IMMACULATE CONCEPTION POLYTECHNIC

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Marian Road, Poblacion, Sta.Maria, Bulacan

Lesson 1-2: DOING PHILOSOPHY

Objectives:
 Understands the meaning and process of doing philosophy
 Reflects on a concrete experience in a philosophical way
 Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view
 Recognize human activities that emanated from deliberate reflection
 Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life

The Meaning of Philosophy:

Philosophy comes from the two Greek words philo meaning “love” or “friendship” and
Sophia meaning “wisdom.” Thus, philosophy means “love of wisdom.” Love is an urge or a
drive of a will towards a particular object. As a drive, love always seeks unity with its object and
desires to possess its object. On the other hand, wisdom means the application of knowledge.
Thus, wisdom cannot be dissociated from knowledge. Truth is the ultimate object of knowledge.
Philosophy is absolutely committed to the truth, “the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”
Hence, truth is being shown and practiced by a man of wisdom. Now, if philosophy means love
of wisdom, to philosophize, therefore, is to be in quest, or to have a desire towards loving and
living the truth (Babor, 2007)

The Meaning of Person:

A term derived from the Latin persona, traceable to the Greek, and originally used to
denote the mask worn by an actor. From this it was applied to the role he assumed; and finally, to
any character on the stage of life, i.e., to any individual. The term has taken on a special
significance in scholasticism, where it has figured importantly in theological discussions of the
incarnation and the Holy trinity. This article is restricted to a consideration of the notion as used
 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION POLYTECHNIC
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Marian Road, Poblacion, Sta.Maria, Bulacan

in scholastic philosophy and is divided into two sections: the first sketches the historical
development of the concept and the second provides a metaphysical analysis.

The Meaning of Human:

Human is defined as a rational being endowed with composite characteristics (physical,

mental, spiritual and emotional) as distinct from lower animals. Human person is used together
to distinguish it from other kinds of persons such as corporate persons, ecclesiastical person,
person in grammar, etc.

The Meaning of Philosophy of the Human Person:

Philosophy of Human Person can be defined as the science of human beings which
interprets the data of experience in the light of metaphysical principles. It has two sources,
namely, the data of experience supplied mainly by everyday experience, which is confirmed by
experimental sciences and the metaphysical principles supplied by ontology or by metaphysics.
Thus, Philosophy of Human Person is a combination of science and metaphysics.

THE PERSPECTIVES OF PHILOSOPHY OF HUMAN NATURE

Holistic and Partial Points of View

Holistic Point of View

 Looks at all aspects of the given problem or situation.
 All aspects are given importance when making conclusions.
 All aspects are tied in together to form a general overview of the problem or situation.

Partial Point of View

 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION POLYTECHNIC
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Marian Road, Poblacion, Sta.Maria, Bulacan

 Looks at only a limited number of aspects of the given problem or situation.

 Conclusions are made based on considering some, but not all, sides of the problem or
situation.

Looking at the characteristics of holistic and partial points of view, it can be concluded
that using a holistic perspective is more desirable in doing philosophy than using a partial
perspective. Partial points of view only promote limited knowledge on the situation. This
leads to wrong conclusions.
Learning philosophy requires learning to look into all available perspectives and work on
their relationship to come up with sound, logical, and valid conclusions. In the process, doing
philosophy helps one to develop the skill of broadly looking at the situation first before
concluding anything.

The Value of Doing Philosophy

1. Educationally and Intellectually

Philosophy enlarges our understanding of the world. It expands our intellectual horizons
and freedom of thought. Philosophy helps develop the capacity to look at the world from the
perspective of other individuals and cultures. Perhaps it is not as effective as science and
religion, but it is the most free and valuable of all intellectual endeavors.

2. Socially and Politically

By discussing political and social issues’ philosophy raises public awareness and helps in
forming engaged and responsible citizens. By performing critical examination of current
social and political conditions it can enlighten people as to the shortcomings of the current
order. By viewing social practices from the perspective of a better and more just future it can
foster necessary social change.

3. Morally and Practically

 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION POLYTECHNIC
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Marian Road, Poblacion, Sta.Maria, Bulacan

Philosophy can increase our sensitivity for universalistic moral values and stimulate our
readiness to stand up for the principles of justice and fairness. It provides tools and
opportunities to reflect on our basic values and concepts. It proves very practical in defining
our choices and acts.

4. Psychologically and Personally

On a personal level, philosophy can give one self-knowledge, foresight, and a sense of
direction in life. It touches upon our own existence (in a way we are fully humans only if we
are capable to reflect upon our humanness) and tackles the questions of our personal identity.
It can lead to self-discovery, expansion of consciousness, and self-renewal.

5. Pragmatic Uses of Philosophy

While studying philosophy does not help directly one’s job search, it has an indirect
impact even in nonacademic fields. Contrary to the wide spread view, employers prefer
candidates with general and flexible skills that could adjust to new situations rather than high
specialists. They look for and reward many of the capacities developed by the study of
philosophy, for instance, the ability to analyze problems, to organize ideas and issues, to
assess pros and cons, and to boil down complex data.