INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

Reviewer
Prepared by Ms. Maria Lerma Papa-Latina JD

COVERAGE: DOING PHILOSOPHY

I. DEFINITION
II. BRANCHES
III. BECOMING A PHILOSOPHER
IV. PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTIONS

I. Definition

KNOWLEDGE - Recall the definitions

 Etymologically, philosophy defined as the love of wisdom, philo meaning to love and sophia
being wisdom in Greek vocabulary.
 As an academic discipline, it is the science that by natural light of reason studies the first causes
or highest principles of things.
 Recall the first causes and highest principles of things.

UNDERSTANDING – Consider the following questions:

1. Why is it a science?
2. What do you mean by natural light of reason?
3. What is holism in reference to philosophy?
4. What does philosophy studies? (THE ANSWERS are in your book.)

Just remember in the discussion about the definition of philosophy, do not forget that part of being
holistic has something to do with emptying.

II. Branches

KNOWLEDGE – Recall the definition of the branches of philosophy and the questions related to them.

1. Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that studies the nature of reality. It sounds abstract but
there are philosophers who tried to answer the question “what is real?” Just like Plato who said
that reality is actually the UNCHANGING, ETERNAL, IMMATERIAL, and can only detected by the
intellect. An example of this has universal meaning such MORALS, MATHEMATICS and
SCIENTIFIC IDEALS.
a. There was a story about the cave in page 7 of your book, it suggests that those who are
relying only on what they see, just like the cavemen when looking at the shadows. They
use their sense of sight, but without the light coming from the sun, they can no longer
see at all. The eye is compared to the soul but the sun is actually the source of light to
 truth. What you see by your naked eyes might not be the actually reality then. Reality
has more meaning than by what is only suggested by the senses.
2. Ethics is the branch of philosophy that explores the natural of moral virtue and human actions.
Answering what is right from wrong in ethics has a requirement of employing critical perspective
and not mere reliance on religious dogmas or doctrines. That is what we term philosophical
ethics.
a. Remember when we tackled whether or not married women should only stay at home
or not? We did philosophical ethics because mostly you answered not really based on
any religious dogma but based on your ambitions and needs.
b. In the book, there was a question on what is the constitution of a human person. In
answering what is right from wrong, Socrates pointed out that human person, in living a
virtuous life does not mean that having virtues are only after acquiring them, but in the
contrary, it is already rooted in the human person and needs only an awakening. Simply
put, we can know what is right from wrong from asking ourselves. It is like checking our
conscience.
c. But then, as asked also in the book, how much freedom should we have and who should
decide? It is possible that the awakening might not really be checking your conscience,
but also employing critical perspective, just like when Du Bois put all his ideas into
political action and helped organized various initiatives for the advancement of the
colored people. He even published his researches and taught in Atlanta University.
3. Epistemology – the definition is clear on your book. How do you acquire reliable knowledge?
Induction and Deduction ( empiricism, rationalism and pragmatism )
4. Logic – Again, logic is a TOOL. It does not add directly add content to our thoughts, but it is
concerned in what we already know, and the truth and validity of our arguments regarding it. A
varied kind of reasoning is employed in such arguments either to make a decision or influence
others. Logical reasoning makes us certain that our conclusions are true. Revisit your book.
5. Aesthetics – What is beautiful? Aesthetics establishes criteria for beauty. It is important, for it
vitalizes our knowledge, helps us to live more deeply and richly and it brings us in touch with our
culture.
III. Becoming a Philosopher

Take note that there is a need for a greater knowing and understanding of a culture to actually
characterize a philosophy. Reliance to descriptions mainly by others, such as colonizers and other
nationalities may not really lead to accuracy and the truth. Every culture needs as many competent local
philosophers it could get. Local philosopher may need to free itself from colonial mentality, become
economically independent, utilize education and have some humanity.

Just read the book regarding the western and eastern philosophies. Take note of the attitudinal
imperatives which are clearly discussed in the books, as well as in our class. Take note: as to line of
thinking, distinction between philosophy and religion and the acceptance of the validity of intuition and
mysticism.

Filipino philosophy again, challenged by lack of refined tools and predecessors, nevertheless, we have it.
 1. Why holistic? What is an interior dimension? Interiority means that you share oneself voluntarily
and without curtailment of your freedom. Holistic because you have share it because you
wanted harmony present among your friends and family.
2. Filipino Philosophy of Time is actually referring to our philosophy on optimism. ( not really in
being late )
3. Bahala na is our reliance to God and courage in taking risks. ( not really in leaving things to
chance)
4. Reciprocating debt of gratitude holds the members of the family together, from the ascendants
old parents, and so on and so forth. They uplift each other and others as well, as evidenced in
bayanihan.

All these are indigenous which was said to be the (elan) SPIRIT that makes a Filipino as Filipino.

IV.Philosophical Reflections

Is abundance beautiful?

TAKE NOTE OF HOW I DO MY PERSUASIVE ESSAY or my creative writing.

To answer the question fully, a clear definition of abundance, and beautiful must be made.
Beauty is always associated with goodness. Abundance, according to the book it more of out flowing
than incoming. It is not about getting many material things like money, car, and houses but it is more of
having a good relationship with oneself, others and God. That in order for us to receive more, we have
to empty our baskets first. Apparently, abundance is beautiful.

Do I agree? Not really. It appears that it is suggesting that we do away with material things
before we could really be abundant. We live in a material world and we would die without it. Maybe it is
better to actually recognize everyone’s needs as categorized by an author Maslow, referring to as
hierarchy of needs. Some of these needs are actually food, shelter and clothing, which means that
money, is actually important. We could still establish better relationships and just learn to prioritize
things but at the same time, we are abundant with material things.

I have doubts though with my position because it creates a scenario when material things are
present. What if they are not? What happens to relationships? Parents may separate. Children may live
astray. People may become greedy and hurt each other.

Well, creating good relationship is to actually provide for them. A father cannot just say that he
loves his family but he refuses to work for them. A mother cannot truly love a child if she does not give
her food. Abundance is about love and being responsible by giving not only your heart, but also what is
inside your pocket.  If that is the case, then yes. Abundance is beautiful.