Objectives

At the end of this lesson, the students can:

1. discuss the meaning of Philosophy

2. identify important keywords in Philosophy

Let's think!

Look at the image. What do you think is the message conveyed?

Learn about it!

One of the key elements in many educational reforms is

**diversity**, difference, and choice or other proposals that
establish separate curricular routes for different groups or
individuals. Diversity is the difference that makes each person
unique (i.e., biology, ethnicity and culture, family life, beliefs,
geography, experiences, and religion). Sometimes we have
difficulty in accepting others because they are different from us.
Yet, such behavior can limit a person's opportunities or can make
the person feel excluded or aggrieved. Educational challenge in
the 21st century entails how to deal appropriately with cultural and
racial multiplicity and that one does not engage in harassment of
any form.
The Meaning of Philosophy!

Etymologically, The word **philosophy** comes from two Greek

words, **philo**, meaning to **love**, and **sophia**, meaning
**wisdom**. Philosophy originally meant love of wisdom, and in broad
sense wisdom is still the goal of philosophy. Philosophy is also defined
as the science that by natural light of reason studies the first causes or
highest principles of all things . Under this definition four things are to
be considered:

a. **Science**. It is called science because the investigation is

systematic. It follows certain steps or it employs certain procedures. In
other words, it is an organized body of knowledge just like any other
Sciences.

b. **Natural Light of Reason**. Philosophy investigates things, not by

using any other laboratory instrument or investigative tools, neither on
the basis of supernatural revelation, otherwise it becomes theology;
instead, the philosopher uses his natural capacity to think or simply,
human reason alone or the so-called unaided reason.
c. **Study of All Things**. This sets the distinction between philosophy
from other sciences. All other sciences concerned themselves with a
particular object of investigation. For example, anthropologists study
human beings in relation with the society; sociologists study society, its
form, structures, and functions; botanists focus their attention to plants;
linguists limit themselves with language; theologians investigate God;
whereas, a philosopher studies human beings, society, religion,
language, God, and plants, among other concerns
The reason is that philosophy is not one dimensional or partial. In short,
a philosopher does not limit himself to a particular object of inquiry. He
questions almost anything, if not everything. it is multidimensional or
holistic.

d. **First Cause or Highest Principle**. A principle is that from which

something proceeds in any manner whatsoever. The first principles:
***Principle of Identity*** . Whatever is is; and whatever is not is not;
everything is what it is. Everything is its own being, and not being is not
being.

***Principle of Non-Contradiction***. It is impossible for a thing to be

and not to be at the same time, and at the same respect.

***Principle of Excluded Middle***. A thing is either is or is not;

everything must be either be or not be; between being and not being,
there is no middle ground possible.

***Principle of Sufficient Reason***. Nothing exists without a

sufficient reason for its being and existence.
More on Philosophy

Since its beginnings, however the scope of philosophy has changed. Early
Greek philosophers studied aspects of natural and human world that later
became separate sciences, - astronomy, physics, psychology, and sociology.
On the other hand, certain basic problems - the nature of the universe, the
standard of justice, the validity of knowledge, the correct application of
reason, and the criteria of beauty - have been the domain of philosophy from
its beginnings to the present .
These problems are the subject matter of the five branches of philosophy
-**metaphysics**, **ethics**, **epistemology**, **logic**, and
**aesthetics**. There are also special branches of philosophy like philosophy
of science, philosophy of state, philosophy of politics, philosophy of
mathematics, philosophy of education, philosophy of law, philosophy of
language, and others.
Finally, in attaining wisdom, there is a need for emptying. **Emptying** can
be intellectual. For instance, the Taoists considers an empty cup more useful
than a full one. This means, simplicity and humility. Emptying can be also
spiritual. For Christian philosophy, poverty in spirit means compassion.
Emptying is also physical. The Buddhists, refrain from misuse of the senses,
thereby emphasizing a unified whole. Without the virtue of emptying,
students will only learn partial philosophy that is knowledge based, without
becoming holistic (i.e., acquiring wisdom through various dimensions of
being human including the psychological, social, emotional, and moral
aspects).