Karen C.

Abrogar Grade 12-C ABM

Reflection Paper

Socrates
Socrates is an admirable person for his way of thinking really made a huge impact
on the life of the people and his way of teaching them about Philosophy is probably a
different yet an effective teaching method. He would approach individuals and draw forth
knowledge by asking them questions and examining the implication of their answers. By
using this method, he assumed as if he knew nothing in order for him to learn everything
in a logical manner. He was aware of his own ignorance thus he came up with this
approach to pursue knowledge and acquire wisdom. Socrates was also devoted to his
pursuit of truth even on the verge of his death. This also is what makes him very admirable
for he stood firm until the end and was committed to his discussions about the great issues
of life and how knowledge leads the way to ethical action. I do believe that Socrates paved
the way for people to have a more devoted pursuit of knowledge since they are aware of
their own ignorance.

Epictetus
Epictetus, who was born as a slave but became a teacher in his own established
school, came up with a philosophy that men must find happiness in himself, not in outside
circumstances he cannot control, which I personally think is an eye- opener to the people.
His philosophy wants to convey a message that happiness is not about getting what you
desire and want but wanting and being contented in what you have. We may not be in
control of what is going to happen around us but we have all the power to manage how
we are going to respond to it. We have the freedom to make our decisions and
judgements however we should come up with what we think is the most effective solution
to the problem. The series of actions that we are actually making might possibly change
what happens in the future. We just need move forward and keep in mind that we have
the power to control our personalities, emotions and feelings. And whatever the ending
result may be, we need to take full responsibility of our actions that led to it.
Rene Descartes
Rene Descartes, a French mathematician, was considered the Father of Modern
Philosophy. He only believed in one thing, that is, he was doubting, leading to his famous
phrase “Cogito ergo sum”, (I think, therefore I am). He used his method of doubt wherein
he considered any belief a false that could have even the slightest doubt. This in turn,
made him search for the truth without any prejudice. But there is something in his
philosophy that makes it questionable. He believed that “I exist” was impossible to doubt,
thus, it is for certain that we exist. How can he be so sure that one truly exist? What are
his basis for arriving at such conclusion?
Moving on, he also believed that man has innate knowledge. I appreciate his way
of thinking. People just need to develop this knowledge in order for them to use it
effectively. It needs to blossom like a flower but should never let it wilt. But if man do
possess innate knowledge, does that mean a baby already have it? All in all, Rene had
contributed a very significant knowledge that was developed from all of his doubts.

John Locke
John Locke is an English philosopher and physician. His philosophy actually
contradicts Rene’s claims about knowledge. He had this strong belief that humans are
born as blank states or tabula rasa. He also believed that knowledge can be derived by
human senses and that innate knowledge is impossible. With that being stated, it only
means that Locke thought of humans as beings that only rely on the different senses.
According to him, our senses is what makes us human. If this is true, what about the
things that we cannot perceive with our senses? What about the people who lack these?
But still, his claim was true that we can acquire knowledge through our senses.

Thomas Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes had a striking and significant view about politics. He was mainly
concerned about the problem regarding social and political order. If there was no
government to lead the society, it will crumble and fall to its despair in which he called the
“state of nature”. Therefore, there should be a manifestation of power through the creation
of a government that will control, govern and decide for every social and political issue.
The people, as a response, must obey in order to maintain stability and prevent the “state
of nature” from happening. This just shows how power plays a significant role in the lives
of the people. It can be said that it is a fundamental quality of humans. This can also be
viewed as their selfish quality. With power, humans can control everything, thus, it gives
them an idea to possess more of that power.
Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
Hegel was a German philosopher who advocated Absolute Idealism wherein the
universe would realize its spiritual potential through the development of human society.
In other words, the people within the society must act and think as one. They should have
an organized and rational way of thinking. They should also understand that they are not
just individuals thinking and acting on their own but they are also part of a larger group
which can help them grasp the idea that the world is a vast place and in order for them to
know more about it, they must coordinate with each other. I think that this paved the way
to understand more about the essence of religion. Since, they are a composed and
organized group of believers, they each fulfill their responsibilities bearing in mind that
they share a common goal and belief.

Sources:
http://www.philosophybasics.com
http://www.iep.utm.edu