PHILOSOPHY
First Quarter
MODULE 1
PHILOSOPHY
Comes from the Greek language. It consists of two
words: “Philo,” which means love, and “Sophia,”
which means wisdom.
• Philosophy is the Love of Wisdom.
Socrates (469 – 399 BCE)
When a man is confronted with Mystery, or with
something whose causes are still unknown, he wonders
why. Such for Socrates was the beginning of Wisdom.
THE ORIGIN OF PHILOSOPHY
“Wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and Philosophy
beings in wonder.”
What does it mean to wonder?
• To wonder means to realize that there is
something strange behind the things that we
ordinarily perceive.
• To wonder is to notice something extraordinary
in the ordinary things we see.
• If you are being philosophical, you are
wondering about thoughtful questions, and trying
to understand them better.
PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION
Pre-Examined Belief: Good life & Progress consists in
having a modern lifestyle (i.e concrete houses with
electricity and plumbing, automobiles, computers,
internet, etc.).
Contending Belief: Indigenous people believe that
there is an alternative notion of good life & progress
which consists of living in harmony with mother nature
and dwelling in their ancestral lands.
Re-examined Belief: Often does not offend other
people. Refined belief and idea.
THE UNEXAMINED LIFE
In his famous trial in 339 B.C., Socrates explained that
the reason why he was philosophized was that:
“The unexamined life is not worth living” - Socrates.
He observed that most people spent their time, energy,
and resources on certain goals such as pursuing
popularity, pleasure, and wealth without ever seriously
asking whether these pursuits are important? How does
one know if this is worth pursuing? What if these goals
were useless if not dangerous?
GREEK PHILOSOPHERS
1. PYTHAGORAS
• A mathematician and scientist who formulated
the “Pythagorean Theorem.”
2. HERACLITUS
• Logos – proposed that everything that exists is
based on a higher order or plan.
• Change is a permanent aspect.
• “No man ever steps in the same river twice.”
3. DEMOCRITUS
• devoted himself to the study of the causes of
natural phenomena.
• Atoms – matter is composed of tiny particles.
4. DIOGENES OF SINOPE
• Known as an advocate of living a simple and
virtuous life. One should not only talk about
virtue but show it in words.
• Austerity and simplicity; lived like a beggar.
• Vocal critic of well-known philosophers.
• Cynicism – not trusting or respecting the
goodness of other people and their actions, but
believing that people are interested only in
themselves.
• Stoicism – the endurance of pain
or hardship without the display of feelings and
without complaint.
5. EPICURUS
• Philosophy could enable a man to live life of
happiness.
• Epicureanism – believes that wisdom and
simple living will result in a life free of fear and
pain.
6. SOCRATES
• Foremost philosopher of the ancient times
• Philosophy could enable a man to live a life of
virtue.
• Socratic Method – means of examining a topic
by devising a series of questions that let the
learner examine and analyze his knowledge.
• Known critic of intellectuals, but he himself did
not claim to be “wise” and merely considered
himself a “midwife.”
7. PLATO
• His writings were considered to be the
foundation of Western philosophy.
• Theory of Forms – everything that’ exists is
based on an idea or template that can only be
perceived in the mind.
• Studied the ideal society and proposed an ideal
model of government and society, which is ruled
by wisdom and reason.
• Dialectic – a method of inquiry where two
opposing ideas are discussed I an attempt to
arrive at new knowledge.
• Academy – an institution of higher learning.
8. ARISTOTLE
• A prominent student of Plato and Aristotle.
• Disagreed with Plato’s theory of forms and took
a different stance in interpreting reality.
• “All ideas and views are based on perception
and our reality is based on what we can sense
and perceive.”
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• Involved in a great variety of disciplines
(zoology, psychology, ethics, etc.)
• Deductive reasoning – the process by which
specific statements are analyzed to reach a
conclusion or generalization.
WHY WE NEED TO PHILOSOPHIZE
Greek Philosopher Plato
• A man’s need to philosophize can be traced to
his sense of wonder.
French Philosopher Rene Descartes
• A man’s need to philosophize can be traced to
his doubt.
• Was famous for rejecting or questioning
established ideas and went far to doubting his
own ideas.
• His method of thinking became the basis of
critical thinking.
Swiss-German Philosopher Karl Jaspers
• A man’s need to philosophize can be traced to
our experiences.
• Man is often confronted with experiences that
challenge his ideas and frameworks.
• These experiences are called limit situations
and are accompanied by feelings of
helplessness, anxiety, and dread.
• Philosophy provides us a means to understand
adverse or challenging conditions, and to
rise above them and gain new knowledge and
perspectives.
Socrates
• Love for Wisdom
• “I know that I do not know…”
CHARACTERIZING PHILOSOPHY
1. A Way of Analyzing Frameworks
• Frameworks – A way of thinking about the
world and is composed of views and beliefs of a
person.
• Internal Questions – Questions dealing with
our own correctness and values. Can be
addressed using our own personal frameworks.
• External Questions – Seek to question the very
framework upon which people base their own
beliefs and views.
Example: Child with separated parents begins to
question his personal framework of what a family is
2. An Examination of a Particular Area of Knowledge
3. A Distinct Area of Knowledge with Its Own Goals,
Concerns, and Ways of Doing Things
• Often divided into several branches each of
which deals with a particular aspect of life or
phenomena.
• Aesthetics – a philosophy that deals with
beauty.
• Logic – Deals with correct reasoning.
• Epistemology – Nature of knowledge and
knowing.
• Ethics – Moral questions and dilemmas.
• Political Philosophy – Governments and
questions of justice, power, and the rights and
obligations of citizens.
• Metaphysics – Questions regarding reality and
existence.
• Philosophy of the Human Person –
Understands the human person from a
philosophical perspective.
HOLISTIC AND PARTIAL THINKING
Holistic Thinking
• Refers to a perspective that considers large-
scale patterns in systems. Often described as
looking at the bigger picture when describing
and analyzing a situation or problem.
• Requires an individual to have an open mindset
and an ability to get a general sense or
impression regarding a situation.
Partial Thinking
• Focuses on the specific aspects of the situation.
• Important component of analytical thinking as an
individual focuses on certain areas or aspects of
a problem.
ENGAGING IN REFLECTION
Reflection
• Requires a person to be willing to examine one’s
thoughts, feelings, and actions, and to learn
more about one’s life and experiences.
• Is vital in ensuring that our actions and decisions
ae well thought out and are done with due
regard for their implications and consequences
on ourselves, others, and our surroundings.
• Helps us understand ourselves and our actions
better.
PRACTICAL USES OF 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 skills.
3. A philosopher is a good communicator who can
clearly and adequately present his or her ideas.
4. Knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self-
development.
Wisdom is one intended product of philosophizing, and
this refers to a person’s ability to apply knowledge to
daily life particularly in making sound choices and
judgement.
MODULE 2: METHODS OF PHILOSOPHIZING
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Propositions
• Statements about the world or reality that may or
may not carry truth.
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Knowledge
• The clear awareness and understanding of
something.
• The product of questions that allow for clear
answers provided by facts.
• Comprised of ideas and beliefs that we know to
be true.
Facts
• Propositions or statements that are observed to
be real or true as supported by evidence.
Claims
• Statements that cannot be taken as true since
they are simply not evident without proof.
Systematic Doubt
• Philosophers doubted everything they knew.
• Nothing is taken as true unless there is sufficient
reason and evidence that it is indeed true.
CRITERIA OF TRUTH
1. Senses
• A belief is true if it can be justified or proven
through the use of senses.
Am I Alive? Using the senses, I see my body, I feel my
breathing. I can do what I want. Therefore, I can be sure
that I am alive!
2. Facts
• A belief or statement is true if it's based on facts.
Am I Filipino? Using facts like my birth certificate where
it is stated that my parents are both native Filipinos and
that I was born in the Philippines really proved that I am
a Filipino.
3. Consensus
• Having people agree on a common belief
Can I play well in basketball? You can ask people who
know me like my coach, my PE Teacher, my adviser, my
family, and even my co-players from other teams, and if
they agree that I can play well in basketball then my
statement is true.
4. Action
• Determining truth by requiring the person to
prove a statement through an action.
You can show that you know how to cook by going into
the kitchen, preparing the necessary ingredients, and
being able to make delicious adobo.
5. Test
• Claims and beliefs should also be subjected to
tests to determine truth.
OPINIONS VS TRUTH
Opinions
o Statements that go beyond providing facts.
o Provide conclusions or perspectives regarding
certain situations/topics/issues.
o Bases for making arguments and convincing
people that a certain claim is a fact.
Conclusion
o Judgement based on certain facts.
o Can still be contested or questioned.
Beliefs
o Statements that express convictions that are not
easily and clearly explained by facts.
Explanations
o Statements that assume the claim to be true and
privde reasons why the statements is true.
Arguments
o A series of statements that provide reasons to
convince the reader or listener that a claim or
opinion is truthful.
FALLACIES
Arguments often take the form of statements that are
either claims of facts and are phrased in such a way that
they seem reasonable. However, a number of arguments
may be based on faulty reasoning. These kinds of
arguments are called fallacies.
1. Ad hominem
attacking the person presenting the argument instead of
the argument itself
"Of course he believes that the is flawed, he is a
rebel and a government Communist!"
2. Appeal to force
using the threat of force or an undesirable event to
advance an argument
If this peace agreement will not be signed by the
government, then we will have no recourse but to go
to war."
3. Appeal to emotion
using emotions such as pity or "All these charges are
baseless; this is just sympathy.
“All these chargers are baseless; this is just plain
harassment - can't you see how this is affecting my
family?"
4. Appeal to the popular
the idea is presented as acceptable because a lot of
people accept it,
"Every boy your age already has a girlfriend, you
should go find one!"
5. Appeal to tradition
the idea is acceptable because it has been true for a
long time.
"Marriage should be between a man and a woman.
It has been so for a long time in this country; it should
remain so today and in the future."
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6. Begging the question
assuming the thing or idea to be proven is true; also
known as "circular argument"
"I have a right to free speech, therefore you cannot
stop me from talking."
7. Cause-and-effect
assuming a "cause-and-effect" relationship between
unrelated events
"Ever since you bought that sweater, everything has
been going wrong in your life. You should get rid of
it."
8. Fallacy of composition
assuming that what is true of a part is true for the
whole
"These cases of robbery in this district have
convinced me that the city has become a den of
thieves and criminals."
9. Fallacy of division
assuming that what is true for the whole is true for its
parts.
"You come from a family of doctors and intellectuals!
Surely you can do better in this course!"
BIASES
Biases are not necessarily errors in reasoning, but
refer to tendencies or influences which affect the
views of people.
1. Correspondence Bias or Attribution Effect
tendency to judge a person's personality by his or
her actions, without regard for external factors or
influences
"These soldiers who fought in the war are all
bloodthirsty murderers!"
2. Confirmation Bias
tendency to look for and readily accept information
which fits one's own beliefs or views and to reject
ideas or views that go against it.
"How can I accept his view that there is no God? I
am a Christian!"
3. Framing
focusing on a certain aspect of a problem while
ignoring other aspects
"Preliminary evidence has still not pointed out the
actual cause of the plane crash, but investigators are
currently focusing on the possibility of pilot error."
4. Hindsight
the tendency to see past events as predictable, or to
ascribe a pattern to historical events.
"Magellan's assault on Mactan Island was a
foolhardy venture, made by an overconfident,
careless man who underestimated the valor of the
native Filipinos."
5. Conflict of Interest
is connected a person or group to or has a vested
interest in the issue being discussed
"As the daughter of the accused, I believe I have the
right to express my opinion on the issue of his
alleged corrupt practices."
6. Cultural Bias
analyzing an event or issue based on one's cultural
standards
"I do not agree with this Western practice of placing
aged parents in retirement homes. We Filipinos take
care of our family members."
MODULE 3
THE HUMAN PERSON AS AN EMBODIED SPIRIT
Human Person
• Important subject in philosophy
• Understanding of the nature and condition of the
person is one of the foremost goals of the
discipline.
• The totality of an individual, possessing
awareness, self-determination, and the capacity
to interact with others and with himself or
herself.
Man
• general term to refer to the entire human race.
• Other related terms are: humanity, mankind, and
humankind.
Human
• refers to man as a species – Homo Sapiens
Sapiens or modern Human beings.
Human Beings
• used to distinguish man from other animals.
Person
• Complex term generally refers to a human being
granted recognition of certain rights, protection,
responsibilities, and dignity
Personhood
• Refers to the state of being a person
Human Nature
• Characteristics that distinguish humans from all
other creatures.
• Traits arise independent to culture and society;
thinking, feeling and acting - considered in
forming the essence of humanity and considered
a human person.
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TRAITS THAT DEFINE A PERSON?
What do we possess that are not found in other
organism?
Traits
Capabilities
Self-Awareness
• Clear perception of oneself (thoughts, emotions,
identity, actions)
• Rationality or human thought
• Self – person who is actively aware in
perceiving and experiencing reality.
• Interiority – focused on one’s inner life and
identity.
Self-Determination
• Capability of persons to make choices and
decisions based on their preference.
Free Will
• enables us to do actions whenever we want.
• Consequence – result or effect of an action or
condition
• Interiority – focused on one’s inner life and
identity.
• Morality or the goodness or badness of an act.
Externality
• The capability to reach out and interact with
others and the world (exteriority)
• The realization that we are not alone
Dignity
• Innate right to be valued and respected, inherent
worth or value.
WHAT IS IN OUR HUMAN NATURE THAT ENABLES
US TO BECOME PERSONS?
• Traits and behavior that define human person
• Person is define by his or her body and
experiences through senses. (tall, brown hair,
brown eyes
• Our body is not the only thing that defines us. It
is our unseen aspect of the human person. This
intangible element is the spirit.
HOW ARE THE BODY AND THE SPIRIT RELATED?
• HUMAN PERSON – according to the
philosophers, it is the union of the body and the
spirit, The human person is an embodied
spirit, they are also integrated with each other.
• Embodiment enables us to do and experience
all the things that make us human persons.
• Scientists – love is a result of various biological
reactions associated with an increase of
hormones.
• Part of the brain, hypothalamus
• Philosophers – biological functions or bodily
activities is absurd. We love another person with
our entire being. Embodiment is the one thing
that enables us to feel love and love others.
HOW DOES MY HUMAN NATURE ENABLE ME TO
EXPLORE MY LIMITS?
• Embodiment or embodied spirit - The thing that
enables us to feel love and love others
• Our experience is also a product of embodiment
• The human body stands as the mediator
between the material world and the spiritual
world
• Embodied – allow person to encounter the world
of objects (intimate relationship with the world)
• Physical acts are no longer purely physical acts,
because the body conveys something from a
person’s inner world. These emotions and ideas
are given to another person who, because of
interiority, recognizes the thoughts that the other
wishes to convey.
• Embodied spirit provides numerous
opportunities to explore everything around us
but still imposes limitations
• Person is a very biologically deficient being, we
are not equipped with the best physical
attributes among all the beings, ex. Ability to fly,
breathe underwater w/o the aid of breathing
apparatus
• Transcendence – the ability to surpass limits is
one important trait that distinguishes the human
person from other beings.
• Our mind is an important tool that allows us to
go beyond many of our physical limits.
MODULE 4
THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE ENVIRONMENT
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a
piece of the continent, a part of the main.”
John Donne – English poet
Environmental Philosophy or Environmental Ethics
• studies moral relationship of human beings with
the environment and its non-human contents.
• Person has a special relationship with nature.
MAJOR VIEWS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
HUMAN AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Three major views on the relationship between human
and the environment:
1. Anthropocentrism – significant role of
humankind in the world.
2. Biocentrism – humans are not only significant
species on the planet, organisms have inherent
value and be protected.
R.A. 8485 or “The Animal Welfare Act of 1998”
3. Ecocentrism – great value on ecosystem and
biological communities. Humankind is part of a
greater biological system or community, the
stewards or guardians of nature.
Deep Ecology and Gaia Hypothesis
- emphasize the important role of the interaction of living
and non-living components.
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The influence of humanity on the environment can be
best understood if we consider the individual person as a
dynamic source of change within his or her particular
environment.
Benefit:
• clean and orderly surroundings – contribute to
safety, well-being, and health
• dirty and disorderly surroundings – result in
disease or accidents

Environmental aesthetics – philosophical view that

believes maintaining order in the environment will bring
out the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Disorders:
natural calamities
human calamities

HOW CAN HUMANITY ADDRESS THE DAMAGE

INFLICTED ON THE ENVIRONMENT?
Environmentalism
• Advocates to address the growing
environmental problems.
• Environmental awareness and action.

Social ecology
• applies an ecological and ethical approach in
analyzing society, and sees a relationship
between social problems and environmental
problems.

Climate ethics and climate justice

• arose from the growing concern with climate
change, and consider it a significant ethical,
social, and political issue.

WHAT CAN I DO TO UPHOLD ENVIRONMENTALISM

AND CARE FOR NATURE?
Sustainability or Sustainable Development
• major concepts that drive environmentalism
• human activities and economic development are
reconciled
• wise decision on the use of natural resources
enough left for future use.

According to a 2011 report by the World Food

Programme, one-third of the total food supply is wasted
through out the world. In 2008, a study of the Philippine
Rice Research Institute estimates about 3.2 kgs wasted
every year wasted by every Filipino.

THREE IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES OF

SUSTAINABILITY
1. Environmental integrity – maintaining the state
of the environment
2. Economic efficiency – prudence on the use of
resources, minimum to zero waste
3. Equity – regulate one’s actions and behavior,
frugality is being thrifty on the use of one’s
resources.