WHOLE BRAIN LEARNING SYSTEM

OUTCOME-BASED EDUCATION

Senior High School GRADE

Philosophy 11/12

3
LEARNING QUARTER

MODULE WEEK 1-2

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 MODULE IN

INTRODUCTION TO THE
PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN
PERSON

QUARTER III

UNDERSTANDING
PHILOSOPHY BY DOING IT

Development Team
Writer: Florendo D. Damaso, Jr.

Reviewers: Rhonel S. Bandiola Roxy G. Gaoiran Richard A. Hapa

Illustrator: Florendo D. Damaso, Jr.

Layout Artist: Bryll B. Atienza

Management Team:

Vilma D. Eda Arnel S. Bandiola

Lourdes B. Arucan Juanito V. Labao

Imelda Fatima G. Hernaez

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

What this module is about?

Welcome to this subject, Introduction to the Philosophy of

the Human Person. This module offers a simple way for us to
understand what philosophy is. It tries to explain highly technical
language in a way that will let you partake the great wealth of ideas
unveiled by generations of thinkers. The main approach of this
module is to invite you to understand philosophy through guided
discussions and activities, and thereby learn to philosophize and
act upon the insights they draw from the process.

To introduce you to this experience, this module will guide you to develop a
holistic perspective of philosophy. It contains interesting discussion that will guide you
in understanding these disciplines. Activities are found in every lesson to test your
understanding and to help you retain better what you have learned. Have your own
journal for your reflections and activities.

Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC)

1. Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view;
2. Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life;
and
3. Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic
perspective.

What you are expected to learn?

After going through the module, you are expected to:

1. Identify the importance of having a holistic perspective in Philosophy;
2. Illustrate the significance of studying the philosophy of the human person; and
3. Describe a Philosopher.

Important Reminder

DO NOT WRITE ANYTHING IN THIS MODULE. This module is government

property and other learners will use it again. You may use any clean sheet of paper
that is available in your home for your answers in the given activities. The rubrics and
answer key for the activities are found in the latter page of this module for you to self-
check your answers. This module will be retrieved by the end of the week.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 WHAT I KNOW

Pretest. This is to test your prior knowledge on the given lesson.

Directions: Read and analyze each question carefully. Write the letter of your
answer in any clean sheet of paper. Label it as Week 1 - WHAT I KNOW. Do not
forget to write your name in your paper

1. What language did Philosophy originate from?

A. Indian B. English
C. Chinese D. Greek

2. Etymologically, Philosophy means:

A. Love of reality B. Love of wisdom
C. Love of truth D. Love of reason

3. In Philosophy, to love means:

A. to have a deep understanding with your emotions
B. to have a strong relationship with another person.
C. to have a strong desire for a particular thing.
D. to have an unbreakable bond with nature.

4. This person is called a lover of wisdom.

A. Wiseman B. Witch
C. Philosopher D. Scholar

5. The start of Philosophy.

A. Education System B. Bible
C. Curiosity D. Magic

6. Philosophy is the study of beings in their ultimate causes, reasons and principles
through the aid of human reason alone. What does BEINGS in the statement mean?
A. All things that exists B. Living things
C. Non-living things D. Humans

7. Philosophy is a science because:

A. science apparatuses are being used.
B. it involves inquiry and investigation.
C. it is not systematic.
D. it is a subject being taught in school.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

8. What does “Natural light of reason” mean?
A. A philosopher uses unaided reasoning.
B. A philosopher should be a natural citizen.
C. A philosopher philosophizes in broad daylight.
D. None of the choices.

9. Which of the following is NOT included in the study of Philosophy?

A. Biology B. Sociology
C. Anthropology D. None from the choices.

10. A boy refused to steal a loaf of bread even though he is very hungry because he
knows what is right and what is wrong. What branch of Philosophy does the situation
apply to?
A. Logic B. Aesthetic
C. Ethics D. Existentialism

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 Lesson A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE: THE PHILOSOPHER’S
1 WAY

WHAT IS IT

Lesson Discussion
A. Philosophy and its Holistic Approach

A philosopher’s way of thinking can be described as “abstractive”. This means

that it rises from the level of everyday life to a higher level that gives a bird’s eye view
of the whole. Try to visualize that you are at the top of a mountain or in an airplane.
The view is certainly different from up there than from the ground. When you are on
the ground, you see roads, buildings, and all that make up the busy everyday life, one
at a time. When you are up there, you not only see the same roads and buildings from
a different perspective, but you see them all at the same time. Moreover, you also see
how they are connected to each other. This is what we mean by seeing things from a
holistic perspective.

We come closer to the truth about a thing or someone when we look at that
thing or person from various perspectives. Doing philosophy is looking at reality from
a holistic perspective and not from a partial point of view.

B. Meaning of Philosophy

Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy

Etymologically, the word “philosophy comes from two greek words, Philla,
meaning “love” and Sophia, meaning “wisdom”. Philosophy originally means “love of
wisdom”, and in a broad sense, wisdom is still the goal of philosophy. Philosophy is
also defined as the science that by natural light of reasons studies the first causes or
highest principles of all things. Under this definition, four things are to be considered:

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 • Science – Philosophy includes investigation, which is systematic. It starts with
having thoughts forming questions.
• Natural Light of Reason – Philosophy uses reason to investigate. The
Philosopher uses his natural capacity to think without the help of any other
laboratory instrument or investigative tools. This is also called human reason or
unaided reason.
• Study of All Things – Other sciences concern themselves with a particular
object of investigation. For example, anthropologists study human beings in
relation with the society, sociologists study society, its form, structure and
functions, theologians investigate God, botanists focus their attention to plants;
whereas a philosopher studies human beings, society, religion and plants.
• First Cause or Highest Principle – Philosophy seeks the fundamental truth of
everything.

C. Branches of Philosophy

Metaphysics
Metaphysics comes from the words Meta
which means beyond/after and Physika
which means physical. This branch study
things beyond the physical.

Questions arising from this branch:

• Do I have a soul in my body? Am
I a soul in a body?
• Is there heaven or hell? Astral Body Projection
• What is the origin of the Source: https://www.wallpaperflare.com/search?wallpaper=astral

universe?
• Why do we dream?

Ethics
Ethics explores the nature of moral virtue and evaluate human
actions. This branch studies the nature of moral judgements. It
focuses on how people should live with each other in relation
with other beings.

Liberty Scale. Symbol Questions arising from this branch:

of Justice
Source: • Is mercy killing acceptable?
https://pixabay.com/v
ectors/search/scales/ • If you could save people by killing one person, would you?
• When is it okay to lie?

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

Epistemology
Epistemology comes from the words Episteme which means
knowledge and Logos which means study or “Study of
Knowledge”. This branch deals with the nature, sources,
limitations, and validity of knowledge. It focuses with the truth
and its justification.

Questions arising from this branch:

• What do I know?
• Is my knowledge valid?
• Is what I know useful? The Thinker by Auguste Rodin
Source: https://freesvg.org/thinker-sculpture

Logic
Logic comes from the Greek word logike which
means an analysis of human thought. This branch is
the science of correct thinking. It distinguishes good
from bad reasoning. It is important to underpin that
logic does not provide us knowledge for logic is
Two Functions of the Brain
considered as a tool to validate our human thoughts.
Source:
https://www.needpix.com/photo/download/86
5509/brain-mind-psychology-idea-hearts-
love-drawing-split-personality-thought

Aesthetics
Aesthetics is the science of the beautiful in its various manifestations. This branch
deals not only with what is attractive but what is valuable. As a branch of philosophy,
one should consider the importance of Aesthetics because of the following:

➢ It vitalizes our knowledge. It makes our knowledge of the

world alive and useful.
➢ It helps us to live more deeply and richly. It helps us to see
things beyond the surface.
➢ It brings us in touch with our culture. It helps us appreciate
the development of one’s culture.

These different branches help us understand the world we live in.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 WHAT’S MORE

Activity 1.1: Reflection

Directions: In any clean sheet of paper, write a reflection on the quotation
from Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of Great Britain and Iron Lady of
UK. How does the quotation relate to Holistic view in the Philosophy of the Human
Person? Label it as Activity 1.1 Reflection. Do not forget to write your name in your
paper.

Watch your thoughts for they become words.

Watch your words for they become actions.
Watch your actions for they become habits.
Watch your habits for they become your character.
And watch your character for it becomes your destiny.
What we think, we become.

Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of Great Britain and Iron Lady of UK
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Margaret_Thatcher.png

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

To understand philosophy is to engage in it. This entails opening ourselves up

to the experience of questioning our own established beliefs, of looking with the mind
beyond what we “see” with our senses. Doing philosophy entails a holistic rather than
a partial perspective. With a holistic perspective, we are able to see the connectedness
of parts to see a meaningful whole. Having a glimpse of the whole allows us to see
the meaning of the activities that we do everyday – from rising to working to sleeping.

WHAT I CAN DO

Activity 1.2. Connecting to Daily Life

Directions:
1. Cite examples of how the holistic view of Philosophy can be applied in
the day-to-day life by sharing concepts in the following:
a. School b. Sports c. Politics d. Relationships
2. Write your answers in any clean sheet of paper. Label it as Activity 1.2.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 Lesson
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A PHILOSOPHER
2

WHAT’S IN

We have discussed in Lesson 1 that we should widen our perspective to see

the connectedness of parts to see a meaningful whole. Observe the following picture
and make a Picture Analysis.

Lesson Motivation
Picture Analysis: Finding out who is right

Directions: Who between the two is correct? The person in the left or person in the
right? Why do you think so? Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

WHAT IS IT

A. What It Means To Be A Philosopher

When we say Philosophy is the “Love of Wisdom”, a

Philosopher is what we call the “Lover of Wisdom”. Philosophers
have been the object of laughter for as long as the world
remember. Thales, himself, was known to have been laughed at
one day when he was busily gazing up the heavens, and fell into a
cistern. Another Greek philosopher, Socrates, was comically portrayed by the
comedian Aristophanes. He said that Socrates, and all other philosophers, are ugly
and unkempt because they have no time to bathe. The reason behind is that they

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

spend more time in seeking the truth and knowing more. As such, to be a Philosopher
is to have a deep love with knowing things that revolve around our daily living.

B. Beginnings of Philosophy, Western and Eastern Philosophers and

their Philosophies

Many philosophers hold that there are three great original centers of philosophy
in the world – Greek (or Western), Indian, and Chinese (Eastern). All three arose as
critical reflections on their own cultural traditions. Let’s study how Philosophy begun
through the Philosophers and their philosophies.

Period Western Eastern

Ancient Greece
(First Philosophers)
The focus of Philosophy in
this era is of the origin of
the world.
Greek
Thales of Miletus
Argues that everything in the
world came from water and is
made out of water.
Indian
Gautama Buddha
Founded Buddhism focuses
on spirituality. People call
him crazy for focusing in
self-reflection while ignoring
the world.

Greek Triumvirate Chinese

Socrates – Introduced Socratic Confucius – Golden Rule
Method. A method of Promoted social and moral
philosophizing by asking values. Explained life
questions upon questions. through the principle of
Plato – Founded the Academy YinYang
for students to study.
Aristotle – Developed
deductive reasoning

Medieval Period St. Thomas Aquinas Muhammad

The focus of Philosophy in
this era is Theodicy or the
study of God. This period
is considered the era that
started the Dark Ages up
to the Renaissance Period.
Philosophers are trying to
explain the essence of life
through Religion.
The Dark Ages is
characterized by the
He produced a comprehensive He was an Arab religious,
synthesis of Christian theology social, and political leader
and Aristotelian philosophy that and the founder of Islam.
influenced Roman Catholic
doctrine for centuries and was Introduced the Five Pillars
adopted as the official of Islam as way of life.
philosophy of the church. He
used Christianity to answer 1. Testament of Faith
questions of existence and 2. Daily Prayers
purpose in life. 3. Alms-giving
4. Fasting
5. Holy Pilgrimage

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

suppression of ideas. One
can be thrown to jail for
own opinion. All books
were burned at the time.
Holy Wars were prevalent.

The Renaissance period

is also called “Rebirth”
because after the
suppression of ideas and
books being burned comes
the flourish of Art and
Literature.

Modern Period Rene De Cartes Guru Nanak

The focus of Philosophy inHe popularized Cartesian The core beliefs of Sikhism,
this era is Epistemology or
dualism, his theory on the articulated in the Guru
the study of knowledge. separation of the mind and the Granth Sahib, include faith
body. He attempted to and meditation on the
Critical Thinking is demonstrate the existence of name of the one creator;
prevalent. The period of God and the distinction divine unity and equality of
the development of Math. between the human soul and all humankind; engaging
body. in seva ('selfless service');
striving for justice for
the benefit and prosperity
of all; and honest conduct
and livelihood while living a
householder's life.

Claims meditation as
communication with God.
Promotes selfless service
and action to others.

Contemporary Period Jean Paul Satre

The focus of Philosophy in
this era is Existentialism.
Philosophers are trying to
explain the existence and
purpose of life together
with death.
For Sartre, existence precedes
essence, freedom is absolute,
and existence is freedom. It
has been made clear
that Sartre does not believe
that any essence or substance
can be attributed to individuals
prior to their existence.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 WHAT’S MORE

Activity 2.1: Diving to a Philosopher’s Mind

Directions: Choose one of the quotes below to reflect. What do
you think they have in mind when they said the following
quotation? Write your reflection in any clean sheet of paper and
Label it as Activity 2.1: Diving to a Philosopher’s Mind. Don’t forget
to write your name in your paper.

“Science is what you know. Philosophy is what you don’t know.” - Bernard Russell

“If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your
life you doubt, as far as possible, all things. “ - René Descartes

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

Life for eastern philosophers is a translation of thought; it is philosophy in action.

Easter philosophers believe that life must be the extension of thought, its fruits, and
its application. They accept the validity of intuition and mysticism, the readiness to
revert to extra logical, if not illogical modes of thinking. Their basic philosophical
concepts are shrouded in religious beliefs and myths. For them, if logic is no longer
able to solve a life problem they resort to intuition. The western philosophers has but
to theorize and speculate. They oppose the acceptance of religious beliefs and myths
in their reasoning.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 Lesson
THE FILIPINO PHILOSOPHER
3

WHAT’S IN

We have discussed in Lesson 2 how Philosophy sprung to the different parts of

the world through the different great thinkers. It is their task to find answers to different
questions and explain them in best way they can. In the Philippines, we have what we
call the “Pilosopo”.

Lesson Motivation
Activity 3.1. Concept Map: Misconception of a Being a Pilosopo
Directions: Answer the given questions.
1. What are the first words that come in to your mind when you hear the word
“Pilosopo”? Draw a concept map in any clean sheet of paper; fill in the words
that come in to your mind in each circle.

Pilosopo

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 2. With your answers in the concept map, what is your general concept of a
“pilosopo”? Write your answer below your drawing of your concept map. Label
this activity as Activity 3.1: Concept Map.

WHAT IS IT

Lesson Discussion
A. Misconceptions of the word “Pilosopo” and its true meaning

In the Philippines, the term “pilosopo” connotes the image of a comical, and
sometimes annoying, character. It is often used to describe someone who plays with
words, or twists commonsensical reasonings in order to come across as funny.
Sometimes the pilosopo is also described as “KSP” (kulang sa pansin) because their
incessant questioning gives the impression that they are desperate for attention.

Is a pilosopo what we mean by a philosopher? The

answer can either be yes or no.

No, a philosopher is not a pilosopo because he/she

does not play with words, or twists reasonings just for the
fun of it.

Yes, a pilosopo is not a philosopher, if his/her intention in playing with words

and overturning usual forms of reasonings is in order to view things in a different way.
Sometimes, it is when you try to look at things upside-down or inside-out that you
discover things that would give you a sense of wonder and astonishment.

No, a philosopher is not a pilosopo, if he/she raises questions often with the
intention of showing off that he/she is singularly smart and inquisitive.

Yes, a pilosopo is a philosopher if the questions he/she asks stem from a

genuine confusion, astonishment and wonder. Most important of all, those questions
are personal because they deeply touch on or has a bearing on the philosopher’s
understanding of meaning of life.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

B. The Filipino Philosophy

Filipinos do have their own philosophy. As part of the east part of the world,
their philosophy is rooted with religious beliefs and myths. Like any other people, the
Filipino must eventually take consciousness of his own particular life and his world, his
society and his gods in the light of Truth, and thereby realize his proper being. This
section draws out elements or draw sketches of the general lines of Filipino
philosophy. The three dimensions of Filipino philosophy are: Loob (or Kalooban),
Filipino Philosophy of Time, and Bahala Na.

1. Loob or Kalooban
Filipinos believe in innate goodness of the human being. A Filipino believes
that every person is good by nature. He upholds values of loyalty, hospitality,
pakikisama, respect to authority and concept of utang na loob. Filipino ethics is
engraved to the wholeness of a person. Give high regards with dignity, pride, respect,
and family-orientedness.

2. Filipino Philosophy of Time

A Filipino believes in the Gulong ng Palad process of life which entails that
there is a right time for everything. He believes that things happen for a reason with
relations to time. As the saying goes, oras mo na or hindi mo pa oras. He clings to
unmitigated optimism that one day; all things will go for the better and reasons out
bad happenings for wrong timing.

3. Bahala Na
The Bahala Na philosophy started in the pre-spanish period with the belief
of Bathala, elements and the like. This philosophy is the most outstanding virtue to
Filipinos. It involves complete trust in the Divine Providence or Fate – having the
acceptance of whatever the outcome of his decisions. It is also characterized by the
courage of taking risks.

These 3 dimensions of Filipino Thinking forms our philosophy of life. This way
of thinking is how Filipinos answers questions like: Bakit single pa ako?, Bakit ang
bata niyang namatay? and Paano na kaya future ko?

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

The word “philosophy” literally means love of wisdom. Sometimes, however,

the term “pilosopo” has negative connotation like someone who asks nonsense
questions for selfish reasons. The etymological meaning, however, leads us to the true
meaning of “pilosopo” as someone who asks questions because of a genuine desire
to know and to view things in a different way. His questions emanate from real
confusion, astonishment and wonder and from an honest admission that he does not
know. His questions are personal because they deeply touch on his understanding of
life.

Filipinos have their own philosophy at the very start of time. From the belief of
Bathala, elements and spirits, it grew into reasonings that are used to explain our
behavior and how we deal our day-to-day lives.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 Lesson
PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTIONS
4

WHAT’S IN

In Lesson 3, we have discussed the misconceptions of “Pilosopo”. We have

learned that a true Philosopher is someone who is in search for deep knowledge and
can be sometimes be called crazy.

WHAT IS IT

A. What Makes A Question Philosophical?

Note the progression from the particular personal

questions towards the philosophical questions raised by Arielle.
Here, we can see that philosophical questions move beyond
specific concerns. That is, they are more and more abstracted
from our everyday concerns. But the example of Arielle’s
questioning above shows that before one gets to the
philosophical questions, one begins with a problem that seem to be readily answered.
Arielle’s case shows us that everyday we get visited by moments of unease
because of questions that ask us to take some time to reflect. However, the invitation
to think philosophically is easily shrugged off because of the inconvenience that the
unease brings on us.
Doing philosophy makes you crave more wisdom. When we do take the time to
think about these questions, people around us say that we are “wasting time” because
we need commitment of openness and effort in seeking for answers. This
distinguishes a genuine philosopher. Someone who thinks questions philosophically.

B. Personal Questions Vs. Philosophical Questions

Philosophical questions make you ponder on things out of the ordinary. It

beings with an unease. This feeling of inner discomfort comes from the experience of
not being able to find immediate answers to our questions. When we bravely and
patiently wait for answers to these questions, we might find our questions giving birth
to more questions. In the other hand, personal questions are shallow questions that
does not need a quest to find answers.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 WHAT’S MORE

Activity 4.1: Identification

Directions: Distinguish a personal and a philosophical question. Write
PER if the question is personal and PHI if the question is philosophical.
Write your answers in any clean sheet of paper and label it as Activity
4.1: Identification.

1. What is the square root of 64?

2. What days of the week does the garbage collector go to the village?
3. What happens after death?
4. Is it right to impose a dress code to students in SHS?
5. What makes an action moral?
6. What is matter?
7. What is the lifecycle of a butterfly?
8. What is the meaning of life?
9. Are you lying?
10. What is truth?

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

Because the questions of philosophy have no ready answers for us, we

commonly view the act of philosophizing as useless. It appears to be useless because
it does not give us anything, at least immediately. Our modern world has been so
designed to have an instant answer for everything so that we hardly move beyond
practical everyday concerns. You can be only a philosopher if you have the courage
to be open and committed enough to pursue the questions, no matter how painful or
overwhelming it may be. There is no immediate guarantee that your questions will be
answered, which is completely opposite of our world of instant gratification. In this
world, if the process of questioning does not immediately satisfy us with favorable
results, that process is simply deemed as useless.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 ASSESSMENT

Posttest. Identification
Directions: Answer the following questions in any clean sheet of paper. Label it as
Posttest.
1. Which branch of philosophy deals with arguments?
2. Which branch of philosophy evaluates human actions?
3. What Filipino value puts one in touch with one’s fellow beings and is essentially
interpersonal?
4. Etymologically, what does philosopher mean?

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

I. WRITTEN TEST: CREATIVE CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE TEST ITEM

LEARNING COMPETENCY:

1. Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view; and

2. Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life.

Poetry Analysis
Directions:
1. Imagine what an Elephant look like. How would you describe the different
parts of the Elephant?
2. Read the poem by John Godfrey Saxe’s, a classic Indian legend, entitled Six
Blind men and the Elephant and answer the questions that follow.

SIX BLIND MEN AND THE ELEPHANT

John Godfrey Saxe

I.

IT was six men of Indostan

To learning much inclined,
Who went to see the Elephant
(Though all of them were blind),

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

That each by observation
Might satisfy his mind.

II.

The First approached the Elephant,

And happening to fall
Against his broad and sturdy side,
At once began to bawl:
"God bless me!—but the Elephant
Is very like a wall!"
III.

The Second, feeling of the tusk,

Cried: "Ho!—what have we here
So very round and smooth and sharp?
To me 't is mighty clear
This wonder of an Elephant
Is very like a spear!"

IV.

The Third approached the animal,

And happening to take
The squirming trunk within his hands,
Thus boldly up and spake:

"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant

Is very like a snake!"

V.

The Fourth reached out his eager hand,

And felt about the knee.
"What most this wondrous beast is like
Is mighty plain," quoth he;
"'T is clear enough the Elephant
Is very like a tree!"

VI.

The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear,

Said: "E'en the blindest man

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

Can tell what this resembles most;
Deny the fact who can,
This marvel of an Elephant
Is very like a fan!"

VII.

The Sixth no sooner had begun

About the beast to grope,
Than, seizing on the swinging tail
That fell within his scope,
"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant
Is very like a rope!"

VIII.

And so these men of Indostan

Disputed loud and long,
Each in his own opinion
Exceeding stiff and strong,
Though each was partly in the right,
And all were in the wrong!

MORAL.

So, oft in theologic wars

The disputants, I ween,
Rail on in utter ignorance
Of what each other mean,
And prate about an Elephant
Not one of them has seen!

Source:
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_poems_of_John_Godfrey_Saxe/The_Blind_Men_
and_the_Elephant

QUESTION AND CREATIVE WRITTEN OUTPUT:

Answer the following question below in 5 to 8 sentences.

1. Did anyone among the blind men give the correct answer? Why or why not?

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

SAMPLE PROMPTS/OUTLINE
1. In the context of the elephant story, think of a situation that will distinguish the
holistic perspective and partial point of view in obtaining a broad perspective on
life.
2. Give 5 realization of doing philosophy as pointed out by the poet John Godfrey
Saxe.

STUDENT’S WRITTEN OUTPUT:

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________.

CREATIVE CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE HOLISTIC RUBRIC

RATING DESCRIPTION
4 The learner shows a complete understanding and was able to clearly explain
the rule of reciprocity as a function of economic institutions in real world
scenario.
3 The learner shows understanding and was able to explain the rule of
reciprocity as a function of economic institutions in real world scenario.
2 The learner made a minor mistake, shows understanding and somehow
explain the rule of reciprocity as a function of economic institutions in real
world scenario.
1 The learner shows partial understanding and somehow able to show
understanding on the rule of reciprocity as a function of economic institutions
in real world scenario.

WRITTEN WORK RUBRICS

Traits 4 3 2 1

Focus & There is one clear, There is one clear, There is one topic. The topic and main
Details well-focused topic. well-focused topic. Main ideas are ideas are not clear.
Main ideas are clear Main ideas are clear somewhat clear.
and are well but are not well
supported by supported by
detailed and detailed information.
accurate
information.

Organization The introduction is The introduction The introduction There is no clear

inviting, states the states the main topic states the main topic. introduction,
main topic, and and provides an A conclusion is structure, or
provides an overview of the included. conclusion.
overview of the paper. A conclusion
paper. Information is is included.
relevant and
presented in a

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 logical order. The
conclusion is strong.

Voice The author’s The author’s The author’s The author’s

purpose of writing is purpose of writing is purpose of writing is purpose of writing is
very clear, and there clear, and there is somewhat clear, unclear.
is strong evidence of some evidence of and there is
attention to attention to evidence of
audience. The audience. The attention to
author’s extensive author’s knowledge audience. The
knowledge and/or and/or experience author’s knowledge
experience with the with the topic is/are and/or experience
topic is/are evident. evident. with the topic is/are
limited.

Word The author uses The author uses The author uses The writer uses a
Choice vivid words and vivid words and words that limited vocabulary.
phrases. The choice phrases. The choice communicate clearly, Jargon or clichés
and placement of and placement of but the writing lacks may be present and
words seems words is inaccurate variety. detract from the
accurate, natural, at times and/or meaning.
and not forced. seems overdone.

Sentence All sentences are Most sentences are Most sentences are Sentences sound
Structure, well constructed and well constructed and well constructed, but
have varied structure have varied they have a similar awkward, are
Grammar,
Mechanics, and length. The structure and length. structure and/or distractingly
& author makes no The author makes a length. The author repetitive,
Spelling errors in grammar, few errors in makes several errors
mechanics, and/or grammar, in grammar, or are difficult to
spelling. mechanics, and/or mechanics, and/or understand. The
spelling, but they do spelling that interfere author makes
not interfere with with understanding. numerous errors in
understanding. grammar,
mechanics,
and/or spelling
that interfere
with
understanding.

II. PERFORMANCE TASK

Most Essential Learning Competency:
Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic perspective.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD:
Evaluate the factors causing social inequalities

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

The Story of Arielle

Arielle looks at her reflection in the mirror for the

fourth time this morning. She was running late for school,
but she could not quite decide on what to wear for the day.
She finally decides on this plain white shirt and jeans, looks
at it on her with a sigh of resignation, then runs off
downstairs where her mother has been yelling about the
time. In the car on the way to school, she starts muttering
to herself. “All this trouble of having to choose what to wear
to school everyday. Why does it have to be so difficult?
Why can’t I just wear anything I grab from my closet?”

After she calms down, she moves into a more pensive mode. She begins to ask,
“Why should my clothes or the way I look matter to others anyway? If I think about what
others would say, does that mean I am not free to choose whatever I want? Does this mean
that I am not really free?”

Arielle’s dad pulls over in front of her school. She says goodbye and walks to her
classroom. She continues with her questions. “So if living in society means that I am not
really free, does this mean that I will only be free when I live alone? Like live in a desert or
in Mars? But what good would that do? If I live alone, I may be free to do what I want, but
would that be a happy life? Is having the freedom to do what one pleases the opposite of
having a happy life. What is freedom, really? What is a happy life??”

She enters her classroom, sets down her bag and shrugs off the question. She goes
to her “barkada” who were squatting in a corner of the room, aimlessly chatting about their
weekend.

SITUATION:

You are a writer and you want to write your first book about Philosophy. In order to
do that, you have to create a pamphlet containing one Philosophical Question you
are dying to find an answer. Tell how you came up with that Philosophical Question.

GOAL:

To write Philosophical questions and formulate answers.

STANDARDS:

A writer / an author.

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

ROLE:

A writer / an author.

PRODUCT:
Pamphlet

AUDIENCE:
Readers of all ages

STANDARDS:

The pamphlet will be based on the accuracy of the content, organization of ideas, and
conclusions, sources and grammar, sentence structure, creativity and design.

PERFORMANCE TASK RUBRICS

Make a Pamphlet

4
3 2 1
OUTSTANDIN
CRITERIA SATISFACTORY DEVELOPING BEGINNING RATING
G

The topic of the The topic of the The topic of the The topic of the
infographic is infographic is infographic is a infographic is
specific in intended to little broad to unclear or
Topic nature and is inform the allow the lacking.
intended to viewers. viewer to
inform the understand the
viewers. main points.
All supportive Almost all Some Most
facts and supportive facts supportive facts supportive facts
Accuracy of
statistics are and statistics and statistics and statistics
the Content
reported are reported are reported are reported
accurately. accurately. accurately. inaccurately.
All graphs and Most of the Some of the No graphs or
charts used are graphs and graphs and charts are
very relevant charts used are charts used are included or
and relevant and somehow none of the
Graphs and
appropriate for appropriate for relevant. Some graphs or
Charts
the data the data may not be charts are
displayed. displayed. appropriate for appropriate for
the data the data
displayed. displayed.
All sources All sources Most of the Many sources
Sources used for facts used for facts sources used used for facts
are credible are credible for facts are are less than

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 and cited and most are credible and credible and
correctly. cited correctly. most are cited most are not
correctly. cited correctly.
Additional Additional Additional No additional
elements such elements are elements are elements are
as pictures or used but do not included but used.
Creativity maps are enhance the are not relevant
incorporated to infographic. to the topic of
enhance the the infographic.
infographic.
Total:

Answer Key

WHAT I KNOW (Pretest):

1. D. Greek
2. B. Love of wisdom
3. C. to have a strong desire for a particular thing.
4. C. Philosopher
5. C. Curiosity
6. A. All things that exists
7. C. it involves inquiry and investigation.
8. A. A philosopher uses unaided reasoning.
9. D. None from the choices.
10. C. Ethics

Activity 1.1 – answers may vary

Activity 1.2 – answers may vary
Activity 2.1 – answers may vary
Activity 3.1 – answers may vary

WHAT’S MORE (ACTIVITY 4.1)

PER 1. What is the square root of 64?
PER 2. What days of the week does the garbage collector go to the village?
PHI 3. What happens after death?
PHI 4. Is it right to impose a dress code to students in SHS?
PHI 5. What makes an action moral?
PER 6. What is matter?
PER 7. What is the lifecycle of a butterfly?
PHI 8. What is the meaning of life?
PER 9. Are you lying?
PHI 10. What is truth?

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

Post test
1. LOGIC
2. ETHICS
3. KALOOBAN
4. LOVER OF WISDOM
5. – 7. SOCRATES, PLATO, ARISTOTLE
8. – 10. What is the difference between a personal question and a philosophical question?
Philosophical questions makes you ponder on things out of the ordinary. It beings with
an unease. This feeling of inner discomfort comes from the experience of not being able to
find immediate answers to our questions. When we bravely and patiently wait for answers to
these questions, we might find our questions giving birth to more questions. In the other hand,
personal questions are shallow questions that does not need a quest to find answers.

References:

Books
• Corpuz, Brenda B., et.al. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person. Manila.
Lori Mar Productions
• Ramos, Christine Carmela R. 2016. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human
Person. Manila. Rex Bookstore

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12

 For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Schools Division of Laoag City

Curriculum Implementation Division
Brgy. 23 San Matias, Laoag City, 2900
Contact Number: (077)-771-3678
Email Address: laoag.city@deped.gov.ph

WBLS-OBE MELC-Aligned Self-Learning Module Intro to Philosophy 11/12