CONTENT STANDARD

The learner understands the meaning and process of

doing philosophy
LEARNING COMPETENCY
Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial p
OBJECTIVES
1. Define philosophy.
2. Identify salient features of philosophy.
3. Cite situational examples where philosophy is
important.
Read the following items carefully. Write the letter of
your answer.
1. Most of social science concepts have etymological background.
Which of the following tells about the etymology or origin of the
term philosophy?
A. The term philosophy comes from two Greek words philo and
sophia which means “to love” and “wisdom”, respectively.
B. The term philosophy comes from Confucian idea which says
that deep thinking is essential to one’s well-being.
C. The term philosophy comes from two Greek words philo and
sophia which means “to argue” and “agree”, respectively.
D. The term philosophy was coined by early philosophers which
means reasoning.
2. Social Science is composed of many different disciplines.
Which of the following statements shows the relationship
between Social Science and Philosophy?
A. Social Science and Philosophy are disciplines.
B. Philosophy is a discipline under Social Science.
C. Philosophy is employed in many different disciplines in
making arguments.
D. Social Science is a discipline under Philosophy.
3. Disciplines like Economics, Sociology, Psychology, History, among
others; follow scientific method in their inquiry. What makes
Philosophy a science?
A. Philosophy is a science because it enables us to find answers
to our questions.
B. Philosophy is a science because reasoning itself is a science.
C. Philosophy is a science because, as a discipline, it helps other
sciences in their quest for answers.
D. Philosophy is a science because it is an organized body of
knowledge just like any other sciences.
4. Philosophy is considered as a science. However, what makes it
different from other sciences?
A. It is different from other sciences in the sense that it considers
itself unique.
B. It is different from other sciences because it focuses mainly on
reasoning.
C. It is different from other sciences because it does not employ
laboratory instrument nor any investigative tools but instead
uses human reason alone.
D. It is different from other sciences simply because philosophers
are different from scientists.
5. Philosophy is overarching other sciences. What makes
philosophical approach overarching other sciences?
A. Philosophy is said to be overarching other sciences for the
reason that it became a discipline ahead of other sciences.
B. Philosophy is said to be overarching other sciences because
all of them originated from it.
C. Philosophy is said to be overarching other sciences because it
studies everything.
D. Philosophy is said to be overarching other sciences because
each field of science uses scientific method just like
Philosophy.
6. One of the characteristics of doing philosophy is that it is
multidimensional or holistic in its approach. What is meant by
holistic?
A. It means that a philosopher does not limit himself to a
particular object of inquiry.
B. It means that a philosopher questions almost anything, if not
everything.
C. It means that philosophical approach must be based on
empirical evidences.
D. Both A and B are correct.
7. Philosophy follows First Cause or Highest Principle. Which
of the following pertains to the Principle of Identity?
A. The Principle of Identity means “it is impossible for a
thing to be and not to be at the same time, and at the
same respect”.
B. The Principle of Identity means “everything is what it is”.
C. The Principle of Identity means “nothing exists without a
sufficient reason for its being and existence”.
D. The Principle of Identity means “a thing is either is or is
not, there is no middle ground possible”.
8. The Principle of Sufficient Reason states that “nothing exists
without sufficient reason for its being and existence”. Which of the
following scenarios best describes this principle?
A. Ghosts as popularly known are spirits who could not be
accepted either in hell nor in heaven.
B. Anything afloat the atmosphere will fall down on Earth because
gravity will work on it after some time in one way or another.
C. Cats have nine lives because they can easily prevent accidents.
D. Happy people are those who are contented with their lives.
9. One distinguishing characteristic of philosophy is that it uses Natural
Light of Reason. Choose from the following statements below that best
describes this characteristic.
A. A philosopher uses his natural capacity to think or the so-called
unaided reason.
B. A philosopher uses experiments to test his arguments and
consequently uses the result of such experiment to aid his reasoning.
C. A philosopher employs his gut feeling in order to arrive at reasonable
argument.
D. A philosopher can assume what the majority thinks and consider such
as valid reasoning.
10. One of the Highest Principles employed by philosophical
inquiry is the Principle of Non-Contradiction. Which of the
following statements best applies this principle?
A. A cow is the same as beef.
B. Ice is a liquid matter in solid form.
C. If Ana went to school then she is not anywhere else.
D. The same person is present in two places at the same
time.
1. What comes to your mind whenever you hear the word
Philosophy?
2. What are the important requirements in doing
Philosophy?
3. How is Philosophy helpful in our day to day life?
The term Philosophy came from two Greek words philo
and sophia which means “to love” and “wisdom”,
respectively. Simply put, Philosophy means the love of
reasoning making wisdom as its primary goal.
Technically, Philosophy is defined as the science that by
natural light of reason studies the highest principles of
things.
In order to understand further the meaning of
Philosophy, the following salient features of it must be
taken into consideration:
A.) Philosophy is a science. It is called as such because
it is systematic and follows certain steps or procedures.
In short, it is an organized body of knowledge same as
any other sciences.
B.) It employs Natural Light of Reason. This means that
philosophical investigation does not use any laboratory
instrument, investigative tools nor supernatural
approach. Philosophers use their natural thinking
capacity or use the so-called unaided reason.
C.) Philosophy has an inclination to Study All Things. Other
sciences concern themselves with a particular object of
investigation such as: anthropology which deals with human
beings in relation with the society; sociology focuses on
society, its forms, structures and functions; botany
concentrates its attention on plants; Philosophy may deal
with human beings, society and plants among others. It is
this character that Philosophy is considered
multidimensional or holistic.
D.) Philosophy employs First Cause or Highest
Principle. Note: that principle means a reason (or an
explanation) from which something proceeds in any
manner whatsoever.

The fourth characteristic (D) of Philosophy mentioned

above is composed of the following:
1.) Principle of Identity. In simple terms, this principle
means “everything is what it is”. What is not is not and
what is is. For example, a seed is a seed and will no
longer be seed when it appears like not a seed.
 2.) Principle of Non-Contradiction. This principle
states that it is an impossibility for a particular thing to
be and not to be at the same time at the same respect.
For example, a seedling is different from a seed. If we
say that a seedling is a seed, then that seedling is a
seed. They can never be both.
3.) Principle of Excluded Middle. This principle
explains that everything must be “either be or not be”
or “either is or is not”. There is no middle ground thus
the term “excluded middle”. For example, anger is
different from happiness. There is no such thing as
mixture of anger and happiness. And lastly,
4.) the Principle of Sufficient Reason. This principle
states that there is sufficient reason for the being and
existence of everything. Conversely, nothing exists
without any reason at all. For example, to say that
something is unexplainable already gives a reason for it
being unexplainable.
By using the aforementioned philosophical concepts
will enable one’s argumentation more valid, reliable and
strong. Thus, doing philosophy becomes more easy and
intelligible.
Read the following puzzle and try to answer what are
being asked.
 Three friends decided to eat in a restaurant. Each has P10. They
agreed to cheap in their money (amounting to P30) and chose a
menu which they could eat together. After finishing their meal, they’ve
learned that their bill amounted to P25.
This is what they did with the remaining P5. Each one got P1
back and they gave the waiter P2 as tip.
Here’s the puzzle. If each of them contributed P10 and got back
P1 later it means that each one actually spent P9. If we multiply P9
by 3 (friends), it means that they spent P27. Adding the P2 they gave
to the waiter to P27 they spent, makes it P29. If their money from the
start is P30, where is the P1?
Are you ready to lay down your reasons whether there
is a missing peso? Use the following guide questions to
present your arguments.
1. Can we really find the missing P1 in the puzzle? Why or
why not?
2. What argument/s can you give regarding the puzzle?
3. What philosophical concepts, discussed earlier, will you
use in order to make your argument/s valid and strong?
4. How are you going to use such concepts in number 3 to
present your argument/s?
 Doing philosophy requires the use of appropriate concepts
so as to make one’s statements clear, valid, reliable and strong.
The thoughts that we have in our mind remain abstract unless
we use certain concepts to translate these abstractions.
Philosophical concepts give form to the thoughts that we have
in mind. The proper use of philosophical concepts which gives
clarity, validity, reliability and strength to our statements
results to easier relating and understanding to the world around
us.
 How would you argue on finding the missing peso in
the puzzle if the only thing you have are ideas in abstract
form present only in your mind? If you are to argue, you
need philosophical concepts. Only then your arguments
can be heard and judged. So, how do we find the missing
peso using philosophical concepts?
 First, we can use that character of Philosophy which
employs the so-called natural light of reason. It is by simply
using our natural capacity to think. The puzzle will be difficult
to solve if we will rely solely on mathematics principles. For
there are other underlying reasons in the puzzle that
mathematics cannot solve by itself. By reasoning out that
mathematics is not sufficient to find the missing peso is
tantamount to the use of natural light of reason.
 Let’s apply the Principle of Non-Contradiction. It says
that it is impossible for a thing to be and not to be at the
same time. P30 is impossible to be P29. For P30 is P30.
And P29 is P29. They can never be the same.
 By applying the Principle of Sufficient Reason, P29 should
not be existent in the first place. For P27 (total expense) and P2
(waiter’s tip) should not go together for they are of different
respect or aspect. P27 is part of the P30 and P2 is part of the
P5 (change). P2 is already included in the P27 total expense.
What must go together are: P27 (expense) and P3 (P1 each of
the three friends) as components of P30, or P2 (tip) and P3 (P1
each of the three friends) as components of change (P5), or P25
(food) and P5 (change).
Therefore, there is no missing P1!
In the end, by painstakingly and eagerly looking for the
missing peso we are making ourselves seek wisdom
along the process. Remember also that there are other
real puzzles in our day-to-day life which Philosophical
concepts mentioned above will be of great help.
The following are some day-to-day situations or
scenarios which doing philosophy can be helpful:
1. Distinguishing the content of news in social media as to
whether it’s fake or not.
2. Improving one’s reading comprehension.
3. Enhancing one’s argumentative or reasoning skills both
in written and oral communication.
4. Listing down of one’s priorities.
5. Planning activities.
The remaining numbers are yours to fill in.
6. __________________________________________
7. __________________________________________
8. __________________________________________
9. __________________________________________
10. ________________________________________
Doing philosophy can also be applied in making laws.
Nowadays, the number of minors involved in criminal
acts is rising. There had been proposals by some
legislators that the age of criminal liability be reduced
to 15 years old as opposed to the usual 18 years old.
Make your arguments regarding this issue. Write your
clear and valid arguments on the space provided.
Read the following items carefully. Write the letter of
your answer.
1. Philosophy is considered to be overarching other fields of science.
What makes philosophical approach overarching other sciences?
A. Philosophy is said to be overarching other sciences for the
reason that it became a discipline ahead of other sciences.
B. Philosophy is said to be overarching other sciences because
all of them originated from it.
C. Philosophy is said to be overarching other sciences because it
studies everything.
D. Philosophy is said to be overarching other sciences because
each field of science uses scientific method just like
Philosophy.
2. There are many different disciplines under Social Science.
Which of the following statements shows the relationship
between Social Science and Philosophy?
A. Social Science and Philosophy are disciplines.
B. Philosophy is a discipline under Social Science.
C. Philosophy is employed in many different disciplines in
making arguments.
D. Social Science is a discipline under Philosophy.
3. Economics, Sociology, Psychology, History, among others; are
disciplines that follow scientific method in their inquiry thus
making them science. What makes Philosophy a science?
A. Philosophy is a science because it enables us to find answers
to our questions.
B. Philosophy is a science because reasoning itself is a science.
C. Philosophy is a science because, as a discipline, it helps other
sciences in their quest for answers.
D. Philosophy is a science because it is an organized body of
knowledge just like any other sciences.
4. Most of social science concepts have etymological background.
Which of the following tells about the etymology or origin of the
term philosophy?
A. The term philosophy comes from two Greek words philo and
sophia which means “to love” and “wisdom”, respectively.
B. The term philosophy comes from Confucian idea which says
that deep thinking is essential to one’s well-being.
C. The term philosophy comes from two Greek words philo and
sophia which means “to argue” and “agree”, respectively.
D. The term philosophy was coined by early philosophers which
means reasoning.
5. One of the characteristics of doing philosophy is that it is
multidimensional or holistic in its approach. What is meant by
holistic?
A. It means that a philosopher does not limit himself to a
particular object of inquiry.
B. It means that a philosopher questions almost anything, if not
everything.
C. It means that philosophical approach must be based on
empirical evidences.
D. Both A and B are correct.
6. The Principle of Non-Contradiction is one of the Highest
Principles employed by philosophical inquiry. Which of the
following statements best applies this principle?
A. A cow is the same as beef.
B. Ice is a liquid matter in solid form.
C. If Ana went to school then she is not anywhere else.
D. The same person is present in two places at the same
time.
7. “Nothing exists without sufficient reason for its being and
existence” is stated by the Principle of Sufficient Reason. Which
of the following scenarios best describes this principle?
A. Ghosts as popularly known are spirits who could not be
accepted either in hell nor in heaven.
B. Anything afloat the atmosphere will fall down on Earth
because gravity will work on it after some time in one way or
another.
C. Cats have nine lives because they can easily prevent accidents.
D. Happy people are those who are contented with their lives.
8. One distinguishing characteristic of philosophy is that it uses
Natural Light of Reason. Choose from the following statements
below that best describes this characteristic.
A. A philosopher uses his natural capacity to think or the so-
called unaided reason.
B. A philosopher uses experiments to test his arguments and
consequently uses the result of such experiment to aid his
reasoning.
C. A philosopher employs his gut feeling in order to arrive at
reasonable argument.
D. A philosopher can assume what the majority thinks and
consider such as valid reasoning.
9. Philosophy follows First Cause or Highest Principle. Which of the
following pertains to the Principle of Identity?
A. The Principle of Identity means “it is impossible for a thing to
be and not to be at the same time, and at the same respect”.
B. The Principle of Identity means “everything is what it is”.
C. The Principle of Identity means “nothing exists without a
sufficient reason for its being and existence”.
D. The Principle of Identity means “a thing is either is or is not,
there is no middle ground possible”.
10. `Philosophy is a science just like any other sciences. But what
makes it different from other sciences?
A. It is different from other sciences in the sense that it
considers itself unique.
B. It is different from other sciences because it focuses mainly
on reasoning.
C. It is different from other sciences because it does not employ
laboratory instrument nor any investigative tools but instead
uses human reason alone.
D. It is different from other sciences simply because
philosophers are different from scientists.
Philosophy means the love of reasoning making wisdom
its primary goal. Philosophy is defined as the science
that by natural light of reason studies the highest
principles of things.
The salient features of Philosophy are: it applies science in
its investigation similar to other sciences, employs the
Natural Light of Reason or the natural capacity to think
compared to other sciences which use laboratory instrument
or investigative tools, it is a Study of All Things thus
overarching other sciences, it is also guided by First Cause
or Highest Principle in doing the process of philosophizing.
The First Cause or Highest Principle are comprised of:
Principle of Identity,
Principle of Non-Contradiction,
Principle of Excluded Middle and Principle of Sufficient
Reason.
Using any, if not all, of these philosophical principles
enables the process of reasoning clear, valid, reliable and
strong.