ACLC COLLEGE OF ORMOC

ORMOC CITY, LEYTE

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

The Philosophy of Man according to José Rizal

In partial fulfillment of the subject

Introduction to The Philosophy of the human person

Submitted by:
Nash Casunggay

January, 2023
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Biography…………………………………………………………………………3

Born to Death………………………………………………………………………3

Background Informations …………………………………………………………3

II. Philosophy of Man………………………………………………………….…….4

Two subtopics…………………………………………………………………..….4

Background Informations………………………………………………………….4

III. Conclusion……………….…………………………………………………….….6

Reflection………………………………………………………………………….6

Understandings…………………………………………………………………….7

IV. Reference………………………………………………………………………….8

Sources cited……………………………………………………………………….8

Links……………………………………………………………………………….8
I. Biography of José Rizal

Jose Rizal was a Filipino nationalist and writer, widely considered the national hero of

the Philippines. He was born on June 19, 1861 in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines, the seventh of

eleven children. Rizal's parents were farmers, but they were also quite well-educated for their

time. His mother, Teodora Alonso, was a highly-skilled teacher and instilled in Rizal a love of

learning from a young age. Rizal received his early education from his mother, and later attended

a number of schools, including the Ateneo Municipal de Manila and the University of Santo

Tomas.

In 1877, at the age of 16, Rizal was sent to Spain to continue his studies. He attended the

Universidad Central de Madrid, where he earned degrees in philosophy and letters, as well as a

degree in medicine. Rizal also traveled extensively throughout Europe, learning many languages

and immersing himself in European culture.

In 1882, Rizal returned to the Philippines and became involved in the Propaganda

Movement, a group of Filipino intellectuals who sought to educate and mobilize the Filipino

people against Spanish colonialism. Rizal wrote two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo, that were highly critical of Spanish rule in the Philippines. These novels played a

major role in inspiring the Philippine Revolution of 1896.

In 1896, Rizal was arrested and charged with rebellion, sedition, and conspiracy. He was

found guilty and executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896. Rizal's execution sparked

widespread outrage and helped to galvanize the revolution against Spanish rule. His death is

considered as a turning point in Philippines History. After his death, Rizal became a martyr and a

symbol of Philippine nationalism. His writings, particularly the two aforementioned novels,

remain widely read and studied in the Philippines and serve as a source of inspiration for many

Filipinos.

II. Philosophy of Man

Rizal was a thinker and nationalist during the final days of the Spanish colonial period in

the Philippines. He lived a short life but was an exceptionally productive thinker, unmatched by

anyone in Southeast Asia, perhaps even Asia. The construction of a social theory from Rizal’s

works can be founded on three aspects of his substantive concerns. Firstly, we have his views on

the nature and conditions of colonial society. Secondly, there is Rizal’s critique of colonial

knowledge of the Philippines. Thirdly, there is his discussion on the meaning and requirements

for emancipation. Jose Rizal's philosophy of man is rooted in his belief that individuals have the

capacity for self-improvement and that education is a key to unlocking that potential. He

believed that education was essential for the development of critical thinking, civic

responsibility, and national consciousness. Furthermore, Rizal's ideas on freedom and national
identity were central to his philosophy of man. He believed that true freedom could only be

achieved through national consciousness and pride. These two key components of Rizal's

philosophy of man, education and freedom, are closely interconnected and together they play a

crucial role in shaping the character of the individual and the nation. In this term paper, we will

delve into the intricacies of Rizal's philosophy of man and how it has shaped the Philippines'

national identity. Additionally, we will examine Rizal's specific ideas on what it means to be a

free and sovereign nation and how these ideas have influenced the Philippines' struggle for

independence and the development of its national identity. Through a close examination of these

two subtopics, we will gain a deeper understanding of Rizal's philosophy of man and its

significance in shaping the Philippines' national identity.

1. Rizal's ideas on education and its role in national development: In his writings, Rizal

emphasized the importance of education as a means of uplifting individuals and the

nation as a whole. He believed that education was essential for the development of

critical thinking, civic responsibility, and national consciousness. This subtopic could

explore the specific educational reform proposals Rizal put forward and how they were

applied in the Philippines, as well as the impact of his ideas on education in the

Philippines today.

2. Rizal's views on freedom and national identity: Rizal was a strong advocate for freedom

and self-determination for his country and people. He believed that true freedom could

only be achieved through national consciousness and pride. This subtopic could explore
 Rizal's specific ideas on what it means to be a free and sovereign nation and how these

ideas have influenced the Philippines' struggle for independence and the development of

its national identity.

III. Conclusion & Reflection

In conclusion, Jose Rizal was a multifaceted individual who made significant

contributions to both Philippine literature and the fight for independence. His works, such as the

novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," served as powerful critiques of Spanish

colonial rule and played a crucial role in inspiring the Philippine Revolution. Rizal's writings

helped to raise awareness of the plight of the Filipino people and served as a catalyst for the fight

for freedom and self-determination. Furthermore, his own life and actions were also a reflection

of the struggle for independence. His writings and speeches, his decision to return to the

Philippines after studying abroad, and ultimately his willingness to sacrifice his own life for the

cause all demonstrate his unwavering dedication to the pursuit of freedom and justice for his

people.

As I reflect on the life and philosophy of Jose Rizal, I am struck by the importance he

placed on education as a means of uplifting the Philippine people and achieving independence.

Rizal understood that education was the key to unlocking the potential of the Philippine people
and equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to govern themselves. He believed

that through education, Filipinos could learn to think critically, break down the barriers of class

and ethnicity, and unite as a nation.

Furthermore, as I reflect on Rizal's ideas, I am also reminded of the ongoing struggle for

education and self-determination in many parts of the world. Rizal's belief that education was the

key to unlocking the potential of the Philippine people and achieving independence resonates

with me as I see the ongoing fight for access to education and equal opportunities for

marginalized communities. His critique of colonialism and the injustices it inflicted on the

Philippine people also serves as a reminder that the fight for freedom and justice is ongoing, and

that we must continue to resist and speak out against oppression in all forms.

I am also struck by Rizal's critique of colonialism and the injustices it inflicted on the

Philippine people. He believed that colonialism was exploitative and oppressive, and that the

Spanish government was indifferent to the well-being of the Filipinos. He argued that

colonialism had stifled the growth and development of the Philippines, and that it was necessary

for the Philippines to be independent in order to prosper. He also believed that colonialism had

led to the erosion of Philippine culture and customs, and that it was necessary to preserve these

in order to maintain a sense of national identity.

As I ponder on these ideas, I am reminded of the current state of my own country, and the

ways in which it has been shaped by colonialism and imperialism. I am also reminded of the
importance of education as a means of empowering people to resist oppression and achieve self-

determination.

Lastly, Rizal's ideas and actions continue to inspire me to this day, and they serve as a

reminder of the power of education and the importance of standing up against injustice. His

legacy is a testament to the fact that one person can make a difference in the world, and that

through education, unity, and resistance, we can overcome even the greatest of obstacles.

References

DeStephano, S. J. (2015). José Rizal, the Quest for Filipino Independence, and the Search for

Ultimate Reality and Meaning. Retrieved January 21, 2023, from

https://utpjournals.press/doi/pdf/10.3138/uram.34.1-2.113

Jose Rizal | Biography, Education, Works, Full Name, & Facts. (2022, December 26).

Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jose-Rizal

Jose Rizal. (n.d.). Hearts Philippines & Then Some. Retrieved January 19, 2023, from

http://philippines-atbp.jimdofree.com/jose-rizal/
Alatas, S. F. (2017, March 26). José Rizal (1861–1896). José Rizal (1861–1896) | SpringerLink.

Retrieved January 19, 2023, from https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/978-1-137-

41134-1_6