Learning Area: Introduction to the Philosophy of the
Human Person
Semester: 1st , Q 1
Learner’s Home Task No.: 1 and 2
What Is Philosophy?
The very question sounds philosophical, doesn’t it? But
what exactly does that mean?
The word philosophy means “love of wisdom.” Indeed,
it is a love of wisdom that guides philosophers to
explore the fundamental questions about who we are
and why we’re here. On the surface, philosophy is a
social science. But as you read the following TMLTs,
you’ll discover that it is so much more than that.
Philosophy touches on every subject you could possibly
think of. It’s not just a bunch of old Greek guys asking
each other questions over and over again (though it has
its fair share of that as well). Philosophy has very real
applications; from the ethical questions raised in
government policy to the logic forms required in
computer programming, everything has its roots in
philosophy.
Through philosophy, we are able to explore concepts
like the meaning of life, knowledge, morality, reality,
the existence of God, consciousness, politics,
economics, art, linguistics—philosophy has no bounds!
PRE-SOCRATIC
The following are the most notable ancient Greek
philosophers.
1. The Milesian School - The first pre-Socratic
philosophers existed in the city of Miletus, along the
western coast of Anatolia (modern Turkey). From
Miletus came three important pre-Socratic
philosophers: Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes.
Thales - one of the most important pre-Socratic
philosophers,
Thales (624–546 b.c.), claimed the archê, or the single
element, was water. Thales determined that water
could experience principles of change like evaporation
and condensation, therefore allowing for it to be
gaseous or solid. He also knew that water was
responsible for moisture (which heat was generated
from) and nourishment. Thales even believed the earth
floated on water. Anaximander - following Thales, the
next major philosopher to come out of Miletus was
Anaximander (610– 546 b.c.). Unlike Thales,
Anaximander claimed the single element was actually
an undefined, unlimited, and indefinite substance,
known as apeiron. From this, opposites like moist and
dry and cold and hot separated from each other.
Anaximander is known for being the first philosopher
that we know of to have left writings of his work.
Anaximenes - the last important pre-Socratic
philosopher of the Milesian school was Anaximenes
(585–528 b.c.), who believed the single element was air.
According to Anaximenes, air is everywhere and has the
ability to undergo processes and become transformed
into other things, such as water, clouds, wind, fire, and
even the earth.
Phythagoras (570 BCE to 495 BCE) - A mathematician
and scientist, he was credited with formulating the
Phythagorean theorem. His work earned him many
followers, and he established a community of learners
who were devoted to the study of religion and
philosophy.
Heraclitus (535 BCE to 475 BCE) - He proposed that
everything that exists is based on a higher order or plan
which he called logos. For him, change is a permanent
aspect of the human condition as he was credited with
the saying, “No man ever steps in the same river twice.”
Democritus (460 BCE to 370 BCE) - He devoted himself
to the study of the causes of natural phenomena. He
was among the first to propose that matter is composed
of tiny particles called atoms.
THE SOCRATICS
Socrates (470 BCE to 399 BCE) – He was considered the
foremost philosopher of ancient times. He made great
contributions to the field of ethics. Socrates was a
known critic of intellectuals during his time, but he
himself did not claim to be “wise” and merely
considered himself a “midwife” that helped inquiring
minds achieve wisdom. He also believed that philosophy
could enable a man to live a life of virtue. he was
credited with formulating the Socratic Method – a
means of examining a topic by devising a series of
questions that let the learner examine and analyze his
knowledge and views regarding the topic.
Plato (427 BCE to 347 BCE) –A student of Socrates, he
wrote down his mentor’s teachings and incorporated
some of his own ideas into them. His teachings and
writings were considered the foundations of
Western philosophy. Plato’s most significant ideas
included his Theory of Forms, which proposes that
everything that exists is based on an idea or template
that can only be perceived in the mind; these
nonphysical ideas are eternal and unchanging. He also
focused his studies on the ideal society and proposed an
ideal model of government and society which is ruled by
wisdom and reason.
Plato is also known for his dialectic-a method of inquiry
where two opposing ideas are discussed in an attempt
to arrive at new knowledge .Plato’s lasting contribution
to learning was his founding of the Academy, an
institution of higher learning which was first of its kind
in Western World. generalization.
Aristotle (384 BCE to 322 BCE) – He attended the
Academy, and was a prominent student of Plato.
Aristotle, however, disagreed with Plato’s theory of
forms and took a different stance in interpreting reality.
For him, all ideas and views are based on perception
and our reality is based on what we can sense and
perceive. This view greatly influenced the study of the
physical sciences. Aristotle was involved in a great
variety of disciplines such as zoology, psychology,
ethics, and politics. He also proposed a system for the
classification of plants and animals. his studies in logic
led to the formulation of a formal process of analyzing
reasoning which gave rise to deductive reasoning - the
process by which specific statements are analyzed to
reach a conclusion or generalization.
Holistic thinking refers to a perspective that considers
large-scale patterns in systems. This is often described
as looking at the “big picture” when describing and
analyzing a situation or problem. A holistic perspective
requires an individual to have an open mindset and an
ability to get the general sense or impression regarding
a situation. 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 it. Though partial
thinking is useful, philosophy utilizes holistic thinking in
making sense of problems and issues related to the
human experience.
Holistic Points of View Partial Points 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.Example:
A teacher listens first to both stories of her two arguing
students before making any conclusion about the issue.
► 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.
Example:
A teacher scolds Student A after Student B accused him
of stealing her pencil case. However, the teacher only
listened to the story of Student B, and not Student A,
before deciding to scold the student.
Philosophical Reflection
Philosophical reflection is the process by which a person
undergoes a reflective state or evaluates his or her
experiences first before making any related action. The
use of philosophical reflection is important as it enables
thought to be looked into using a deeper, holistic
perspective. In effect, actions are directed towards
greater sources of wisdom and truth.
Human Activities Emanated from Deliberate Reflection
In the process, one can learn more about himself or
herself, including personal beliefs, ideals, or values.
Previous experiences may be seen as important aspects
of making reflections because they facilitate deeper
thinking and understanding of the self. Aside from
knowing the self, many other activities also emanate
from reflection.
Examples:
► learning from your previous mistakes and not
repeating them again
► evaluating and knowing the best choice from a
set of options
► gaining a holistic point of view first before
making any conclusion
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. 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.
Process of Doing Philosophy
Doing philosophy means engaging oneself in “matters of
utility” and methodologies to eliminate any practical
problem or abstract idea. In the process of doing
philosophy, it is critical to have a holistic point of view—
the perception of looking at all aspects of a situation
first before making a conclusion. Some other skills
involved in doing philosophy are critical, logical, and
analytical thinking, observation, and communicative
skills.
Importance/Uses of Doing Philosophy
1. Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical
analysis and interpretation of concepts, definitions,
arguments and problems.
2. Philosophy also improves problem solving and
decision making.
3. A philosopher can clearly and adequately present his
or her ideas.
Wisdom- is one intended product of philosophizing, and
this refers to a person’s ability to apply knowledge to
daily life .
4. Knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self-
development
Doing philosophy can be applied in day-to-day activities
and life perspectives. Because it involves an evaluative
process, doing philosophy allows a person to make
better decisions and act accordingly to situations with
the help of various philosophical skills.
Furthermore, on life perspectives, philosophy enables
reflective thinking which greatly influences a person’s
view of life, challenges, and relationships. Doing
philosophy directs how a person will perceive these
factors in life and how they will be faced.
In any setting, wisdom is always gained when
philosophy is applied to formulate a conclusion about a
certain concern. Philosophy has opened doors for
debates over many concerns such as the purpose of life,
the existence of good and evil, and the way to the truth.
Even as a young student, you have already been
introduced to philosophy as a discipline. As you proceed
to higher levels of your study, you will encounter more
philosophical issues that are more advanced and
complicated to resolve In doing philosophy, a holistic
perspective on the subject is always required. Failure to
do so or only using a partial point of view may lead to
illogical or incorrect conclusions. In the process of doing
philosophy, it is critical to have a holistic perspective—
the perception of looking at all aspects of a situation
first before making a conclusion. This point of view is
different from holistic thinking which is a mental activity
of recognizing the interconnectedness of systems and
procedures to form a general picture of an issue.
Learning Area: Introduction to the Philosophy of the
Human Person
Semester: 1st
Learner’s Home Task No.: 3 and 4
I. MELC: Distinguish truth from opinion/Realize that the
methods of philosophy lead to wisdom and truth (PPT
11/12-Id-2.1 &2.2)
Truth lies at the heart of any inquiry. Knowledge must
be truthful to gain validity and acceptance. Statements
about the world or reality are called propositions and
these may or may not carry truth. Knowledge is the
clear awareness and understanding of something.
How do we know if statements/something is true?
1. If proven through the use of one’s senses.
Ex. I am a Filipino
2. If it is based on facts.
Ex. Look for official documents that prove you are a
Filipino.
Natural phenomenon.
3. Getting a consensus or having people agree on a
common belief
Ex. All your parents and relatives agree that you are a
Filipino.
4. If they can be applied to real life.
Ex. I am teaching now.
5. Tests determine truth/proving its validity.
Ex. I can play basketball.
Opinions are statements that are either true or
not true. These are also statements which not only give
facts but provide conclusions or perspectives regarding
certain situations. Opinions may advance a belief about
certain things.
Opinions are often influenced by bias. This
means that a person having the opinion may have views
that affect the way he or she sees reality.
Ex. Of opinions
1. I am very rich.
2. Fake news
Methods of Philosophizing
1. Rene Descartes - (1596-1650), a French philosopher
says that only the mind, not the body can arrive at clear
and distinct ideas which cannot be doubted (Descartes,
Moriarty: 2008). In the process, he comes to the
conclusion that there is one thing that cannot be
doubted, and that is, doubt itself. Even if he doubts that
he is doubting, the doubting still clearly demonstrates
that he is doubting. He realizes, that doubting is
thinking. Therefore, thinking cannot likewise be
doubted. The more he doubts that he is thinking, the
clearer it appears that he is actually thinking. If there is
doubting and thinking, then there must also be a
thinker and a doubter. And that of course, is Descartes
himself. “I am! I exist!” When one thinks, one intuitively
or immediately realizes that he exists. This is the first
clear and distinct idea that one arrives at, namely, that
thinking implies the thinker’s existence.
2. Western Modern Thinking- thinker is separated from
the world-looking at the world from an objective point
of view.
3. Tao Method-stresses that human being is one
with the universe: everything that happens in the
universe will ultimately affect man and everything that
man does will affect the universe; living in harmony
with the changes of Nature.
4. Oriental Method-striving to achieve balance in
everything- a balance between thinking and moving,
resting and working, taking in and letting go.
Note: The journey of philosophizing is a personal
journey. There is no specific method to follow.
Whatever glimpse of the truth we get will always a
partial and different from others because we all look at
the truth differently and use different approaches to
arriving at truth. No one has the final answer to
everything. It’s important that we constantly engage
others to help us examine and reflect on these truths
that we hold.