GRADE

San Fabian National High School

San Fabian, Pangasinan
11/12

MODULE
in
INTRODUCTION TO
THE PHILOSOPHY OF
THE HUMAN PERSON
Quarter1 Module2
For queries, please contact us:
Name of Teacher Contact Number Messenger

JANELLE H. SERRAN 09209828059 Janelle Moina Halog Serran

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LESSON 2: METHODS OF PHILOSOPHIZING
The study of this subject is an initiation to the activity and process of philosophical reflection as a
search for a synoptic vision of life. At the end of the course, you should be able to reflect on their daily
experiences from a holistic point of view, acquire critical and analytical thinking skills and should be able
to apply this critical and analytical thinking skills to the affairs of daily life and become truthful, environment-
friendly and service-oriented. Actively committed to the development of a more humane society and
articulate their own philosophy of life.

WHAT I KNOW
Before heading on to our lesson, let us first check what you have learned from our
previous lesson.
Direction. Identify each statement. Choose your answer from the box and write them on the space
provided.

Plato Wisdom Doubt Philosophy Holistic Thinking

Love of wisdom Karl Jaspers Partial Thinking Reflection Love

________________1. It is the study or discipline that uses human reason to investigate the ultimate
causes, reasons, and principles which govern all things.
_______________ 2. The Greek term, philosophia, means ______.
_______________ 3. The Greek word, philos, means _________.
_______________ 4. The Greek word, sophia, means _________.
_______________ 5. The Greek philosopher who believes that Philosophy is brought about by man’s
sense of wonder.
_______________ 6. He believes that persons engage in philosophy in order to make sense of difficult
life experiences.
_______________ 7. It is an activity that requires a person to examine his or her thoughts, feelings, and
actions and learn from experience.
_______________ 8. Rene Descartes consider this as a reason why people philosophize.
_______________ 9. It is a perspective that considers the “bigger picture” when looking at problems and
situations.
_______________ 10. It is a perspective that focuses on specific aspects of a situation.
Great job! Later we will see if your answers are correct by reading the rest of this module.

WHAT’S IN
Philosophical method (or philosophical methodology) is the study of how to do philosophy. A
common view among philosophers is that philosophy is distinguished by the ways that philosophers follow
in addressing philosophical questions. There is not just one method that philosophers use to answer
philosophical questions.
Philosophy is concerned with determining the concept of truth. Truth lies at the heart of any inquiry.

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WHAT’S NEW?
Direction. Choose five words you found inside the box. Write down other related words or ideas
that can you think of in relation to the words you choose. Write you answer on the space provided.

Box No. 1
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

WHAT IS IT?
Truth in metaphysics and the philosophy of language is the property of sentences, assertions,
beliefs, thoughts, or propositions that are said, in ordinary discourse, to agree with the facts or to state
what the case is. It is most often used to mean being in accord with fact or reality, or fidelity to an original
or standard. Truth is also sometimes defined in modern contexts as an idea of "truth to self", or authenticity.
Propositions is a statement about the world or reality. Propositions may or may not carry truth.
Knowledge is the clear awareness and understanding of something. It is the product of questions
that allow for clear answers provided by facts.
Facts are propositions or statement which are observe to be real or truthful.
Claim is a statement that is not evidently or immediately known to be true. This means that any
claim can be proven by verification and experimentation.
Therefore, truthful statements can be considered as based on facts.
There are several views regarding truth. Philosophers emphasize the importance of belief as a
basis for determining truth. But as a philosopher, we do not assume that every statement is true.
Remember the famous French philosopher, Rene Descartes traced the need to philosophize to doubt.
In philosophy, systematic doubt is employed to help determine the truth. This means that every
statement, claim, evidence, and experience is scrutinized and analyzed.

Philosophers always engaged with the concept of truth. Philosophers consider truth as a kind of
quality or value. Knowledge is the clear awareness and understanding of something, since it is true
knowing that we are able to determine what is true.

Doubt has a very important purpose in philosophy as it drives our desire to discover the truth. In
philosophy, systematic doubt is employed to help determine the truth.

A belief is true if it can be justified or proven through the use of one’s senses. Another basis for
determining truth is a belief or statement is true if it is based on facts.

Getting consensus or having people agree on a common belief is another way of determining what
is true. Although this approach has certain limitations. Getting everyone to agree on something may not
take that belief true.
Philosophers also believe that claims and belief should also be subjected to test to determine truth.
In determining truth requires also that a person can prove a statement through an action.

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LESSON 2.1 DISTINGUISHING OPINION FROM
TRUTH
Let us take a look at the following statements and determine which one states fact or opinion.
 1. It takes me 30 minutes to walk from my home to school.
 2. Living near the school is better because we do not have to spend much for transportation.
 3. My sister ate the last piece of pizza pie.
 4. My sister is a selfish person because she ate the last piece of pizza pie and did not share it
with me.
 5. The policeman firmly pushed the suspect to his knees and placed him in handcuffs.
 6. The aggressive manner by which the policeman arrested the suspect is an example of the
brutality that characterizes our police force.

Statements 1, 3, and 5 are more factual than statements 2, 4, and 6. Using the philosophical tools
we learned, they fit into the category of facts since they contain ideas or information that are easily
verifiable.
While statements 2, 4, and 6 could be considered as opinions. These statements go beyond
providing facts. It also provide conclusions or perspectives regarding certain situations. Opinions are also
the bases for making arguments and convincing people that a certain claim is a fact.

Fact is something concrete that can be proven. You can find

facts in legal records, scientific findings, encyclopaedias,
atlases, etc. In other words, facts are the truth and are
accepted as such.
Opinion is less concrete. It's a view formed in the
mind of a person about a particular issue. In other words it is
what someone believes or thinks, and is not necessarily the
truth. Also, note in the examples below how facts are the
same for
everybody, but opinions can differ quite widely.
 Examples of an opinion:
 Ann can have the opinion that Italian food tastes best,
while Joe has the opinion that French food is ideal.
 Sue can have the opinion that reading is boring, while Mike
can have the opinion that reading is fun.
 Penny can have the opinion that cold weather is better,
while Tim can prefer hot weather.


FACT OPINION

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WHAT I KNOW
Direction: Give a brief answer to the following question. Write your answer in the space provided.
1. Give 5 examples of a factual statements and 5 examples of an opinion.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
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_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT’S IN?
 Opinions are statement that go beyond providing facts.
 A conclusion is a judgment based on certain facts.
 Beliefs are statements that expresses convictions that are not easily and clearly explained by
facts.
 Explanations are statements that assume the claim to be true and provide reasons why the
statement is true.
 Arguments are series of statements that provide reasons to convince the reader or listener
that a claim or opinion is truthful.
 Fallacies are arguments based on faulty reasoning.
 Bias is disproportionate weight in favor of or against an idea or thing, usually in a way that is
closed-minded, prejudicial, or unfair.
The facts that form the bases of a conclusion may not be disputed but the conclusion itself could still be
contested or questioned. To judge the truthfulness of belief, we must also consider things such a person’s
experiences and views.
Facts are statements that are observed to be real or truthful. Claims are statements that require further
examination to determine their truthfulness. Some arguments may contain fallacies. We must be aware of the various
kinds of fallacies as these affect the validity of arguments. Opinions are often influenced by bias. We must be aware
of bias so that we can objectively and critically examine points of view.
Opinion is something intermediary between knowledge and ignorance. While Public opinion is the
intermediate faculty which seizes the things that float between the two extremes (Plato)
Opinion applies to what, being true or false, may be other than it is: in fact, opinion is the apprehension of
an immediate and unnecessary premise (Aristotle)
Opinion, founded in the probable, perhaps also the name of knowledge (Leibniz)
Opinion is a belief that is conscious of being insufficient both subjectively and
objectively (Kant)
An opinion gives for truth something that has been said, although sometimes they are absurd words, which
mean nothing, impossible to understand (Hobbes)
Public opinion is the convergence of the opinions of the greatest number of people in a community, so that
they form a common and dominant feeling, exerting diffuse pressure (Freund)
The following are the examples of fallacies.
Fallacy Characteristics
Ad hominem attacking the person presenting the argument instead of the argument itself.
Appeal to force using the threat of force or an undesirable event to advance an argument.
Appeal to emotion using emotions such as pity or sympathy.
Appeal to the popular the idea is presented as acceptable because a lot of people accept it.
Appeal to tradition the idea is acceptable because it has been true for a long time.
Begging the question assuming the thing or idea to be proven is true; also known as circular argument.
Cause-and-effect assuming “cause-and-effect” relationship between unrelated events
Fallacy of composition assuming that what is true of a part is true for the whole
Fallacy of division assuming that what is true for the whole is true for its parts.

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The following are the examples of biases.
Bias Characteristics
Correspondence bias tendency to judge a person’s personality by his or her actions, without regard for the external
or attribution effect factors or influence.
Confirmation bias tendency to look for and readily accept information which fits one’s own beliefs or views and
to reject ideas or views that go against it.
Framing focusing on a certain aspect of a problem while ignoring other aspects.
Hindsight - the tendency to see past events as predictable, or to ascribe a pattern to historical events.
Conflict of interest a person or group is connected to or has a vested interest in the issue being discussed.
Cultural bias analyzing an event or issue based on one’s cultural standards.

LESSON 2.2 METHODS OF PHILOSOPHY LEAD TO

WISDOM AND TRUTH
The methods of philosophy will help to learn the process of doing philosophy in a systematic way. On the
other hand, philosophizing is to think or express oneself in a philosophical manner.
Although philosophy is an organized body of knowledge, the subject matter of philosophy is questions, which
have three major characteristics;
1. Philosophical questions have answers but the answers remain in dispute.
2. Philosophical questions cannot be settled by science, common sense, or faith.
3. Philosophical questions are of perennial intellectual interest to human beings.
The methodology or method that philosophers use to address philosophical question is critical thinking.
Critical Thinking is the careful, reflective, rational and systematic approach to questions of very general
interest.
Critical thinking means understanding if philosophy and refraining from merely giving claims but through
careful thought, one reasons through to argumentation.
The scientific method also leads to wisdom and truth because it uses an evidencebased approach to come
up with its conclusion. In this method, all truths are supported by facts that can easily be tested or proven again
through experiments, logical reasoning, or observation

WHAT I KNOW?
Direction: Give a brief answer to the following question. Write your answer on the space provided.
1. How will you determine the truth from an opinion?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

WHAT’S IN?
An understanding of opinions and facts and the mean to distinguish one from the other can further improve
our understanding and appreciation of varied views and ideas.
The ability to determine truth goes hand in hand with the holistic perspective and enables us to make wiser
decisions, especially in choosing then ideas and views which we find acceptable.
A critical mind aided by philosophy can help us from our own personal point of view that can guide us in
making decisions and actions when we faced with a problem.
Philosophy can help us determine ideas that are truthful and acceptable, which we can use to form our own
views regarding certain matters
For Maboloc and Pascua (2008) critical thinking is a lifelong process of self-assessment that further consists of:
Defining, analyzing and devising solutions,
Arriving at reasonable and informed conclusions
Applying understanding and knowledge to new and different problems. Willingness to say “I don’t know.”
The attributes of a critical thinker include;
Looks for evidence to support assumption and beliefs
Adjusts opinion
Looks for proof
Examines the problem
Rejects irrelevant and innocent information 6
LESSON 2.3 EVALUATE TRUTH FROM OPINIONS IN DIFFERENT
SITUATIONS USING THE METHODS OF PHILOSOPHIZING

A method of philosophizing is a process of determining the truth or drawing conclusions from a

statement using various philosophical methods, such asSocratic, dialectic, : scientific, and
historical.
When you evaluate information, it is very important to distinguish between fact and opinion. How
do we know if something is true?
Philosophers emphasize the importance of belief as a basis for determining truth. It is said that
there are instances when we have to unlearn something so that we may learn anew. Philosophers
questioned what they knew and even analyzed their methods of knowing in order to understand
themselves and the world much better.
The discussion on truth is part of philosophical studies on knowledge where philosophers explore
the nature of knowledge and the ways of knowing.

WHAT’S NEW
Direction: Complete the table below. Apply systematic doubt in analyzing the statement. Write your
answer on the box provided.
I am alive
I have a body
I can breathe

WHAT IS IT
Both the Socratic and dialectic method are based on a discussion between two or more people
who may carry differing views but wish to pursue the truth by seeking an agreement with one another.
Meanwhile, the scientific method is a process of determining truth or knowledge through experimentation,
inductive and deductive reasoning, and hypothesis or theory testing.
The scientific method, also called empirical method, is a process of determining truth or knowledge
through experimentation, inductive and deductive reasoning, and hypothesis or theory testing
Logic is the truth based on reasoning and critical thinking. It includes analysis and construction of
arguments. It serves as path to freedom from half-truths and deception.

TYPES OF REASONING
DEDUCTIVE REASONING INDUCTIVE REASONING

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Deductive Reasoning
In this type of reasoning, conclusion comes first, followed by main points, and the last will be the
supporting data, facts, examples, and evidences. General idea comes first before the specific or particular
idea.

Inductive Reasoning
In this type of reasoning, supporting data, facts, examples, and evidences come first followed by
the main points and conclusion will be the last part. This is the vice versa of the deductive reasoning
because particular idea comes first before the general idea.

WHAT’S MORE
Direction: Read the conversation below and answer the following question. Write your answer on
the space provided.
Lover’s Quarrel
Shanon: Did you hear about what happened between Angel and her boyfriend?
Vanvan: What happened?
Shanon: They got a huge fight last night. Angel called me up. She was crying and she said that
Mike hit her.
Dean: Wait, what? That’s not right? Mike came by my place last night and he was pretty shaken
up. He had scratch marks on his arms and a bite on his left hand. He said Angel just attacked her
and was accusing him of seeing another girl.
Shanon: No! Angel said it was Mike who started to hit her and she had to defend herself!
Question 1: As friend of Angel and Mike, how will you react to the statements given?

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED?

Direction. Fill in the blanks. Choose your answer from the box and write your answer on
the space provided
Doubt Truth Senses
Consensus Bias Opinion
 Philosophy is concerned with determining the concept of _________________. Truth lies at the
heart of any inquiry.
 In philosophy, systematic __________________ is employed to help determine the truth. This
means that every statement, claim, evidence, and experience is scrutinized and analyzed.
 There are various philosophical views regarding truth. One perspective is that a belief is true if it
can be justified or proven through the use of one’s_______________________, a belief or
statement is true if it is based on facts. Another way of determining what is true is getting a
_______________________or having people agree on a common belief. Philosophers also
believe that claims and belief should also be subjected to tests to determine truth.
 Opinions are statements which not only give facts but also provide conclusions or perspective
regarding certain situations.
 Arguments often take the form of statements that are either claims of facts and are phrased in
such a way that they seem reasonable. Hence, some arguments may contain fallacies which
means they are products of faulty reasoning.
 __________________ or the personal views of the person presenting it affect the way he or she
sees reality.
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WHAT I CAN DO?
Direction. Select one issue from the current issues in our society today. How do you apply methods
of philosophizing in determining the truth. Write your answer on the space provided.

ASSESSMENT
After our lesson, let us now check what you have learned.
Direction. Identify the following statement. Choose your answer form the box. Write your answer
on the space provided.
Facts Cultural of Bias Truth Framing Knowledge
Appeal to Tradition Fallacies Opinion Ad Hominem Conflict of Interest

________________ 1. It is the clear awareness and understanding of something.

________________ 2. These are statements which are observed to be real or truthful.
________________ 3. These are comprised of statements that provide views on a certain matter.

________________ 4. These are arguments based on faulty reasoning.

________________ 5. It is most often used to mean being in accord with fact or reality, or fidelity to an
original or standard.
________________ 6. A fallacy which is attacking the person presenting the argument instead of the
argument itself.

7. A fallacy which the idea is acceptable because it has been true for a long time.
8. A kind of biases which is focusing on a certain aspect of a problem while ignoring
other aspects.
. 9. A kind of biases which a person or group is connected to or has a
vested interest in the issue being discussed.
_________________ 10. Is by analyzing an event or issue based on one’s cultural stand.

Congratulations! You have completed your journey in this module.

You did a great job, it’s now time to go on to the next adventure…Good luck!

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SUBJECT: INTRO. TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
NAME: _______________________________________________ QUARTER 1
GRADE LEVEL AND SECTION: _____________________________
SUBJECT TEACHER: JANELLE H. SERRAN MODULE 2
ADVISER: ____________________________________________

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED?

Direction. Fill in the blanks. Choose your answer from the box and write your answer on the space
provided. (See page 7)
Doubt Truth Senses
Consensus Bias Opinion

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

WHAT I CAN DO?

Direction. Select one issue from the current issues in our society today. How do you apply methods
of philosophizing in determining the truth. Write your answer on the space provided.
Ex. Issues about covid 19, vaccines, front liners sentiments and situation, upcoming election, etc.

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ASSESSMENT
NOTE: YOU MAY USE A
1. 6. SEPARATE SHEET IF SPACE
2. 7. PROVIDED IS NOT ENOUGH,
3. 8. BUT BE SURE TO INCLUDE
4. 9. THIS PAGE WHEN PASSING
5. 10. YOUR ANSWERSHEET.

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