, society and nature), and the
endeavor to live “the good life”. In Hinduism, philosophy or “darsana” is “search for the
truth and living the highest kind of life”. If these definitions are something to go by,
philosophy was not meant to be a mere academic pursuit remote from life, nor was it
simply for satisfying one’s idle curiosity.
Philosophy was meant to be the love of wisdom to live a meaningful life in
relation to others and to the world. It may not give us bread, but gives us freedom to
shape our own destiny in light of our understanding of the world, its values and
meanings.

Who can be a Philosopher?

 Who can be a Philosopher? Will a man who is wondering and seeking for
answers are potential one? All man by virtue of their ability to wonder, in inquire and to
seek answers to their doubts are potential philosophers. Whenever we search for a
rationale behind our existence, and reflect on what could be our role in “scheme of
things”, or on what we should live for and ought to be in relation to our fellowmen, we
are already philosophers not because we are like, or par with, Socrates, Aquinas or
Kant, but because in our pursuit of wisdom which can give a more profound meaning to
our existence, we can maintain our independent and critical mind.

Since its beginnings, however, the scope of philosophy has changed. Early
Greek philosophers studied aspects of the natural and human world that later became
separate sciences—astronomy, physics, psychology, and sociology. On the other hand,
certain basic problems—the nature of the universe, the standard of justice, the validity
of knowledge, the correct application of reason, and the criteria of beauty—have been
the domain of philosophy from its beginnings to the present.

These problems are the subject matter of the five branches of philosophy:
a. metaphysics
b. ethics
c. epistemology
e. aesthetics

Core Branches of Philosophy

1. Metaphysics
Derived from the Greek word metaphysika (beyond physics), this branch
of philosophy deals with the true nature of reality. It focuses on the study
of existence. Metaphysics seeks to answer the question “What is?” and
encompasses everything that exists, as well as the true nature of
existence itself. It also answers the question, Is the world real, or merely
an illusion?”
Metaphysics is considered as the science of ultimate reality as it
seeks to present what is absolutely real in contrast to what is perceived by
the naked eyes: hence, it aims to draw the demarcation line between an
appearance and reality.
Metaphysics usually investigates answers to the following
questions.
 What is the nature of reality?
 How did the world come to be?
 
What is the first principle (or origin) from which all things came to
be?
 What does it mean to be a person?
 Is there an afterlife?
 Does God exist?
2. Epistemology
This branch of philosophy deals with the study of the nature and scope of
knowledge and justified beliefs. Derived from two Greek words episteme
(knowledge) and logos (to study). It investigates the acquisition of knowledge-
encompassing the nature and construction of concepts, logical reasoning, and
even the validity of the perception of the senses. It deals with the process by
which people are led to know that something is true.
Epistemologists explore questions such as the following:
 What is knowledge?
 How does a person possibly know?
 How much can person acquire knowledge?
 Is an object of knowledge a by-product of the mind?
3. Ethics
Also called moral philosophy. Ethics came from the Greek word ethos
which means “custom” o “habit”. As a branch of philosophy, it is a
discipline which aims to synthesize the concepts of right and wrong
behavior.

4. Aesthetics
This is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature and
appreciation of art, beauty, and good taste. Derived from the Greek word
aisthetikos which means “of sense perception”. It encompasses all the
responses people may solicit from all forms of art, be it negative or
positive.
Aesthetics usually focus on quest:

 Can art be a vehicle of truth?

 What makes an art outstanding?
 How can someone say that something is beautiful?
 How can people relate the arts to issues on economy and politics?
Development of Philosophy
1. Pre-Socratic Philosophy
The Ionians

The birthplace of philosophy was believed to be in Miletus, a province of

Ionia which is Greek colony in Asia Minor. The Ionian philosophers were the first
to employ a rational explanation on the origin of the world and other physical
phenomena, divorcing from the realm of mythology and fables as means to
explain the origin of things. While pre-Ionian philosophy explained the nature
and origin of the physical world through myths and gods, the Ionians established
a more naturalistic (material substance as the first principle of things)
explanation on the origin of things. It was Ionians ’rational approach to reality
that earned them the title philosophers. Well- known philosophers of this period
were Thales, Anaximander, and Heraclitus. Although the Ionians agreed that
there was only one material principle considered as the origin of things, they
differed in their versions of the first absolute principle of things. Considered as
the first philosopher, Thales of Miletus, contended that the cosmos (universe)
was made up of water and firmly believed that it was the principle from which all
things came to be.

Anximander, on the other hand, believed that the first principle of things
was apeiron or infinite and limitless; while for Anaximenes, air was the first
principle of things, contrary to the belief of Heraclitus, who believed that fire was
the first principle. Heraclitus affirmed that everything was in a constant flux and
becoming was the only thing that remain constant. This doctrine of universal
change was considered as one of Heraclitus’ primary contributions to pre-
Socratic thought.

2. Classical Philosophy

Philosophy took its greatest flight during the time of the three great Greek
triumvirate, namely: Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. These three had
influenced almost, if not all, philosophical thoughts and schools that
people came to know today.

SOCRATES
Socrates was one of the greatest philosophers who wrote nothing.
Much of what the world knew about him and his philosophy were all
reconstructions from the different accounts of the people who had
personal affiliations with him. One of these was his greatest disciple,
Plato.

Unlike the other philosophers who came before him, Socrates

focused more on the cultivation of the soul. Perhaps, it is but fitting to
recognize him as the first major philosopher of ethics. He introduced a
system of critical thinking and reasoning to draw the line between right
and wrong, between moral and evil.

Socrates was firm in his belief that philosophy must accomplish

sensible and realistic results for greater good of society. Being a
philosopher of ethics, Socrates attempted to institute a system of ethical
standards primarily based of human reason and not from religious
doctrines. He contended that one’s choice s were inspired by his/her
desire of happiness. According to him, the highest possible wisdom came
from the mastery of the self or from fully knowing oneself, and that the
more knowledgeable and wiser a person becomes, the closer he she is
true and genuine happiness. Because of this, Socrates was misunderstood
as someone advocating extreme intellectualism.

He popularized the Socratic method, a form of dialog which bring

forth solutions to certain problems. He compared his method to that of
midwifery.
Because of this deviant way of teaching, Socrates was accused of
polluting the minds of the youth and was sentenced to death by poison.

PLATO

Plato was Socrates’ best student and perhaps the most popular and
highly influential philosopher of all time.

Plato’s philosophy was highlighted by his claims of the existence of

the greater realm of reality apart from the humans’ own physical world,
making him contend that the world perceived by the senses (sensible
reality) were mere representations of the pure ideal forms existing
elsewhere. This was also known as Platonic Realism. He claimed that road
towards the true life of the soul was a path of purification, where man
should exert effort to reach genuine wisdom. The soul was purified as it
reached higher degrees of knowledge.
 Plato’s political philosophy was encapsulated in his political treatise
known as The Republic, where he believed that an ideal society must be
composed of workers and warriors ruled by a philosopher-king.

ARISTOTLE

The third of classical philosophy’s amazing three was Plato’s

student, Aristotle. He was more of an Empiricist compared to Plato and
Socrates, and was known for criticizing Plato’s theory of forms. Aristotle
was known as the “Father of Logic” as he was the first
To formalize a system of reasoning. He contended that the validity of
one’s judgement could be determined, not necessarily by its content, but
by its structure. He called this argument syllogism (where a conclusion or
synthesis is inferred from two other premises, the thesis and the
antithesis). Aristotle also popularized the doctrine of the golden mean or a
life of moderation.

Aristotle’s philosophy provided the people with a systematic

concept of logic which is a system of reasoning. He also introduced the
Nichomachean Ethics, by which he laid down a certain code of conduct
anchored on a person’s strong sense of conviction on what was supposed
To be “good living”. Aristotle viewed ethics as an instrumental to
humans’ quest for the highest good and happiness.

WHY BECOME A PHILOSPHER?

Why become a philosopher? On attaining a Comprehensive Outlook in Life
One of the key elements in many educational reforms is diversity, difference, and
choice or other proposals that establish separate curricular routes for different groups
or individuals. Diversity is the difference that makes each person unique (i.e., biology,
ethnicity and culture, family life, beliefs, geography, experiences, and religion).
Sometimes, we have difficulty in accepting others because they are different from us.
Such behavior may cause us to limit a person’s opportunities or can make the person
feel rejected or resentful.

Thus, educational challenge in the 21st century entails appropriate acceptance of

cultural and racial multiplicity. One does not engage in harassment of any form. This
section introduces the various viewpoints of philosophy: the western and non-western,
with emphasis on our very own Filipino indigenous beliefs and finally, going beyond the
logical and the technological imperative of existence.
A. Expanding Our Philosophical Frames: Western and Non-Western
Traditions

Many philosophers hold that there are three great original centers of philosophy
in the world—Greek (Western), Indian, and Chinese. All three arose as critical
reflections on their own cultural traditions. Historically speaking, Asian classics of the
Indians and the Chinese predate the oldest of Western classics. Indian and Chinese
philosophers of note also lived earlier than their Greek counterparts. During the first
centuries, there was more philosophical activity in the East than in the West. Before
the Greek period, there was hardly an activity in the West. Greeks before Thales did
not have philosophy.

From the time of the Greek triumvirate (Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle), there was
a reversal. The Western thinkers started to indulge in feverish philosophical
speculation, whereas the Asian thinkers began diminishing philosophical activity. In our
present century, almost all the major philosophical ideas emanate from Western
thinkers.

This section underpins that the challenges of the global information age cannot
be understood by over simplification. One size does not fit all. There are multiple
cultures and there are different types of states in terms of modern economic
modernization. Certainly, the culture of the “East” is very different from that of the
“West” (primarily Europe and North America), but that does not mean each culture is
incapable of understanding certain features of the other.

As the world becomes “smaller”, it is increasingly important to develop an

understanding of culture centers around the globe that are very different from our own.
Each society or culture has its own ideas of itself, a definition of what is important in
life, and its own notions of what the world is like in general terms; thus, each society or
culture can be said to have its own “philosophy.”
 For Quito, there are three attitudinal imperatives that we must bear in mind if we
are to appreciate either the Oriental of Eastern thought vis-à-vis the Occidental or
Western mindset and to situate them in their own proper perspective.

1. In contrast to the propensity of the West to think in a linear manner, that is, in
terms of beginning and ending in a straight line, Oriental thought runs in circular
manner in which the end conjoins the beginning in a cyclic style. In a manner of
speaking, nothing actually begins absolutely. A man may have been born at a precise
time and may have died at a precise time, but it cannot be said that his existence can
be congealed at a specific time, and when he dies, his life continues in another form.
This is indispensable to the understanding of samsara or rebirth. There is a cycle of
rebirths within the various spheres of life, the vegetative, animal, and human. The
world, in fact, did not have an absolute beginning but was merely a continuation of an
earlier world in an earlier time. There is, therefore, a succession of worlds and a
succession of lives.

2. The attitudinal imperatives is the assumption that the East does not make a
rigorous distinction between religion and philosophy. Basis philosophical concepts are
shrouded in religious beliefs and myths. However, it is a false conclusion that Eastern
philosophies, such as Chinese and Indian, are not sufficiently philosophical to be
considered philosophy but are more properly called “religion” or “mythology.” In the
East, Philosophy is Religion and Religion is Philosophy. The Oriental does not cut off
philosophy that is thought, from religion that is life in action.

Life for Oriental thinkers is a translation of thought; it is philosophy in action.

Orientals believed that life must be the extension of thought, its fruit, and its
application. For Quito, it is not accurate to judge that Asia is poor because of religion.
Rather, it is poor because it cannot accept the polarization or division of theory and
practice, of philosophy and religion, of its way of thinking and its way of living. Quito
suggested that only if Asia could find a means of adjusting its vision by making religion
and speculation together, by reconciling elusive theory with practice, then Asia, too,
could become progressive like the West.

3. The third attitudinal imperative is the acceptance of the validity of intuition and
mysticism, the readiness to revert to extra logical, if not illogical modes of thinking.
Orientals are perceived of transcending the limitations of the human intellect and
treading on a no-man’s land where verification of one’s premise is not possible.
Oriental thought does not follow structured mode. By its very nature, it cannot but be
intuitive and mystic.
The West has but to theorize and speculate; no application to life is necessary.
Such are the Platonic, Hegelian, Kantian, and Fichtean theories to which the Western
philosophers render lip service; their application to practice is still being contested by
other Western philosophers.

B. Filipino Thinking: From Local to Global

It may sound presumptuous to speak of “Filipino Thought” for the reason that
the
Philippines could not very well speak of a tradition such as that of China, India, or
Greco Roman. Yet, for the Filipino, there has to be “Filipino Thought” or none at all.
Like any other people, the Filipino must eventually take consciousness of his own
particular life and his world, his society and his gods in the light of Truth, and thereby
realize his proper being. However, the pioneering attempts to formulate a Filipino
philosophy share the fate of most pioneering works: the lack of refined tools and the
lack of predecessors upon whom to stand.
Nevertheless, Filipinos do have their own philosophy. This section draws out elements
or draw sketches of the general lines of Filipino philosophy. The three dimensions of
Filipino thought are:

1. Loob
2. Filipino Philosophy of Time
3. Bahala na

These attitudes and values constitute the hidden springs of the Filipino Mind.

1. Loob: Holistic and Interior Dimensions

 Kagandahang-loob, kabutihang-loob, and kalooban are terms that show sharing
of one’s self to others. For Mercado, interiority manifests itself in freedom. Loob puts
one in touch with his fellow beings. Great Philippine values, in fact, are essentially
interpersonal. The use of intermediaries or go-betweens, the values of loyalty,
hospitality, pakikisama (camaraderie, conformism), and respect to authority are such
values that relate to persons. In short, the Filipino generally believes in the innate
goodness of the human being. Filipino ethics has an internal code and sanction that
flow from within itself. This ethics is more constant than other legalistic moral
philosophies that are rather negative. The Filipino, who stresses duties over rights, has
plenty in common with his Oriental neighbors such as the Chinese and the Indians.

In short, the Filipino as individual looks at himself as holistic from the interior
dimension under the principle of harmony. The Filipino looks at himself as a self, as a
total whole—as a “person,” conscious of his freedom, proud of his human dignity, and
sensitive to the violation of these two.

2. Filipino Philosophy of Time

Moreover, the Filipino—whether Ilokano (Ti tao kasla kulintaba, no agtayab,

ngumato, bumaba), or Kapampangan (Bie keti and yatu, mengari yang ruweda,
mibabo, milalim, ing Dios nung burin a) (A human being is like a bird who flies up and
goes down)—proves that he believes in the gulong ng palad (literally, “wheel of
fortune”) and hence, looks at life as a series of ups and downs. This philosophy of life
makes the Filipino an unmitigated optimist. When the so-called wheel of life is on the
downtrend, he looks to the future with hope because life’s wheel cannot stay down
forever. When one weeps, one will surely smile. The Filipino looks upon every event,
fortunate or unfortunate, as fleeting or transitory.

Life may be sorrowful, but precisely because suffering is ultimately salutary, there is
hope beyond suffering. Floods, earthquakes, EDSA revolutions, continuous poverty—
all these were seen to be transcended hoping that one day, the sun would shine and
nature would heal itself. As a saying goes, “If one has reached the lowest ebb, there is
no way to go but up.” Time is considered cyclic. Gulong ng palad nonetheless blends
well with foreign philosophical ideas in the Asian region. It approaches karma of the
Indians and yang and yin thought of the Chinese. Pakikisama, on the other hand, is
close to the Chinese and Japanese philosophy of “living in harmony with nature.”
 Often, Filipino Time is mistakenly interpreted as always delayed in the committed
time of arrival. This notion can be misleading since the Filipino farmers are early risers
to go to their field and waste no time for work. The concept of “siesta time” or
“power naps” is also important for Filipino culture that must not ne necessarily
considered negative.

3. Bahala Na

The pre-Spanish Filipino people believed in a Supreme Being, Batula or Bathala.

However, in this regard, the originality of Filipino thought will probably be precisely in
his personalistic view of the universe. In his personalistic view of the world, the Filipino
seems to signify that ultimately in life, we have to reckon not only with nature and
human natue, but also with cosmic presences or spirits, seen to be the ultimate origin
to the problem of evil.

Bathala is not an impersonal entity but rather a personal being that keeps the
balance in the universe. Unlike the Indian and the Chinese, a human being can forge
some personal relationships with this deity because Bathala is endowed with
personality. The Filipino puts his entire trust in this Bathala who has evolved into the
Christian God.

The Filipino subconsciously accepts the bahala na attitude as a part of life.

Bahala na literally means to leave everything to God who is Bathala in the vernacular.
The bahala na philosophy puts complete trust in the Divine Providence; it contains the
element of resignation. Thus, the Filipino accepts beforehand whatever outcome of his
problem might be.

Bahala na (come what may) nonetheless, is one of the most outstanding Filipino
virtues. It is one aspect perceived as courage to take risks. For instance, it could be
accounted that not only poverty but also because of bahala na why millions are working
abroad in complicated and high-risk environment and places. From war-torn to besiege
countries, Filipinos will risk their lives just to be able to support their families back
home.
Bahala na, on the other hand, is seen as fatalistic; sort of leaving everything to God or
to chance—such is the uncertainty of life. On the other hand, fatalism is universal. The
will of God/Allah, tao to the Chinese, rta to the Indians and fate in Buddhism—all
signify, in one way or another, fatalism.

4. Filipino Thought and Values: Positive and Negative Aspects

It is believed, however, that the Philippine values and system, in line with Filipino
philosophy, are in dire need to be used as positive motivation. Beyond his family
group, the Filipino sees himself belonging to a small, primary group in a dyadic,
pyramidal fashion. In other words, he does not identify horizontally with his class that
cuts across the whole community but vertically with its authority figures distinguished
by their wealth, power, and age. He receives protection and other favors from above
and should be ready to do the same toward his ties below. Reciprocating debts of
gratitude between coordinates and subordinates holds the whole group together—
superordinate and subordinate (utang na loob).

However, as we consider our duty, it should not be bounded by utang na loob

(indebtedness to patrons) but to help to uplift the life not only of one’s own family
(micro perspective) but of others as well (macro perspective). The Filipino gives great
value to endurance and hard work as means to economic self-sufficiency. This
selfsufficiency refers not to individual self, but to the family to which one owes a special
debt of gratitude for having brought him life and nurtured him.

In this vein, we should stress positive Filipino values such as bayanihan or

helping others in times of need. Bayanihan is another moving spirit of the Filipino
people. Deep down in the Filipino psyche, there exists the belief that whatever good
one has done will redound to one’s benefit because a Supreme Judge will dispense just
compensation whether in this life or in the next. In short, despite the Western
imposition of dualism, Filipino philosophy should continue to strive for harmony with
nature and the absolute.

Whether an indigenous philosophy or mere sociological values, it depends on

one’s definition of philosophy. Hence, in the Philippine context, it is always so difficult
to determine the place of philosophy in the formal or institutional educational structure
of the country that a distinction is called for. Filipinos may not be able to formulate or
articulate this philosophy but it is nonetheless evident in all their transactions and in
their everyday existence. This indigenous philosophy may be said to be an elan or a
spirit that permeates the Filipino as Filipino, and without which, he feels certain
dissatisfaction.
There was a consensus that Asia, being the seat of the world’s oldest civilization,
does have a philosophical character all on its own but that it will not surface unless local
philosophers dig to the roots of their own indigenous culture. The nationalist challenge
is still relevant today. In this vein, Gripaldo believes four important items to be
considered:
1. replacing colonial consciousness with a nationalist consciousness thereby doing
away with colonial and crab mentality;
2. creation of super industrial society;
3. utilization of education as the means of realizing the image of the future as super
industrial society;
4. choosing not just for one’s self but for all humanity, for the nation as a whole.
Eventually, Gripaldo argues that once economically
strong, the Philippines will transcend nationalism to
internationalism. This action is one step toward
globalization where economic choices to be made are
choices not for oneself but for humanity.

Guided Learning:

1. Philosophical Paper: Compare your initial understanding of “holism” to the current

discussions.

2. Philosophical Paper: If you are entertaining a tourist or balikbayan relative or

friend, how will you introduce the Philippines?
3. Group Activity: How important are “kagandahang loob” and “kabutihang loob” to
being Pinoy? If your class or batch will sponsor a fund-raising activity for Yolanda
survivors, how can you lend a hand? Conceptualize a fund-raising concert.
C. Philosophy: Transcending and Aiming for a Life of Abundance

Abundance comes from the Latin term “abundare” meaning, “to overflow
nonstop.” In Aguilar’s The Gift of Abundance, abundance was given a new spiritual,
even Buddhist paradigm. Abundance is out flowing than incoming. It is not about
amassing material things or people but our relationship with others, ourselves, and with
nature. Aguilar asserts that our very life belongs to God.

“Abundance is not what we gather but what we

scatter.”

Often, abundance is equated with materialism, but it is when we raise our empty
hands and surrender, when we do not grab, when we are unattached to anything or
anyone, when we offer oneself—all these are abundance. Only if we have empty hands
can we receive full blessings.

“Abundance is not what we keep but what we give away.”

To live an abundant life, one must pursue one’s desires and inner self. One must
go after what fulfills, before making more money. It is truly paradoxical because to be
able to have, we must first let go. To be able to acquire, we must first control
ourselves.

Aguilar believes that to be abundant, we must learn to control our appetites and
desires, for they have impact on other people. Harsh words, pollution, and eating
unhealthy foods are some examples where our choices influence or affect not only
ourselves but others as well. In other words, there is karma in our thoughts, words,
and actions.
“Abundance is not what we hold but what we share.”

Undoubtedly, money counts in our globalized society. However, Aguilar reminds

us that money should not matter much, for every moment is a blessing, even if one
does not have money. Abundance comes to the one who has money and heart, money
and values, money and relationships, money and deeper happiness. The author agrees
with Aguilar’s claim that abundance is more than our ambitions; there are more
precious things such as people that matter.
Abundance is a choice.
Negative thoughts, emotions and people should be avoided. As we aspire for
our dreams, we should try our best to be positive in our thoughts, motives, and efforts.
A friend once said that when we look down, we only see our misfortunes but when we
look up, we realize that we are more fortunate than others.
Abundance is more of an effort of the heart than mind alone. For Aguilar, to
achieve, one must commit. However, Aguilar theorizes that only the heart can commit.
Abundance, therefore, is a choice which translates to commitment, determination, and
perseverance.
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne offers a similar idea, which claims that we have our
dreams, and regardless of who we are, the universe will answer our wishes. According
to “The Secret”, our dreams come true because we attract them. We achieve our
dreams if we cooperate with the Power of Dreams Himself or God. God will grant our
wishes in his due time.
Abundance is to evolve into a higher being.
It becomes clear that the concept of abundance covers both external and
internal life. We cannot truly live without material considerations, but externals are not
all there are; values, for instance, matter.
Thus, to live in abundance means evolving to a higher being in following one’s
mission: a deliberate or conscious desire to act upon what can make us and others
happy. As we are bombarded by negative people and moods, it becomes our choice to
adopt an abundant disposition.

Let’s Apply….
Philosophical Task

Draw a timeline. This exercise aims to examine the wackiest and worst times; in search
of the meaning behind your life. This can help you identify more skillfully the kinds of
activities, conditions, locations, and people combinations where your purpose is well
served and where it is abused. Consider your childhood, formal education experiences,
and others. During these times, you experienced very poor results and very strong
dissatisfaction. If you learn something new about your purpose, make a note of it.

MY TIMELINE

Happiest Times Worst Times

List the activities, people, locations, and List the activities, people, locations, and
conditions in your life you were most happy. in your life when you felt dissatisfied.

Philsophical Reflections

This section will emphasize the student’s application of reflection based on a

holistic perspective. Doing a philosophical reflection based on concrete situation from a
holistic perspective could be done through debate, discussions, essays, and other
activities. These reflections will further develop the analytical skills of students,
especially for evaluating arguments.

Proposed Activities
1. Choose any topic for your writing assignment.
a. Define philosophy: Explain what is unique about philosophical thought.
b. Do you think philosophy is important in the age of globalization? Why or why
not?
2. Photo Essay
Take pictures regarding events of Earth Hour, an hour where cities and
landmarks turn off their lights. Write insights on your photos regarding this question:
What are the implications of Earth Hour to being interconnected in a global society?
 Think Tank….
A. Identify the branch of philosophy that deals with the questions asked
below.Chhose your answer from the given choices in the box. Write the letter
that corresponds to your answer.

a. Metaphysics c. ethics e. aethetics

b. Epistemology d. logic

1. Is justification external or internal?

2. Is euthanasia immoral?
3. Does knowledge have a limit?
4. What can justify people’s belief?
5. Is teaching reasonable?
6. Does time exists?
7. What is a work of art?
8. Is abortion legal?
9. How ate consequences and actions judged?
10. How does the braion actually work?
11. How shoul people act?
12. What happens to the consciousness upon the expiration of the body?
13. Why do things exists?
14. How should people act?
15. How can an argument be valid?