 For him, all ideas and views are based on
LESSON The meaning and method of doing
1.0 Philosophy
What is Philosophy?
 Philosophy is the study of general and
fundamental questions about existence,
knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
 It comes from two Greek words: philos (love)
and sophia (wisdom)
 Philosophy in simple words is a way of thinking
about the world, the universe, and society.
How does Philosophy work?
 It works by asking very basic questions about
the nature of human thought, the nature of the
universe, and the connections between them.
o The ideas in philosophy are often
general and abstract.
 Philosophy is the study of humans and the world
by thinking and asking questions.
o It is a science and an art.
 Philosophy tries to answer important questions
by coming up with answers about real things and
asking "why?"
The most notable ancient Greek
philosophers
Pythagoras (570 BCE to 495 BCE)
 A mathematician and scientist, he was credited
with formulating the Pythagorean theorem.
Heraclitus (535 BCe to 475 BCE)
 He proposed that everything that exists is based
on a higher order or plan which he called logos.
Democritus (460 BCE to 370 BCE)
 He devoted himself to the study of the causes of
natural phenomena.
Diogenes of Sinope (412 BCE to 323 BCE)
 He was a known advocate of living a simple and
virtuous life.
Epicurus (341 BCE to 270 BCE)
 He believed that philosophy could enable man to
live a life of happiness.
Socrates (470 BCE to 399 BCE)
 He was considered the foremost philosophers of
ancient times. He was credited with formulating
the Socratic method
o Socratic method - means of examining a
topic by devising a series of questions that
let the learner examine and analyze his
knowledge and5views regarding the topic.
Plato (427 BCE to 347 BCE)
 A student of Socrates, he wrote down his
mentor’s teaching and incorporated some of his
own ideas into them.
 Most significant ideas included his Theory of
Forms.
o Theory of Forms - proposes that
everything that exist is based on an idea or
template than can only be perceived in the
mind.
 Plato is also known for his dialectic.
o Dialectic - a method of inquiry where
two opposing ideas are discussed in an
attempt to arrive at new knowledge.
 Plato’s lasting contribution to learning was his
founding of the Academy, an institution of higher
learning.
Aristotle (384 BCE to 322 BCE)
 He attended the Academy, and was the
prominent student of Plato.
perception and our reality is based on what we can
sense and perceive.
 His studies in logic led to the formulation of a
formal process of analyzing reasoning which give
rise to deductive reasoning.
o Deductive reasoning - the process by
which specific statements are analyzed to
reach a conclusion or generalization.
LESSON The Difference Between Holistic Perspective
1.1 from a Partial Point of View
Holistic Thinking
 Holistic thinking refers to a perspective that
considers large-scale patterns in systems.
 A holistic perspective requires an individual to
have an open mindset and ability to get the general
sense or impression regarding a situation.
 The term "holistic thinking" refers to a big
picture mentality in which a person recognizes the
interconnectedness of various elements that form
larger systems, patterns and objects.
 Holistic medicine is a prominent example of
holistic thinking.
 A holistic view gives rise to a more appreciative
perspective about life, as we are able to look at life
in its totality.
Partial POV
 Focuses on specific aspects of a situation.
 An individual focuses on certain areas or aspects
of a problem in order to understand it.
o Point of view describes the perception
of an event or phenomenon and how exactly
it is viewed.
o Point of view often is shaped by an
individual's beliefs or experiences.
 Though partial thinking is useful, philosophy
utilizes holistic thinking in making sense of
Lesson The Value of Doing Philosophy in
1.2 Obtaining a Broad Perspective on
Life
problems and issues related to the human
experience.
 
Why do we philosophize?
 We all have the potential to philosophize since
we have the tendency to wonder and doubt. 
A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly
and adequately present his or her ideas.
 Why is it good to philosophize?
 Doing philosophy can be applied in day-to-day
activities and life perspectives.
 Because it involves an evaluative process, doing
philosophy allows a person to make better
decisions and act accordingly to situations with the
help of various philosophical skills.
 On life perspectives, philosophy enables
reflective thinking which greatly influences a
person’s view of life, challenges, and
relationships.
Why do we need to have a holistic point of
view when philosophizing?
 Failure to do so or only using a partial point of
view may lead to illogical or incorrect
conclusions.
 
Plato traced man’s need to philosophize to his sense of
wonder.
o Whenever we are confronted with an
experience, we
always wonder how it came about.
French philosopher Rene Descartes traced the need to
philosophize to doubt.
o In life, we will be faced with several ideas
and arguments which present themselves as
“truths”.
o A critical and questioning perspective is
necessary to determine if indeed these ideas
or views are correct or true.
Swiss-German philosopher Karl Jaspers saw the need to
philosophize because of experience.
o These experiences limit situation,
philosophy provides us a means to
understand adverse or challenging
conditions, and to rise above them and gain
new knowledge and perspective.
The need to philosophize is driven by the love for
wisdom. To love wisdom is to have an insatiable desire
for truth.
Philosophy itself is a distinct area of knowledge with its
own goals, concerns, and ways of doing things.
 Doing Philosophy also improves problem-
solving and decision making. The ability to
analyze a problem or dilemma, identify the
significant aspects, and come up with alternative
solutions is an important skill learned through
philosophy.
 In the process of doing philosophy, it is critical
to have a holistic point of view-the perception of
looking at all aspects of a situation first before
making a conclusion.
 Wisdom as it refers to a person’s ability to apply
knowledge to daily life particularly in making
sound choices and judgment is the intended
product of philosophizing.
 Finally, knowledge of Philosophy can contribute
to self-development.

The branches of philosophy

Aesthetics
 deals with beauty and what makes things
“beautiful”.
Logic
 deals with correct reasoning.
Epistemology
 discusses the nature of knowledge and knowing.
Ethics
 deals with moral questions and dilemmas.
Political Philosophy
 studies governments and deals with questions of
justice, power and the rights and obligations of
citizens.
Metaphysics
 deals with questions regarding reality and
existence.
Philosophy of the Human Person
 understands the human person from a
philosophical perspective.
 
Lesson Doing a Philosophical Reflection on a
1.3 Situation from Holistic Perspective
Why is it important to reflect?
 Reflection requires a person to be willing to
examine one’s thoughts, feelings, and action and
to learn more about one’s life and experiences.
 Human self-reflection is the capacity of humans
to exercise introspection and to attempt to learn
more about their fundamental nature and essence.
 Engaging in philosophical reflection leads to the
development of beneficial skills that individuals
can apply in everyday situations.

 Reflection is vital in ensuring that our actions

and decisions are well thought out.
 When we reflect, we can judge whether our
actions or decisions are reasonable or not.

What are some things to remember?

 Doing Philosophy enables a person to engage in
critical analysis and interpretation of concepts,
definitions, arguments, and problems.