12

Introduction to
the Philosophy of
the Human
Person
Quarter 2 – Module 4b:
The Human Person In Society:
Social Interaction & Social Systems
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person - 11

Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on The Human Person In Society:
Social Interaction & Social Systems!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by

educators both from public and private institutions to assist you, the
teacher or facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic
constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore,
this also aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while
taking into consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies
that will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing
them to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to
encourage and assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

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For the learner:

Welcome to the Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person 11

Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on The Human Person In Society:
Social Interaction & Social Systems!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and
time. You will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource
while being an active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

This will give you an idea of the skills or

What I Need to Know competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.

This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
What I Know
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.
This is a brief drill or review to help you link
What’s In the current lesson with the previous one.

In this portion, the new lesson will be

What’s New introduced to you in various ways; a story, a
song, a poem, a problem opener, an activity
or a situation.
This section provides a brief discussion of the
What is It lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.
This comprises activities for independent
practice to solidify your understanding and
What’s More
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.
This includes questions orblank
What I Have Learned sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process
what you learned from the lesson.
This section provides an activity which will
What I Can Do help you transfer your new knowledge or skill
into real life situations or concerns.

iii
 This is a task which aims to evaluate your
Assessment level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.
In this portion, another activity will be given
Additional Activities to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
lesson learned.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in

developing this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other
activities included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through
with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do
not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind
that you are not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful

learning and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You
can do it!

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 What I Need to Know
“So we live in two worlds: one characterized by social exchanges
and the other characterized by market exchanges. And we apply
different norms to these two kinds of relationships. Moreover, introducing
market norms into social exchanges...violates the social norms and hurts
the relationships. Once this type of mistake has been committed,
recovering a social relationship is difficult.”
– Dan Ariely, Predictably Irrational

In this module, social systems will be introduced to you, so as, how

human relations are transformed by social systems, the difference
between transactional and personal relationships and how society
enables an individual to become a better person.

MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY:

Explain how human relations are transformed by social systems. PPT11/12-IIg-7.3

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

• Define what a social system is and how to analyze it;

• Discuss how human relations are transformed by social systems; and
• Evaluate the transformation of human relationships by social systems and
how societies transform individual beings.

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 What I Know
Pre-Test

MULTIPLE CHOICE
Directions: Read the questions below and write the letter of the correct answer in
your activity notebook.

1. This philosopher believes that society is organized based on the “consent of

the governed”.
A. Thomas Hobbes C. John Locke
B. Jean Jacques Rousseau D. Jon Rawls
2. It is an agreement among individuals to sacrifice some of their wants and submit
to a higher authority.

A. general will C. natural state B. self-interest D. social

contract
3. According to this philosopher, mankind in their natural state, are governed by
desire which leads to conflict among individuals.

A. Thomas Hobbes C. John Locke B. Jean Jacques

Rousseau D. Jon Rawls
4. David Gauthier described people’s __________ as a significant factor in
building and maintaining societies.
A. freedom C. opinion
B. self-interest D. freewill
5. This philosopher believes that humans naturally seek a just and fair society
because of self-interest.

A. John Locke C. David Gauthier B. Jon Rawls D. Thomas

Hobbes
6. This is an organized or patterned set of relationships among individuals and
groups that compose a society.
A. social group C. social institutions
B. social classes D. social system
7. How does society enable an individual to become a better person?
A. Society recognizes the capability of the persons to develop, and provides
its members with opportunities to better themselves.
B. Society, through the establishment of norms, influences an individual
ability to define genuine relationships and interactions.
C. Society can contribute to individual’s decisions and actions making them
catalyst of change.
D. All of the above
8. This philosopher considered persons in their natural states as more
cooperative and reasonable, and that society is formed through the consent of
the individuals that organized it.
A. John Locke C. David Gauthier
B. Jon Rawls D. Thomas Hobbes
 9. A social system is composed of two or more individuals, which are called
___________.
A. actors C. social groups
B. social classes D. all of the above
10. This philosopher believes that people are the ones who organized society and
established an authority or government, in extreme cases, the government is
able to impose its will on the people.
A. Thomas Hobbes C. John Locke
B. Jean Jacques Rousseau D. Jon Rawls

What’s In
In the previous lesson, we learned about the different social relations and their
corresponding interactions in the society. In this module, we will dive deeper into the
different types of systems found in the society.

LET’S READ & PONDER

Directions: Read the situations below and write your answers in your activity
notebook.

SITUATION 1:
A very good friend of yours visits you and your family in your house. Your mother,
delighted by her presence, cooks her best dish for her. Your friend loved the whole lunch
that she kept complimenting your mother for being such a good cook. At the end of her
visit, she expresses her gratitude to the whole family. Before she leaves,
she approaches your mother and asks, “How much will I pay you for the lunch you
cooked for me?”

SITUATION 2:
You are going through a very rough time. You feel so down that you need
someone to talk to. You send a text message to your friend asking her if she could come
over to make you feel better. Your friend gives you a call then tells you she will be there
in 20 minutes. You are so happy to see her, you give her a big hug, then pour your heart
out. After crying to her for a good 30 minutes, she gives some comforting words. You
finally say that you feel so much better. Your friend then says, “That’s good to know.
Now we’re done, could we settle my expenses for this – 20 pesos for the
phone call, 35 pesos for the tricycle ride going to your place, 20 pesos for all the tissue
paper you drew from my tissue pack, and 10 pesos for the time I lost to working
productively because I have to come here. Thanks.”

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Guide Question: Write your answer in your notebook.
1. What would be your mother’s reaction to your friend’s gesture?
2. What would be your reaction/s to your friend after she says those words?
3. Is there something wrong with the friend’s response to your mother’s
hospitality?
4. Why do you think it is wrong? Is asking for payment always wrong? When do
you think is it appropriate?

What’s New
Directions: Read the questions below and write your answers in your
activity notebook.

1. What is a social system?

___________________________________________________________

2. Are social systems necessary? Why or why not?

___________________________________________________________

3. How are social systems able to control the actions of individuals? Relate it
to your experiences.
___________________________________________________________

4. Is being part of the social group help improve human relations? Why or
why not?
___________________________________________________________

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 What is It
THE SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY

During the Enlightenment, social philosophers pondered on the natural laws

that govern human societies, and in their discussions, several philosophers put forth
their theories regarding the formation of societies.

Enlightenment philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean

Jacques Rousseau were among the most prominent social theorists who tackled the
origins of human society. To fully understand the true character of society, they
imagined humans as living in a so called “nature state,” removed from modernity
and civilization. Examining humans in their natural state afforded these philosophers
an opportunity to discuss the origins of society and relate them to other concepts
such as man’s intrinsic nature and liberty. Various views emerged to explain the
developments that brought about the emergence of human society.

For Thomas Hobbes, people in their natural states are governed by their
desires and these often lead to conflict with their fellowmen. Society, therefore, is the
means by which people seek to control their natural tendencies and impose order.
Individuals who establish societies enter into a “social contract” – an agreement
where individuals sacrifice an amount of their freedom and submit to a higher
authority. In this way, society is able to function and meet the needs of many,
ensuring the survival of humanity.

John Locke proposed his own ideas on social contract with a different
assumption. Unlike Hobbes, Locke considered persons in their natural states as
more cooperative and reasonable, and that society is formed through the consent of
the individuals that organized it. This concept is known as the consent of the
governed. Locke’s social contract is a covenant among individuals to cooperate and
share the burden of upholding the welfare of society. Also, the authority established
to rub society should reflect the ideals of the people who organized it. Should this
authority fail to uphold its obligation or live up to the ideals of the people, it will be
discarded and replaced with a new one.

Jean Jacques Rousseau’s ideas on the social contract led him to advocate
the concept of the “general will”. Rousseau believed that even if the people are the
ones who organized society and established an authority or government, in extreme
cases, the government is able to impose its will on the people. This is based on the
assumption that the people have empowered the government to act on their behalf,
and that is considered to be the best judge of what is most beneficial for society.

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 More recent views on the social contract give emphasis to individual decision-
making in society. John Rawls redefined the social contract and explained that
human beings approach social cooperation in a rational manner in order to meet
their individual self-interest. Rawls introduced a version of the natural state which he
called the original position to explain social formation. He imagined humans as
having a “veil of ignorance,” or no knowledge of one’s own characteristics such as
gender, race, or social status. In this state, humans would naturally seek a just and
fair society in an effort to look out for their own interest. David Gauthier described
people’s self-interest as a significant factor in building and maintaining societies.
People choose to cooperate since the actions of individuals in meeting their
individual needs also further the interests of other members of society.

Although there are variations on the social contract theory, perhaps one
common feature they all have is the fact that the different individuals enter into a kind
of agreement with one another to form a society. Individual members put aside their
self-interest in order to create a community where they may live in harmony with
others. It is important to note that in a society, one is not compromised for the sake
of the other; the individual is not in any way violated for the sake of the community
and vice versa. Only a society which endures the development of the individual and
his or her community may be considered a proper and humanizing society.

What Is a Social System?

A social system is an organized or patterned set of relationships among

individuals and groups of society. It consists of a group of individual actors
interacting with each other in a situation that has at least a physical or environmental
aspect. These actors are motivated in terms of tendency toward “optimization of
gratification” and whose relations to their situations, including to each other, is
defined and mediated in terms of system of culturally structured and shared symbols.

There are four factors that make up a social system and the relationships
involved in forming it. First, a social system is composed of two or more individuals,
which are called actors. Second, the actors interact with one another physically or in
an environment. Third, the interaction is goal-directed, which means that they are
interacting because they have a goal to achieve. Fourth, the relationship is mediated
by shared symbols.

Hence, social organizations are social systems because they are made up of
individuals interacting for a common goal, where each has a part or function. Families,
organizations, societies, communities, and cultures are recognized as social systems.

Social systems are regarded as open systems. That is, the individuals in a
social system have regular interactions with their environing systems (or the external

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environment). The environing systems include cultural and personality systems,
behavioral and other systems of the organism, and the physical environment.

Analysis of Different Social Systems

The social systems theory is a theoretical scheme which articulates or
describes a field of system, in relation to another which is equally a part of the same
broader fundamental system. According to the American sociologist Talcott Parsons,
social systems analysis must involve three logically independent but also
interdependent bases or axes of variability. These basis are the following:
1. A distinction between the structural and the functional
2. A distinction between the two dynamic processes of maintaining system
equilibrium and structural change in the system
3. The hierarchy of relations of control

Structural and Functional Mode of Analysis

The concept structure focuses on the patterns of the system, which may be
regarded as independent of the lower-amplitude and shorter time-range fluctuations
in the relationship of the system to its external situation. It thus designates the
features of the system which can, in certain strategic respects, be treated as
constants over certain ranges of variation in the behavior of other significant
elements of the theoretical problem.

Let us apply this concept in Philippine society. Since its creation, the
Philippine Constitution has remained the basis of governance. In this constitution, all
of these remain constant: division between the legislative and the executive
branches of the government; the independent judiciary; the separation of church and
state; and the basic rights of personal liberty, assembly, and property.

The functional reference related to the problem of mediation between two

fundamental sets of exigencies: (1) those imposed by the relative constancy or
“givenness” of a structure and (2) those imposed by the givenness of the environing
situation external to the system. Thus, its interest is to analyze how activities are
coordinated so that these activities do not affect one another in a negative way and
instead contribute to the system. The motivations for social systems to function well
should also be adequate.

What Parsons meant by environing situations here is not the physical

environment but the behavior and personalities of the individuals within the social
system and the relevant cultural systems.

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How does society enable me to become a better person?

Although society greatly influences the development of the self, the human
person still has freedom to choose not to be fully defined by his or her background or
society. We have the freedom to rise above our circumstances and make ourselves
into something different or better. For instance, a child who grew up in the slums or
squatters area can exert effort, and eventually become successful and achieve a
better life. A person who comes from a family of doctors may feel that he or she has
a different calling in life and thus may choose not to pursue a career in medicine.
Some Filipinos have even decided to renounce their citizenship to become citizens
of other countries. As much as we are influenced by our surroundings, our physical
limits, and our society, our personality still provides us an opportunity to transcend
and define ourselves on our own terms.

Society recognizes the capability of the persons to develop, and provide its
members with opportunities to make themselves better. Effective and efficient public
service, education, and the maintenance of peace and order are some of the ways
society ensures that we are able to have productive lives and realize our potential.
Through its various institutions, society endeavors to develop well- adjusted and
productive members who can make significant contributions to it. Social systems are in
place to ensure the welfare of the person in society through the various institutions and
groups, society strives to recognize and promote their individual dignity of persons and
guarantees that they are able to live harmoniously with others.

A part from choosing not to be fully defined by society, persons can also
undertake to contribute to society through their decisions and actions. One
important way a person can contribute to social change is by enacting his or her
social responsibilities as well. A son or daughter is expected to respect and obey his
or her parents and elders and help each member of the family. A parent is expected
to provide for the needs of the family and raise his or her children well. A student is
expected to study well and participate fully in school activities. A citizen is expected
to support democratic values and cooperate with members of the community and
other institutions to uphold the welfare of the community and uphold the common
good. You embody all these roles and therefore should do your utmost to uphold the
responsibilities that go with them. All members of society are expected to do their
share in upholding the values and goals of their respective societies and ensure that
their society continues to be oriented toward what is good and beneficial for all.

An individual’s action can also cause great changes in society. Previously, it

was thought that only “great”, “influential”, or “powerful” individuals can bring about
change in their respective societies. We often equate social change to the actions of
heroes, political figures, and famous personalities. However, the numerous
opportunities provided nowadays by improved technology and access to information
have given ordinary people the means to be sources of social change themselves.

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You may have heard of stories that have gone “viral” on the Internet. Many of these
stories come from ordinary citizens who call attention and sometimes prompt the
government and related institutions to take action. Another way that individuals can
bring about social change is by organizing themselves into groups that advocate
certain causes. Organized action is often the best means to bring about changes in
society, and the concerted effort of many groups often bring about a social
movement, which is a large-scale action done by various groups and organizations
in pursuit of a common goal to bring about change.

Are you a member of an organization that upholds a social cause? Have you ever
taken the initiative to call attention to problems in your community? What social issues
are you most passionate about? Do you see yourself making a significant contribution to
society in the future? Taking action to bring about positive changes at home and in your
community is one way that you will be able to fulfil your role as a productive member of
society. In taking action to bring about positive changes in our society, we are able to
fulfil our purpose as human beings who are living and interacting with our greater
community and working toward achieving the greater good.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Directions: Read the questions below and write your answers in your
activity notebook.
1. How does society enable its members to develop and achieve well-being?
2. How can individuals contribute to bring change in society?
3. How can you uphold the common good in your perspective societies?
4. What positive changes have occurred in your community? What brought
about these changes?

What’s More
MY IDOL, MY INSPIRATION!

Task 1: Choose a photo of an individual, group or an institution that has significantly

influenced you throughout your life. You can look for this picture in old newspapers,
magazines or books that are available in your homes. Describe the positive
influences they had on your development as a person. Paste the photo and write
your answers in your activity notebook.

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 What I Have Learned
KWL CHART

Directions: Fill in the K and W columns before studying the topics of this lesson.
Fill in the L column after studying these topics. In your activity notebook, copy and
answer the table below.

K W L
What I know about the What I want to know What I learned about the
social interaction and about social interaction social interaction and
social system and social system social system

What I Can Do
Task 2: READ & REFLECT

Different Social Relations and Their Corresponding Interactions: Jurgen

Habernas

According to Habernas, there are different kinds of social relationships. They

differ by virtue of kind of interaction that takes place between individuals. For purposes
of simplification, let us divide social relationships into two main kinds: 1) personal; 2)
transactional. Relationships are personal where interactions are based on mutual regard
for each other as persons. As such, interactions in personal relationships are defined by
cooperation rather than by competition. The focus of personal relationships is the
preservation and development of mutual regard for each other. Relationships are
transactional where interactions are based on a great other as means for attaining one’s
goals. In ordinary terms, transactional relationships are where persons are “used,” not
necessarily in the derogatory sense, but to help one attain his goals or

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succeed in his plans. Because the focus of a person using another as a means for
attaining his goals is his success, then transactional relationships usually “suspend”
the deeper reality that the other persons, not just mere object for one’s own benefit.
In other words, in transactional relationships, we put aside personal matters in our
interactions, In most cases of transactional relationships, the atmosphere is
competitive.

Two types of Interaction in Society

How one treats the other in
Social Relation Kind of Interaction
social relationship
Transactional Instrumental orStrategic As an object, a means for
Action attaining one’s goals (Subject-
object)
Personal Communication Action As a fellow Subject, a fellow
person (Intersubjective)

The Table above shows that transactional relation is treating the other as an
object, a means for attaining one’s goals. That is why it is described as instrumental
or strategic action. In contrast, personal relation is treating the other as a fellow
subject, a fellow person and the action is termed as communicative action.

REFLECTION:
Do you have relationships that have been compromised because of money or
power? Have you been able to revert back to a purely personal relationship after that?
How can you preserve and shield the relationships that matter to you most from the
interest of money and power? Write your answers in your activity notebook.

Assessment
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Directions: Read the questions below and write the letter of the correct answer in
your activity notebook.

1. This philosopher believes that society is organized based on the “consent of

the governed”.
A. Thomas Hobbes C. John Locke
B. Jean Jacques Rousseau D. Jon Rawls
2. It is an agreement among individuals to sacrifice some of their wants and submit
to a higher authority.
A. general will C. natural state
B. self-interest D. social contract

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3. According to this philosopher, mankind in their natural state, are governed by
desire which leads to conflict among individuals.
A. Thomas Hobbes C. John Locke B. Jean Jacques
Rousseau D. Jon Rawls
4. David Gauthier described people’s __________ as a significant factor in
building and maintaining societies.

A. freedom C. opinion B. self-interest D. freewill

5. This philosopher believes that humans naturally seek a just and fair society
because of self-interest.

A. John Locke C. David Gauthier B. Jon Rawls D. Thomas

Hobbes
6. This is an organized or patterned set of relationships among individuals and
groups that compose a society.

A. social group C. social institutions B. social classes D.

social system
7. How does society enable an individual to become a better person?
A. Society recognizes the capability of the persons to develop, and provides
its members with opportunities to better themselves.
B. Society, through the establishment of norms, influences an individual
ability to define genuine relationships and interactions.
C. Society can contribute to individual’s decisions and actions making them
catalyst of change.
D. All of the above
8. This philosopher considered persons in their natural states as more cooperative
and reasonable, and that society is formed through the consent of the
individuals that organized it.

A. John Locke C. David Gauthier B. Jon Rawls D. Thomas

Hobbes
9. A social system is composed of two or more individuals, which are called
___________.
A. actors C. social groups
B. social classes D. all of the above
10. This philosopher believes that people are the ones who organized society and
established an authority or government, in extreme cases, the government is
able to impose its will on the people.
A. Thomas Hobbes C. John Locke
B. Jean Jacques Rousseau D. Jon Rawls