Senior High School

Introduction to the
Philosophy of the
Human Person
Week 1
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Alternative Delivery Mode
Module 1
First Edition, 2020

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Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and evaluated by the

Development and Quality Assurance Teams of SDO TAPAT to assist you in helping
the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming
their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist
the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities
for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be
enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while being an active
learner.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer Let’s Try before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!
 Let’s Learn

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
master the difference between Truth and Opinion. The scope of this module permits
it to be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes
the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the
standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be
changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module is divided into three lessons, namely:

 Lesson 1 – Holistic and Partial Thinking
 Lesson 2 – Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a
holistic perspective

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Distinguish Holistic from Partial Thinking.
2. Realize the value of doing philosophy and doing reflection to have a holistic
perspective.

Let’s Try

I. Direction: Read each statement carefully. Encircle the letter of the correct
answer.

1. Holism comes from the Greek word “holos” which literally means ____.
(a) All (b Totality
)
(c) Entirely (d All of these
)

2. All aspects are tied in together to form a general view of the problem or
situation. It refers to ______.
(a) Holistic Thinking (b Partial point of view
)
(c) Analytical Thinking (d Holistic and Analytical Thinking
)

3. It is a perspective that focuses on specific aspects of a situation.

 It refers to ______.
(a) Holistic Thinking (b Partial point of view
)
(c) Analytical Thinking (d Holistic and Analytical Thinking
)

4. The teacher listens first to both stories of her two arguing students before
making conclusion about the issue. This is an example of _________________
perspective.
(a) Holistic (b Partial point of view
)
(c) Analytical (d Contextual
)

5. The following statements are the definition of Holistic Thinking,

except________.
(a) It is the ability to see things as a whole.
(b It is the inquiry of a complex whole.
)
(c) It is characterized by dialectical reasoning and involves understanding
a system by sensing its large-scale patterns and reacting to them.
(d It is a view where one sees that a phenomenon is caused by a single
) factor, or casual agency.

6. Partial point of view define as follows: except____________.

(a) It is a perspective that is based on one of the component parts of a
whole.
(b It look at only a limited number of aspects of the given problem or
) situation.
(c) All aspects are tied in together to form a general overview of the
problem or situation.
(d Conclusions are made based on considering some, but not all sides of
) the problem or situations.

7. A teacher scolds student A after student B accused him of stealing her

pencil case. However, the teacher only listened to the story of the student B,
and not to student A before deciding to scold the student. This is an
example of _____________________.
(a) Holistic (b Partial point of view
)
(c) Analytical (d Contextual
)

8. Is Holistic Thinking is more desirable in doing philosophy than Partial point

of view?
I Yes, because it demonstrated awareness of the importance of both a
whole system and the interdependence of its parts.
II Yes, because it is the ability to see things as a whole.
III Yes, because we always make decisions as fast as possible.
IV Yes, because it helps us to do more things rather than focusing to one
problem.
A. I and II B. III and IV C. I and III D. II and IV

9. Is partial thinking is important in making decision?

 I No, you’re only looking at one aspect or a small part of the situation. 
II Yes, if you need to make a very quick decision to avoid danger.
IIIYes, do not bother yourself to find other aspects of the situation before
making decision.
IV No, always look the big picture of every situation before making
decision.
A. III only B. I and II only C. I,II and IV D. III and IV

10 All of these statements are TRUE about Holistic Perspective, except:

.
(a) Holistic perspective views give rise to a more appreciative perspective
about life, as we are able to look at life in its totality.
(b Holistic perspective can enable a person to step back and consider the
) general aspects of a certain problem.
(c) Holistic perspective is an important component of analytical thinking.
(d Holistic perspective help us to appreciate our individual experience as
) vital aspects of a larger and more meaningful life.

II. Define Holistic Thinking and Partial Thinking (5 points)

Let’s Recall

Direction: Provide what is being asked.

1. What is Philosophy?
2. Philosophia, means __________
3. Who is the Father of Philosophy?
4. Why is there a need to philosophize?

Let’s Explore

Activity 1
Direction: Read the situation below and answer the questions that follow.
 A girl went to hospital because she experiencing on and off moderate-severe
stomach pain for almost 1 week. The doctor keeps asking questions about the
activities of the girl before the pain started. Why the doctor keeps asking
questions?
1. Do you think asking question to the patient helps the doctor?
2. How do you say so?

Lesson 1: Holistic Thinking and Partial thinking

In connection to Activity 1, the doctor should ask many questions to have
bases to determine the real cause of severe pain to give appropriate medication
aside in Laboratory test result.
Holistic Thinking refers to a perspective that consider large-scale patterns
in systems. This is often described as looking at the “big picture’ when describing
and analyzing a situation or problem. The word holistic comes from the Greek
word holos which means whole.
Partial Thinking, on the other hand, focuses on specific aspects of a
situation. The partial view is an important component of analytical thinking, as an
individual focuses on certain areas or aspects of a problem in order to understand.
Though partial thinking is useful, philosophy utilizes holistic thinking in
making sense of problems and issues related to the human experience
People tend to apply an analytical perspective when looking at problems or
situations. For instance, doctors often focus on a specific set of symptoms to
determine the cause of as patient’s illness. Once a particular cause has been
identified, the doctor then prescribes the appropriate medicine and other
treatments to address the illness.
A holistic perspective can enable a person to step back and consider the
general aspects of a certain problem.
A holistic view also gives rise to a more appreciative perspective about life, as
we are able to look at life in its totally. This means that we try to understand a
situation from different vantage points so we can see it more fully. All the positive
and negative experience in our life come together to give meaning to our existence,
and we learn to appreciate our individual experiences as vital aspects of a larger
and more meaningful life.
(Intro to the Philosophy of the Human Person textbook Author: Roberto D. Abella )

Lesson 2: Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete

situation from a holistic perspective

First, what are the practical uses of philosophy in our lives?

 Philosophy has an important place in our daily lives. Engaging in
philosophical reflection leads to the development of beneficial skills that individuals
can apply in every day solutions.
Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis and interpretation of
concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems.
Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision making. The ability
to analyze a problem or dilemma, identify its significant aspects, and come up with
alternative solutions is an important skill learned through philosophy.
A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly and adequately
present his or her ideas.
Finally, knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self- development.
One can be a better student, scientist, artist professional, and citizen if he or
she has the capacity for inquiry, critical thinking, and reflection. In addition,
philosophy encourages a person to know oneself, his or her strengths and
weaknesses, establish an identity, and determine his or her purpose in life. Self-
knowledge also grows along with one’s understanding of the world and this is
essential to the realization of the self. These are tools to develop one’s own ideas
and views and engage fully in useful activities in the community, nation, and the
world at large.

Let’s Elaborate

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. One can
reflect on almost any subject.
Seemingly simple or mundane actions take a whole new meaning when oe engages
in reflection. When buying clothes, for example, think of the questions that you ask
yourself as you consider buying the t- shirt or blouse you are holding. You may
start with the simple questions. “Will this fit me?” “Do I look good in this
color?” These are the usual questions any buyer would ask himself or herself.
But since we are in a reflective and philosophizing mood, let us try and think
of “deeper” questions and reflect on the situation. You may find yourself asking the
following questions: “Do I even have to buy a new t- shirt today?” “Am I better
off spending my money on the other things?” “Do I see myself wearing this
shirt often, or am I just going to wear it ponce”? What sort of person wears
this kind of shirt?
Notice the difference when you engage in reflection. The simple task of buying a
shirt becomes something much more. If you concentrate only on the simple
questions, you would just buy that shirt immediately. But reflection allows you an
opportunity to think more deeply about your action, your motivations for doing
such an action, and even its possible consequences. Buying a shirt becomes a
much more meaningful act with the aid of reflection. Constant reflection on your
possible purchases may even help you make wiser choices and improve your
spending habits in the future.
Reflection is vital in ensuring that our actions and decisions are well thought
out and are done with due regard for their implications and consequences on
ourselves, others, and our surroundings. Reflection helps us understand
ourselves and our actions better.
When we reflect, we can judge whether our actions or decisions are reasonable or
not. Taking time to analyze your decisions and actions is one vital skill that will
greatly help you as you encounter more challenges in life

Let’s Dig In

Direction: Identify which is applicable to each scenario: Holistic Thinking or Partial

Thinking.
1. Choosing new leader of our country.
2. Cheating during examination.
3. Attorney with witness in Trial court.
4. Choosing course to take in college
5. Giving money to street children

Direction: Give at least 5 positive effect of doing reflection.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
 Let’s Remember

Direction: Provide what is being asked.

1. How Holistic Thinking is Important in making decisions?
2. Is Partial Thinking and Holistic Thinking are interrelated? How?
3. Do you believed that thinking holistically can make you a better person? How?
4. What is Reflection?
5. Is doing reflection can really contribute self- development? How?

Let’s Apply

Direction: Answer the following:

1. Cite a situation where you adopted a holistic view in looking at a problem or
situation. How did adopting a holistic view help you make sense of the
situation?
2. Is reflection help you avoid making a bad decision? When? How?

Let’s Evaluate

1. Holism comes from the Greek word “holos” which literally means ____.
A. Whole B. Part of C. Portion D. All of these
2. It refers to a perspective that consider large-scale patterns in systems.
A. Holistic Thinking B. Partial point of view
C. Analytical Thinking D. Holistic and Analytical Thinking
3. It is a view that focuses on specific aspects of a situation
A. Holistic Thinking B. Partial point of view
C. Analytical Thinking D. Holistic and Analytical Thinking
4. The teacher asked the arguing students if what happened before making
decision about the issue. This is an example of _______ perspective.
A. Holistic Thinking B. Partial Thinking
C. Analytical Thinking D. Contextual
5. Which of the following is not TRUE
A. Holistic Thinking is the ability to see things as a whole.
 B. Holistic Thinking is the inquiry of a complex whole.
C. Holistic Thinking is characterized by dialectical reasoning
and involves understanding a system by sensing its large-scale patterns and
reacting to them.
D. Holistic Thinking is a view where one sees that a phenomenon is caused
by a single factor, or casual agency.
6. These are the use of Philosophy in our daily lives, except:
A. Leads to the development of beneficial skills that individuals can apply in
everyday situations.
B. Enables a person to engage in critical analysis.
C. It helps people to make an argument with wrong reasoning.
D. Provide knowledge in interpretation of concepts and problems.
7. Why doing philosophy is important?
I. Because doing philosophy can contribute self- development
II. Because doing philosophy help us avoid being tricked by false
claims or manipulative schemes.
III. Because doing philosophy teaches people to be reasonable despite
of the wrong argument.
IV. Because of philosophy we can easy to create alibi or reasons.
A. I and IV B. II and III C. I and II D. III and IV
8. Which of these is not doing philosophy?
A. If he/she is listening to the opinion of others.
B. If he/she makes sound choices and judgment.
C. If a person experiencing anxiety during dilemma.
D. Examining the validity and soundness of the arguments
9. All of these shows’ wisdom, except:
A. Being aware of yourself and how you react to things and situations
B. If you’re looking for the best way to help people
C. Giving reverence, honor and respect to everyone
D. If you are adding pandemonium to everyone
10. Philosophizing is a process of making sense out of experience, this means that:
I. We can do Philosophy without actions.
II. Experience is not a product of Philosophy
III. We can make wise judgement/ decision without experiencing the
situation.
IV. Philosophy help us to do things better.
A. I, II, IV B. I. III, IV C. I, II, III D. I, II, IV
I. Direction: Write TRUE if the statement is correct, FALSE if not.
___________1. Self-reflection should take the further backward step of inspecting
these assumptions and beliefs for internal coherence and consistency.
___________2. Reflection produces a “reality check” that guards against reinforcing
inaccurate perceptions/biases.
___________3. Reflective practice can also help you to develop creative thinking
skills, and encourages active engagement in work processes.
___________4. Reflection transforms experience into genuine learning about
individual values and goals and about larger social issues.
___________5. Reflection is a process of exploring and examining ourselves, our
perspectives, attributes, and has nothing to do with our experiences and actions.