BALTAZAR, JULIANA NICOLE G.

INTRO TO PHILOSOPHY OF A HUMAN PERSON

ABM – LFCASH133A001 MS. RUTH

ACTIVITY #5
1. Differentiate Primary Reflection from Secondary Reflection.
- Primary Reflection and Secondary Reflection are two distinct types of philosophical reflection. Primary Reflection involves the
ability of the mind to construct and evaluate arguments, employing logical thinking. It is characterized by fragmented and
compartmentalized thinking, where different aspects are analyzed and understood separately. Primary Reflection is instrumental
thinking focused on achieving specific goals or ends, often referred to as "means-end" thinking. It emphasizes logical reasoning,
analysis, and the evaluation of concepts and ideas based on objective knowledge and empirical evidence.
In contrast, Secondary Reflection goes beyond the fragmented thinking of Primary Reflection and seeks to integrate the
fragmented and compartmentalized experiences into a coherent whole. It involves reflective thinking that considers the broader
context and interconnections between different aspects of experience. Secondary Reflection aims to understand the deeper
meaning, significance, and unity underlying the fragmented experiences. It involves a more holistic and comprehensive approach to
reflection, moving beyond instrumental thinking and seeking a deeper understanding of the self, existence, and reality.
To summarize, Primary Reflection focuses on logical thinking and analysis of separate aspects, while Secondary Reflection goes
beyond fragmentation to integrate experiences and seek a more holistic understanding.

2. Enumerate the methods of philosophizing and define each.

1. Rationalism: Rationalism is a method of philosophizing that emphasizes the role of reason and logical deduction in acquiring
knowledge and understanding. Rationalists believe that knowledge is primarily derived from innate ideas or through a priori
reasoning rather than relying on empirical observation.
2. Empiricism: Empiricism is a method of philosophizing that emphasizes the importance of sensory experience and
observation in acquiring knowledge. Empiricists argue that knowledge is derived from empirical evidence and sensory
perception, and they reject the existence of innate ideas.
3. Pragmatism: Pragmatism is a method of philosophizing that focuses on the practical consequences and outcomes of ideas
and beliefs. Pragmatists believe that the truth and value of concepts are determined by their practical usefulness in
achieving desired outcomes.
4. Existentialism: Existentialism is a method of philosophizing that emphasizes the individual's subjective experience, free will,
and personal responsibility in creating meaning and purpose in life. Existentialists often explore themes such as authenticity,
anxiety, and the nature of existence.
5. Phenomenology: Phenomenology is a method of philosophizing that examines and describes subjective experiences as they
are directly perceived by individuals. Phenomenologists seek to understand the structures of consciousness and the ways in
which individuals experience and interpret the world.
6. Analytic Philosophy: Analytic philosophy is a method of philosophizing that emphasizes clarity of language, logical analysis,
and the use of formal logic to examine philosophical problems. Analytic philosophers aim to clarify concepts and arguments
through rigorous analysis and often rely on the tools of logic and language.
7. Hermeneutics: Hermeneutics is a method of philosophizing that focuses on the interpretation and understanding of texts,
symbols, and cultural phenomena. It involves the analysis of meanings and the examination of the conditions and context in
which these meanings are produced.
8. Dialectics: Dialectics is a method of philosophizing that involves examining and resolving contradictions and opposing
viewpoints to arrive at a higher synthesis. It is often associated with the work of philosophers such as Georg Wilhelm
Friedrich Hegel and Karl Marx, who used dialectical reasoning to analyze social, historical, and philosophical phenomena.

Research about the following:

Human Nature
Human nature refers to the fundamental qualities, characteristics, and behaviors that are inherent to human beings. It explores the
essence of what it means to be human and seeks to understand the underlying nature and capabilities of humans. The concept of
human nature has been a subject of philosophical, psychological, and sociological inquiry throughout history, with various theories
and perspectives offered to explain human behavior, cognition, emotions, and social interactions.
a. Mind and Body Dualism
- Mind and body dualism is a philosophical concept that posits the existence of two distinct substances: the mind (or soul) and the
physical body. This view suggests that the mind and body are separate entities that interact with each other but possess different
natures. It has its roots in ancient philosophical traditions but was famously articulated by philosopher René Descartes in the 17th
century.
According to Descartes, the mind (or the thinking substance) is non-physical, indivisible, and conscious, while the body (or the
extended substance) is physical, divisible, and operates according to the laws of nature. Dualism implies that mental phenomena,
such as thoughts, emotions, and consciousness, cannot be reduced to physical processes in the brain alone. This perspective has
stimulated debates and discussions about the relationship between the mind and the body, raising questions about the nature of
consciousness, free will, and the possibility of an immaterial soul.
b. Hegelian Dialectic
- The Hegelian dialectic is a philosophical framework developed by German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel in the 19th
century. It is a method of reasoning and understanding that involves the exploration of opposing ideas or viewpoints (thesis and
antithesis) in order to arrive at a higher level of truth or synthesis.
According to Hegel, all ideas or concepts (thesis) contain within themselves contradictions or oppositions (antithesis). The clash of
these opposing forces leads to a synthesis, which represents a new and more comprehensive understanding that resolves the
contradictions of the original ideas. This process of thesis-antithesis-synthesis is often referred to as the dialectical triad.
Hegelian dialectic has been influential in various fields, including philosophy, social theory, politics, and history. It has been used to
analyze social and historical development, understand conflicts, and explore the dynamic nature of ideas and concepts. The
dialectical method has also influenced other philosophers and thinkers, such as Karl Marx, who adapted Hegelian dialectics into his
own theory of historical materialism.