CAPITOL HILLS Introduction to the Philosophy of

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL the Human Person

(SHS Department)
* Instructor: Ptr. Zacarias Q. Circulado, Jr., PhD
* Synchronous Class: Tuesday & Thursday: 1-2 PM
Home of Achievers Asynchronous Class: Wednesday: 11-12 PM
* Phone: 0945-978-2739
* email: zac.circulado@chcsqc.ph

COURSE DESRIPTION

This is a study of the nature of the human person, and how human beings’ various characteristics and
aspects have been defined and analyzed by varied philosophical perspectives. Special emphasis is given
to the study of the human person from a biblical standpoint.

LEARNING OUTCOMES BASED ON CHCS OBJECTIVES:

This course is designed to meet the overall objectives of CHCS:

1. Christian values formation

2. Excellence in education
3. The development of the total child

By the end of the course, students are expected to:

1. Reflect on their daily experiences from a holistic point of view

2. Acquire critical and analytical thinking skills
3. Apply their critical and analytical thinking skills to the affairs of daily life
4. Become truthful, environment-friendly and service-oriented
5. Be actively committed to the development of a more humane society
6. Articulate their own philosophy of life

Weekly Reflection Paper

Every student is required to submit a reflection paper every Wednesday. This reflection paper may be
based on the student’s experiences during the week, his or readings, and on the lessons in class. To get a
perfect score, the reflection paper must be not less than 200 words with minimal grammatical errors.

Assigned Readings/Weekly Activities/Assignments/Due Date

 Students are required to read the readings as determined by the instructor. Below is a reading guide
that is to be followed throughout the course of this study.

Sessions Activities & Assignment/Activity Due Date

Assigned Readings

Week One Online meeting Write an essay on each of the following Sept. 10,
& questions (minimum of 50 words each): Friday, until
Sept. 6-10 Class introduction / 5 pm only
lecture (1) In what specific discipline / area of
study (e.g., law, medicine, engineering,
Read and Review theology, etc.) you want to learn or
LESSON ONE: DEFINITION learn more. Why? Explain your answer.
AND BRANCHES OF
PHILOSOPHY (2) In your personal life, what are the
On PPT things you consider “real,” “true,” or
unchanging?

(3) Share an experience where what you

believed to be true turned out to be
untrue? How did that experience affect
you?

Week Online meeting *First Reflection Paper Sept. 15,

Two & Wednesday
Class lecture until
Sept. 13- 5 pm only
17
Read and Review 1. Write a 50-word essay on: “So Sept. 17 Friday,
LESSON TWO: WAYS OF long as one does not harm until 5 pm only
DOING PHILOSOPHY others, an individual should be
on Aralinks & ppt free to pursue his / her own
ends.” Do you agree or
disagree? Why?

2. Determine which are the

 premises and the conclusion.

A. All known planets travel

about the sun in elliptical orbits.
Therefore, all planets travel
about the sun in elliptical orbits.

B. You have a very good circle of

friends. Therefore, you are very
good.

C. All oranges are fruits. All

fruits grow on trees. Therefore,
all oranges grow on trees.

3. Name one popular belief /

practice today which you do not
agree. Explain why you do not
agree with it.

Week Online meeting *Second Reflection Paper Sept. 22,

Three & Wednesday
Class lecture until
Sept. 5 pm only
20-24
Read and Review LESSON 1. Read Genesis 1:1-31 Sept. 24,
THREE: THE ORIGIN, 2. Answer the following: Friday until
PURPOSE, AND FALLEN A. In their correct order, write 5 pm only
STATE OF MAN on down the created objects
Aralinks & ppt with their corresponding
verse / verses during the six
days of creation.

Week Online meeting *Third Reflection Paper Sept. 29,

Four & Wednesday
class lecture until
Sept. 5 pm only
27-Oct.1

Read and Review LESSON 1. Research and list down all the Oct 1, Friday
FOUR: THE HUMAN environmental issues (e.g., until
PERSON AND THE pollution, soil degradation, climate 5 pm only
ENVIRONMENT change, etc.) human beings are
 on Aralinks & ppt facing. [20 points]

2. In your own opinion, which

environmental issue should be
prioritized by our government?
Why? (150-word essay) [40 points]

3. What concrete steps can you take

in your life to show your concern
for the environment? Explain. [40
points]

Week Five Online meeting *Fourth Reflection Paper Oct.6,

& Wednesday
Oct. 4-8 Class lecture until
5 pm only
Read and Review LESSON 1. Answer “Yes” if the scenario
FIVE: described shows responsible use of Oct. 8 Friday
THE HUMAN PERSON freedom; and “No” if not. until
AND FREEDOM 5 pm only
on Aralinks & ppt A. While his parents were on
vacation, Gerry invited his
schoolmates over to their house
for an overnight party. They made
so much noise that neighbors
called the police to complain.
B. Instead of spending her excess
allowance on new shoes, Dina
decided to open a bank account
and start saving up for her future.
C. Despite the threats made on his
life, the witness decided to come
forward and divulge important
information regarding the crime he
witnessed.
D. A woman used the internet to
humiliate her ex-boyfriend by
spreading lewd photos of him on
social media.
E. Despite being told not to travel to
other countries, a seriously-ill
businessman still continued on his
vacation overseas.
F. A man dives into traffic to grab and
save a girl who is about to get hit
by a speeding car.
G. Despite knowing that many of his
 clients were poor and desperate, a
moneylender continues to impose
very high interest rates on loans.
H. A high-ranking officer resigned
from a lucrative position in an
overseas firm to start his own
business and spend more time
with his family.

2. Which do you believe is more

important—individual freedom or
the general welfare of society?
Explain your answer (50-word
essay).

3. Name a situation in which freedom

can be abused. If you were in
authority, what would you do to
make sure abuse for such freedom
is avoided? (50-word essay).

Oct. 13
Week Six Online meeting *Fifth Reflection Paper Wednesday
& until
Oct. 11-15 5 pm only
Class lecture

Oct. 15 Friday
Read and Review Name the three levels of self-other until
LESSON SIX: interaction, and give an example / a 5 pm only
THE HUMAN PERSON scenario for each.
AND THE OTHERS 1. How is a meaningful relationship
on Aralinks & ppt 2. with others achieved? (50-word
essay)

3. In your own opinion, what are

some scenarios in which
meaningful relationships with
others can be established?
(50-word essay)

Week Online meeting *Sixth Reflection Paper Oct.20,

Seven & Wednesday
Class lecture until
5 pm only
Oct. 18-22

Read and Review 1. What transformations in social values Oct. 22 Friday

LESSON SEVEN: or traditions have you witnessed in until
THE HUMAN PERSON your lifetime? Explain your answer 5 pm only
AND SOCIETY (50-word essay).
on Aralinks & ppt
2. In your own opinion, which Filipino
social value should be given emphasis
today? Explain your answer
(50-word essay).
3. Make an original phrase (in English or
in Filipino) that clearly defines the
Filipino trait you are proud of.

Week Online meeting *Last Reflection Paper Oct. 27

Eight & Wednesday
Class lecture until
Oct. 5 pm only
25-29
Read and Review LESSON 1. Compare and differentiate the 3 Nov.5 Friday
EIGHT: kinds of death described in the until
THE HUMAN PERSON Bible (10 points). 5 pm only
AND THE CERTAINTY
OF DEATH 2. Read the article “What is the
on Aralinks & ppt meaning of life?” (to be uploaded),
(to be uploaded) and answer the ff. questions:
A. What did the athlete wish
someone would have told him?
What does it tell you about worldly
achievements? (5 points)
B. Solomon concluded that every
achievement his heart desired was
“meaningless.” Why? (5 points)
C. The article states that “God
intended mankind to have
fulfilment in life.” What then is the
reason for man’s feeling of
unfulfillment? (5 points)
D. How is the real meaning of life be
found? (5 points)

3. Write down your personal

(original) vision-mission in life (70
points). You will be graded based
on Comprehensiveness (17.5 pts),
Depth of Insight (17.5), Manner
of Presentation (17.5), and
 Originality (17.5).

A good quality paper (oslo,

construction, etc.) is to be used
and to be laminated. It must also
have the “seal of approval” by
someone (parent/s, teacher, etc.)
whom the student respects and
regards highly.

Students should complete the assigned readings in the session week of the class schedule.

The student’s reading work will reflect on the answer/answers of the assignment.

CRITERIA FOR GRADING PAPERS

1. Content and quality of writing (70%)
The content is substantial, well thought through, and shows
understanding of the topic.
Claims are supported by credible evidence.

2. Organization of the paper and clarity of writing (20%)

The writing is clear and coherent to be able for the reader to read the
paper without getting lost from beginning to end. Grammatical errors are
 minimal.

3. Length (10%)
The paper meets the required number of pages / words.

4. Plagiarized papers will be returned and be repeated without extending the

date of submission. On second offense of the same paper, the student will
get a failing grade.

Since resources for your papers will be coming from the internet:

 A guide for footnote:

Example (1): with an author

Juan Dela Cruz, “Liberation Theology,” Google, http://google.org/google/Liberation theology,

accessed October 6, 2012.

 A guide for selected bibliography (alphabetical order):

Dela Cruz, Juan. Google. “Liberation Theology.” Accessed October 6, 2012.

http://google.org/google/Liberation theology.

Example (2): without an author

 Footnote:

“Liberation Theology,” Google, http://google.org/google/Liberation theology, accessed October

6, 2012.

 Selected bibliography

Google. “Liberation Theology.” Accessed October 6, 2012. http://google.org/google/Liberation

theology.

For ebook or pdf, visit: https://www.citethisforme.com/guides/turabian-fullnote-bibliography/how-to-

cite-a-ebook

Selected Bibliography
Abella, Roberto D. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person for Senior High School. Quezon
City: C & E, 2016.

Camiloza, Loreto G., Edgardo B. Garnace, Rommel M. Mazo, and Evelyn D. Perez. Philosophy of the
Human Person: An Introductory Text for Senior High School. Quezon City: Phoenix, 2016.

Maboloc, Christopher Ryan. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person. Quezon City: The
Intelegente, 2016.

McInerny, Ralph M. A Student’s Guide to Philosophy. Wilmington, DE: Intercollegiate Studies Institute,
2001.

Ramos, Christine Carmela R. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person. Manila: Rex Book
Store, 2016.

Sioco, Maria Paula G, and Ignatius H. Vinzons. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person.
Quezon City: Vibal Group, 2016.