INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF
the extreme, and he was said to have lived like a BEGGAR
THE HUMAN PERSON
LESSON I – What is Philosophy?
PHILOSOPHY – presented as a study and discipline that enables
a person to attain a broad understanding and perspective in life
through REFLECTION
- a way of analyzing ideas and frameworks and a
REFLECTIVE and MEDITATIVE activity
REFLECTION and HOLISTIC THINKING – helpful tools in
engaging in philosophy
- enables us to attain a broad and deep perspective on life
through DELIBERATE and CAREFUL THINKING, the USE OF
REFLECTION, and EMPLOYING HOLISTIC THINKING in
understanding life situations and challenges
* through philosophy, a person can APPRECIATE LIFE
EXPERIENCES as vital components that gives MEANING TO
LIFE
* By nature, human beings are INQUISITIVE. We ask questions
to try and make sense of our world and experiences. Our
questions are influenced by our experiences and circumstances
* A big part of living is spent pondering many questions, and our
lives become more meaningful because we search for answers
to these innumerable questions
SIMPLE QUESTIONS: What is this?; What does this do?
SERIOUS QUESTIONS: Why do I have to study?; Why did I fail?;
What can I do to be better?; What should I do to get high grades?
DEEP QUESTIONS: Where can one find true happiness?; Does
the end justify the means?; Why do good people suffer?; Why is
there injustice in this world? Why do I have to be a good person?
ESSENCE OF PHILOSOPHY: search for answers to life’s
questions
PHILOSOPHY – comes from two Greek words: philos (love) and
sophia (wisdom)
- ancient Greeks used this term to refer to “love of wisdom” and
soon applied it to the study or discipline that uses human reason
to investigate the ultimate causes, reasons, and principles which
govern all things
WISDOM - one intended product of philosophizing because it’s
an ability to discern inner qualities and relationships
PHILOSOPHERS – people who engage in philosophy
- lovers of wisdom
- quite common to hear of them as “experts” in various fields of
learning
-- became PIONEERS in VARIOUS FIELDS OF KNOWLEDGE
such as history, biology, medicine, mathematics, astronomy,
physics
NOTABLE ANCIENT GREEK PHILOSOPHERS:
1. PYTHAGORAS ( 570 BCE to 495 BCE ) – a mathematician
and scientist credited with formulating the Pythagorean Theorem.
- established a community of learners who were devoted to the
study of religion and philosophy
2. HERACLITUS ( 535 BCE to 475 BCE ) – he proposed that
everything that exists is based on a higher order or plan which he
called logos. For him, CHANGE is a permanent aspect of the
human condition as he was credited with the saying, “ NO MAN
EVER STEPS IN THE SAME RIVER TWICE.”
3. DEMOCRITUS ( 460 BCE to 370 BCE ) – he devoted himself
to the CAUSES OF NATURAL PHENOMENA and was among
the first to propose that MATTER is composed of tiny particles
called ATOMS.
4. DIOGENES OF SINOPE ( 412 BCE to 323 BCE ) – known as
advocate of living a simple and virtuous life; one should not only
TALK OF VIRTUE but should show it in WORDS and ACTIONS.
Source : Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Abella, Roberto D., M.Div., D.Min., 2016
- his emphasis on AUSTERITY and SIMPLICITY often went to
- also known to be a vocal CRITIC of well-known philosophers
SUCH as Plato and Aristotle
- his teachings and views influenced the development of several
SCHOOLS OF PHILOSOPHY such as CYNICISM and
STOICISM
5. EPICURUS ( 321 BCE to 270 BCE ) – believed that philosophy
could enable man to live a life of happiness and his views gave
rise to EPICUREANISM – a school of philosophy which believes
that WISDOM AND SIMPLE LIVING WILL RESULT IN A LIFE
FREE OF FEAR AND PAIN
6. SOCRATES ( 470 BCE to 399 BCE ) – considered the
foremost philosopher of ancient time and made great
contributions to the field of ETHICS
- known CRITIC OF INTELLECTUALS during his time but DID
NOT CLAIM to be “wise” and merely a “midwife” that helped
inquiring minds achieve WISDOM
- believed that philosophy could enable a man to live a LIFE OF
VIRTUE
- credited with formulating the SOCRATIC METHOD – a means
of examining a topic by devising a series of questions that let the
learner examine and analyze his knowledge and views regarding
the topic
7. PLATO ( 427 BCE to 347 BCE ) – a student of Socrates, he
wrote down his mentor’s teaching and incorporated some of his
ideas into them
- his teachings and writings were considered the FOUNDATION
OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY
- significant ideas include THEORY OF FORMS – proposes that
everything that exists is based on an idea or template that can
only be perceived in the mind; these nonphysical ideas are
ETERNAL and UNCHANGING
- focused his studies on the ideal society and proposed an ideal
model of GOVERNMENT and SOCIETY which is ruled by
WISDOM and REASON
- known for his DIALECTIC - method of inquiry where two
opposing ideas are discussed in an attempt to arrive at new
knowledge
- his lasting contribution to learning was the founding of the
ACADEMY – an institution of higher learning which was the first
of its kind in the Western World
8. ARISTOTLE ( 384 BCE to 322 BCE ) – HE ATTENDED THE
Academy, and was a prominent student of Plato, however,
disagreed with PLATO’S THEORY OF FORMS and took a
different stance in interpreting reality
- for him, all ideas and views are based on perception and our
reality is based on what we can sense and perceive – this view
greatly influenced the study of the PHYSICAL SCIENCE
- was involved in a great variety of disciplines such as
ZOOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY, ETHICS, and POLITICS
- proposed a system for the classification of plants and animals;
his studies in LOGIC led to the formulation of a formal process of
analyzing reasoning which gave rise to DEDUCTIVE
REASONING – the process by which specific statements are
analyzed to reach a conclusion or generalization
WESTERN PHILOSOPHY – emergence started in the
developments that started in ancient Greece
- throughout the centuries became more systematic and
specialized in its approach
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY – emerged from the communities and
civilizations in Asia
- more fluid and places greater emphasis on social relations, the
family and community
BOTH : pondered the significant questions regarding HUMAN
EXISTENCE
FOUR ( 4 ) MAJOR PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTIONS:
1. What is real? Are we able to perceive and understand reality
and everything in it?
2. How do we know what we know? Are the things that we know
true?
3. What is the ultimate cause of all things? What is our purpose
in this world?
4. To what extent are our choices and actions considered “free”?
WHY IS THERE A NEED TO PHILOSOPHIZE?
1. SENSE OF WONDER – whenever we are confronted with an
experience, we always wonder how it came about
- man’s overbounding curiosity drives him to ask questions,
some of which have no definite answers
- this perspective drives the need of philosopher to QUESTION,
EXAMINE and LEARN more
- the Greek philosopher PLATO believed that philosophy is
brought about by man’s sense of wonder
2. DOUBT – French philosopher Rene Descartes considered this
as a reason why people philosophize
- Descartes’ method of examining ideas and perspectives
became the basis of critical thinking and analysis in the sciences
- example: a scientific hypothesis must first be tested and
verified before it is accepted as ‘truth’. In life, we will be faced with
several ideas and arguments which present themselves as
“truths.” A critical and questioning perspective is necessary to
determine if indeed these ideas or views are correct or true
3. EXPERIENCE – 20th-Century Swiss-German philosopher
Karl Jaspers believed that man is often confronted by
experiences which challenge his ideas and framework which he
called LIMIT SITUATIONS accompanied by feelings of
helplessness, anxiety an dread
4. LOVE OF WISDOM – to love wisdom is to have an insatiable
desire for truth
- seeks to continue to question, to probe, and to discuss in order
to get to the bottom of things
- philosophy provides us a means to understand adverse or
challenging conditions, and to rise above them and gain new
knowledge and perspectives
According to Socrates:
“ I know that I do not know… “ – it is in accepting this state of
ignorance that one can begin to learn and understand
- by expanding our knowledge through philosophy, we begin to
realize that learning is unceasing – there is a lot more to learn
and experience in life
“ The unexamined life is not worth living. ” – Socrates’ motto
- nowhere is it more appropriate to embark on philosophy than
in an examination of our own life
HOW DO WE CHARACTERIZE THE STUDY OF
PHILOSOPHY?
1. Consider philosophy as a way of analyzing frameworks
FRAMEWORK – refers to way of thinking about the world and is
made-up of a person’s views and beliefs
- whenever a person encounters a problem or question in life,
he often goes back to his own framework in order to make sense
of the problem
INTERNAL QUESTIONS – these are questions that examine
personal ideas regarding correctness and values
- questions dealing with our own correctness and values which
can be addressed by our own personal frameworks
EXTERNAL QUESTIONS – seek to question the very framework
upon which people base their own beliefs and views
2. Philosophy is an examination of a particular area of knowledge
Source : Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Abella, Roberto D., M.Div., D.Min., 2016
CENTRAL PRINCIPLE IN PHILOSOPHY – is examination and
questioning ( inquiring nature ), and this is often applied in the
analysis of the frameworks of other areas or sciences
3. Philosophy itself is a distinct area of knowledge with its own
goals, concerns and ways of doing things
- philosophy is divided into several branches each of which
deals with a particular aspect of life or phenomena
BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY:
a. AESTHETICS – philosophy which deals with beauty and what
makes things “ beautiful”
b. LOGIC – deals with correct reasoning
c. EPISTEMOLOGY – discusses the nature of knowledge and
knowing
d. ETHICS – deals with moral questions and dilemmas
e. POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY – studies governments and deals
with questions of justice, power and the rights and obligations of
citizens
f. METAPHYSICS – deals with questions regarding reality and
existence
4. Philosophy is a reflective and meditative activity
5. Philosophy is a method of mental exercise on any type of
experience
* Individuals engage in philosophy when they ponder possible
consequences regarding their actions. When one imagines
certain ALTERNATIVES and POSSIBLE OUTCOMES, one
already engages in philosophy
6. Philosophy makes sense of information gathered from various
fields of knowledge (e.g. science, psychology, economics,
politics, etc.) – philosophy does not limit itself to its own field, by
integrating and synthesizing them to have a deeper and more
complete understanding of reality
PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – an area in
philosophy that understands the human person from a
philosophical perspective – integrating and synthesizing the
different branches of philosophy and other fields of study to know
the truth about the human person
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOLISTIC THINKING
AND PARTIAL THINKING?
HOLISTIC THINKING – a perspective that considers the “bigger
picture” when looking at problems and situations
- considers large-scale patterns in systems
- requires an individual to have an open mindset and an ability
to get the general sense or impression regarding the situation
- can enable a person to step back and consider the general
aspects of a certain problem
PARTIAL THINKING – a perspective that focuses on specific
aspects of a situation
- an important component of analytical thinking, as an individual
focuses on certain areas of a problem in order to understand it
* Though partial thinking is useful, philosophy utilizes holistic
thinking in making sense of problems and issues related to the
human experience. People tend to apply an analytical
perspective when looking at problems or situations.
ADOPTING A HOLISTIC APPROACH IN THINKING –
encourages us not only to be more critical but also to be more
considerate in dealing with others
- gives rise to a more appreciative perspective about life, as we
are able to look at life in its totality. This means that we try to
understand a situation from different vantage points so we can
see it more fully
* All the positive and negative experiences in our life come
together to give meaning to our existence, and we learn to
appreciate our individual experiences as vital aspects of a larger
and more meaningful life
HOW DOES ONE ENGAGE IN REFLECTION?
PHILOSOPHY - is the study that uses HUMAN REASON to
investigate the ultimate causes, reasons and principles which
govern all things
*Reflecting on situations, activities actions and decisions enables
a person to gain insights that will help in EFFECTIVE DECISION-
MAKING
*Adopting a holistic view enables a person to view a problem
more objectively and come up with better decisions or solutions.
A holistic view also means that one does not confine one’s
understanding of the world TO ONE’ OWN PERSPECTIVE, but
also includes the PERSPECTIVE OF OTHERS. This view also
enables a person to better appreciate his experiences as vital
components that give MEANING TO LIFE.

REFLECTION – an activity that requires a person to examine his

thoughts, feelings and actions and learn from experience
- allows you an opportunity to think more deeply about your
action, your motivations for doing such an action and even its
possible consequences
- vital in ensuring that our actions and decisions are well thought
out and are done with due regard to their implications and
consequences on ourselves, others and our surroundings
- helps us understand ourselves and our actions better
- when we reflect, we can judge whether our actions or
decisions are reasonable or not. Taking time to analyze your
decisions and actions is one VITAL SKILL that will greatly help
you as you encounter more challenges in life

WHAT ARE THE PRACTICAL USES OF PHILOSOPHY IN

OUR LIVES?
1. Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis and
interpretation of concepts, definitions, arguments and problems
– we don’t simply accept or reject whatever is presented to us
-critical thinking skills can help us avoid being tricked by false
claims and manipulative schemes

2. Philosophy improves problem-solving and decision-making

- the ability to analyze a problem or dilemma, identify its
significant aspects and come up with alternative solutions

3. A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly and

adequately present his ideas
- discussion and debate require skills in presenting and
communicating ideas; philosophy can also help us be more open
to new and different ideas; it trains us to be very well and precise
about our thoughts and sentiments in order to express exactly
what we want to say

4. Wisdom is one intended product of philosophizing, and this

refers to a person’s ability to apply knowledge to daily life
particularly in making sound choices and judgment

5. Knowledge of philosophy can contribute to self-development

- one can be a better person if he has the capacity for INQUIRY,
CRITICAL THINKING and REFLECTION
- philosophy encourages a person to know oneself, his strengths
and weaknesses, establish an identity and determine his purpose
in life
- self-knowledge also grows along with one’s understanding of
the world and this is essential to the realization of the self
- develop one’s own ideas and views and engage fully in useful
activities in the community, nation and the world at last

Source : Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Abella, Roberto D., M.Div., D.Min., 2016