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Chapter 1
Chapter 1
CHAPTER 1
PHILOSOPHY AND THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH
LESSON 1: THE MEANING AND VALUE OF PHILOSOPHY AND THE ART OF
PHILOSOPHIZING
The Meaning Of Philosophy
The word philosophy has several meanings and usages. Some are very common while
some are profound. In fact there could be as many definitions of philosophy as there are
serious philosophers.
In a very general sense, philosophy could mean a guiding principle. For example, when
someone says, “My philosophy in life is, What is important is doing my best, not really
being the best,” he/she means to say that this is his/her guiding principle.
Philosophy could also mean reason, rationale, or basis of something. When someone
ask, “What is the philosophy behind such project, activity, or endeavor?” he/she wants to
know the reason behind such project or endeavor.
Philosophy could also be understood as the study of the cause of something. For
example, we say that philosophy is the study of the cause or foundation of knowledge.
Sometimes we also describe something or someone as being “philosophical”. When we
say that someone or something is being “philosophical”, we could either mean that one
is taking things in a very profound way or that he/she is being too analytical about a
particular subject matter or topic. When we say that something is too philosophical, we
could mean that it is very complex or profound and that it requires a thorough analysis
and assessment in order to undertand it.
According to Quito (1983), a Filipino professor of philosophy, the there are two usages of
the term philosophy in the current local trend or in our own local setting. These are the
popular and the academics uses. When someone talks about the popular usage of
philosophy, he/she is reminded of how the common people think of the way a pilosopo
explains things or events in one’s surroundings.
REFERENCE:
PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
reasonandmeaning.com/2016/03/25/the-value-of-philosophy
According to Greek Philosopher Aristotle, all men seek wisdom. Therefore all men are
philosophers in this sense. The search for wisdom is not just the exclusive task or role of
academic philosophers; it is everyone’s task. The object of wisdom is the truth. The
pursuit of the truth is therefore the noble aspiration of every rational individual.
Therefore you could conceivably reject all of our arguments. In the absence of definitive
arguments, individuals must decide whether philosophy is a worthwhile pursuit. We all
decide whether the pursuit of wisdom, knowledge, wealth, fame, pleasure, or anything
else is worth the effort. In the end, to value philosophy we must believe that reflection,
questioning, contemplation, and wonder enrich human life; we must believe with Socrates
that “the unexamined life isn’t worth living.” And I do believe that.
REFERENCE:
PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
reasonandmeaning.com/2016/03/25/the-value-of-philosophy
Phisophizing begins when a person becomes curious and wonders about the things
around him/her. This followed by a simple act of inquiry and then by the search for
answers. A persons asks questions such as, “How could it be?”, “Why do things
happen?”, and “For what reason do things happen?”
When one philosophizes , he/she engages in philosophical activity. But what does it
mean to engage in philosophical activity? It could mean to engage in critical
examination or reflection about the meaning, causes, or reason of certain realities. To
engage in a philosophical activity such as critical or rational reflection , a person will
need two basic components---reason and experience.
Reason enables a person to reflect on or examine the underlying meaning or causes of
things or realities. Experience provides a person with the initial data so that he/she
would be able to speak of his/her subsequent reflection or examination.
ACTIVITY 1
A. How will you differentiate the positive and negative understanding of the term
philosopy?
B. How will you explain the roles of reason and experience in philosophical activity?
REFERENCE:
PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
reasonandmeaning.com/2016/03/25/the-value-of-philosophy
2. Think of one particular activity in school where you apply your mental ability or skill.
Share this in a group discussion.
ASSIGNMENT
Describe one person you know whom you think embodies the philosophical attitude.
REFERENCE:
PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
reasonandmeaning.com/2016/03/25/the-value-of-philosophy
Philosophical Reflection
Philosophical reflection is a more profound examination of the underlying
meanings or causes of the problems regarding human existence. While we can ponder
on how we can put food on our plate, a more profound reflection will lead us to
realization of why we need food and why we do not have food on the table in the first
place. When one practices philosophical reflection he/she examines his/her existence
and practical issues in life.
One of the benefits of practicing philosophical reflection is that people become
critical thinkers. As critical thinkers, people understand clearly a particular situation and
determine whether such situation presents a problem that needs an explanation or a
practical solution.
REFERENCE:
PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
reasonandmeaning.com/2016/03/25/the-value-of-philosophy
REFERENCE:
PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
reasonandmeaning.com/2016/03/25/the-value-of-philosophy
TRUTH
Truth is the proper aim of any inquiry, particularly scientific and philosophical
inquiry. People study and investigate because they want to find out or discover the truth
and be able to attain it. By attaining the truth, people are also able to achieve their
goals.
THEORIES ON TRUTH
a. REALISM
Realism is a general theory about truth which asserts that the mind can know
certain, fundamental, and immediate truths. When one judges an object, he/she is
aware of his/her intellectual capacity to know the truth.
REFERENCE:
PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
reasonandmeaning.com/2016/03/25/the-value-of-philosophy
c. PRAGMATISM THEORY
According to pragmatism theory which has proposed by William James, the truth
is consequential in nature, the real norm or criterion of truth is its consequence or result.
d. CORRESPONDENCE THEORY
According to this theory, proposed by the Logical Positivism Bertrand Russell,
truth is in what is said, in the propositions uttered. A proposition is true if it corresponds
with a state of affairs or with facts.
e. COHERENCE THEORY
This theory developed as a reaction to the correspondence theory. It asserts that
truth cannot be asserted of one proposition, only in isolation from other proposition.
TRUTH AS VALUE
Truth is not just an object of the mind or intellectual speculation. Truth is also a
matter of conviction. Truth is a value that gives meaning to one’s life. As a value, one
can live and die for the truth. People commit themselves to the truth. For example,
those who are fighting for the truth. But the truth that they are fighting for is not an
intellectual object or some object that is only appreciated by the mind.
REFERENCE:
PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
reasonandmeaning.com/2016/03/25/the-value-of-philosophy
ACTIVITY 1
A. Defined the following elements of critical thinking.
1. Understanding
2. Thinking by and for Oneself
3. Thinking Proactively
4. Open Minded
5. Considering Different Perspective
6. Questioning and Challenging Beliefs
ASSIGNMENT
1. Write a reflection paper on the underlying reason or meaning of your possible career
choice in college.
2. Think of one problem in our society and generate or think of possible solution to this
problem.
REFERENCE:
PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
reasonandmeaning.com/2016/03/25/the-value-of-philosophy