11

Introduction to
the Philosophy of
the Human Person
1st Quarter: Module 1
The Meaning and Process of Doing Philosophy

Marlon Q. Tiña
Rogelio DG. Burce

Module Writers

Philo. Q1. Wk.1 Marlon Q. Tiña

I.OBJECTIVE:

A. Content Standard:

The learner understands the meaning and process of doing philosophy.

B. Performance Standard:

The learner reflects on a concrete experience in a philosophical way.

C. Learning Competency:
Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view.
D. Learning Objectives:
At the end of this module the learners will be able to:

1. Discuss Philosophy and its importance as a discipline and a means of

understanding life.
2. Enumerate the Most Notable Ancient Greek Philosophers.
3. Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view.

EXPECTATIONS

This module will equip you the necessary content knowledge, skills, and
competencies about the meaning and process of doing Philosophy that you can apply
in understanding and analyzing, proposing solutions, decision-making, alternatives,
and being actively engaged in doing philosophy in all aspect of your life.
You read and understand carefully each part of the module so that you can be
able to answers various activity that will help you develop your potentials in
understanding the lesson.
In this module you will be able to encounter terminologies such as philosophy,
holistic, wisdom and etc. You are expected to identify the importance of doing
philosophy in understanding life. You will be able to become more considerate, critical,
reasonable and appreciative through holistic approach toward the attainment of
knowledge and wisdom.
There are various activities prepared by the writer/s that will help you
understand the meaning and process of doing Philosophy. It is hope that you will
learn to value the knowledge and wisdom of this module.

PRE-TEST

Direction: Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the correct answer. Select the circle
on the right which corresponds to your answer. Write your answer in your answer
sheet.

1. His studies about logic led to the formulation of a formal process a b c d

of analyzing reasoning which gave rise to deductive reasoning.
a. Aristotle b. Diogenes of Sinope c. Plato d. Socrates
2.He was considered the foremost philosopher of ancient times. a b c d
a. Aristotle c. Plato
b. Diogenes of Sinope d. Socrates

Philo. Q1. Wk.1 Marlon Q. Tiña

3.Which of the following statement is not pertaining to a b c d
Philosophy?
a. Philosophy helps us to attain knowledge and wisdom.
b. Philosophy helps us to understand life.
c. Philosophy helps us to make a good decision.
d. Philosophy helps us to disrespect and dehumanize people.
4. Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living”. a b c d
What did he mean?
a. Life is not worth living if a person fails to attain the
higher education in life.
b. Life is not worth living if a person fails to attain his or her
goal in life.
c. Life is not worth living if a person fails to seek
wisdom and knowledge on how to live a good life.
d. Life is not worth living if a person fails to obey the
highest law and submit to the authority.
5. The Greek term for philosophy, Philosophia, means ____. a b c d
a. love of knowledge c. love of truth
b. love of life d. love of wisdom
6. It is a perspective that focuses on specific aspects of a situation. a b c d
a. Framework c. Partial
b. Holistic d. Reflection
7. He believed that Philosophy could enable man to live a life of a b c d
happiness
a. Aristotle b. Epicurus c. Plato d. Socrates
8. Which of the following situation is NOT the example of the a b c d
partial thinking?
a. Mr. Gonzales, a Philosophy instructor got angry, and become
a monstrous teacher when one of his students came late in class.
b. The mentally ill and poor man alleged as strange was shot by
the policeman without any probable cause.
c. Even though he made a lot of sins, his father ran toward him to
hug and forgive.
d. Jessica immediately broke up yesterday with her boyfriend upon
seeing him calling another girl.
9. It is the study or disciplines that uses human reason to investigate a b c d
the ultimate causes, reasons, and principles.
a. Anthropology c. Philosophy
b. Geography d. Political Science
10. It refers to the awareness of something. a b c d
a. holistic b. knowledge c. philosophy d. wisdom

LOOKING BACK

Direction: List down three subjects that you took last year that you loved the most.
Indicate also the most memorable lines of your teachers of these subjects. Use the
chart below for your answer.
Subject Memorable lesson Powerful/humorous line

Philo. Q1. Wk.1

 INTRODUCTION OF THE LESSON

To start with, you are about to investigate the importance of doing philosophy
in daily life. You will be able to understand how life revolves and how to become
productive, most satisfied, and worth living. In our lives, there are several moments
and events which are hard for us to figure out. Those things drive us to inquire and to
look for solutions why those things happened. Still, we need an urgent action that will
help us to understand the world we live in as well as to overcome all the challenges
and trials in life. The field of Philosophy is what we need to exploit in unlocking the
mystery of life.
In this lesson, you will be able to identify the definitions of philosophy, meet the
most notable ancient Greek philosophers who developed and introduced the field of
philosophy, and understand life in a holistic way.

To reach the peak of this part, you need to understand that doing philosophy
may help us to acquire knowledge toward the attainment of wisdom as what Socrates
wanted us to obtain.

What Is It?
The Scope of the Meaning and Process of Doing Philosophy
A. Philosophy and its importance as a discipline and as means for understanding
life

This time, you are about to begin exploring how essential, engaging, and
challenging the discipline of Philosophy is, and particularly the meaning and process
of doing philosophy towards understanding and fulfilling your goal in life. The key to
profit will reveal.
Did you know that Philosophy came from two Greek words: Philos (love) and
Sophia (wisdom)? The blending of two words (philosophy) means love of wisdom. The
ancient Greeks first used that term, philosophy. They soon utilized it to the study or
discipline that practices human reason to investigate the ultimate causes, reasons,
and principles which govern all things. The one who engages in Philosophy is called
philosophers or lovers of wisdom. In different fields of knowledge such as history,
politics, education, science, mathematics, and even medicine, ancient Greek
philosophers became pioneers of those fields. It was normal to hear that ancient Greek
philosophers were experts in various fields of learning.

Philosophy is a primary means to obtain knowledge and wisdom in

understanding life. You tend to inquire about something that you want to know. The
awareness of something is called knowledge. However, the recognition and
understanding of life will never be complete unless the knowledge is applied. In doing

Philo. Q1. Wk.1

Philosophy, you may be able to apply that knowledge to daily life particularly in
making choices and judgment. That circumstance is called wisdom, the intended
product of philosophizing.
B. Most Notable Ancient Greek Philosophers

This time, you will meet various ancient philosophers. The following are the most
notable ancient Greek Philosophers in Greece.
1. Pythagoras (570 BCE – 495 BCE) was a mathematician and scientist. he was
credited with the formulation of the Pythagorean theorem which earned him many
followers. He organized a community of learners who were dedicated to the study of
religion and philosophy.
2. Heraclitus (535 BCE – 475 BCE) proposed that everything that exists is based on
the higher-order or plan he called logos. He believed that change is a permanent
aspect of the human condition and he was recognized with the saying, “No man ever
steps on the same river twice.”
3. Democritus (460 BCE – 370 BCE) devoted himself to studying the causes of
natural phenomena. He first proposed that matter is composed of tiny particles
called atoms.
4. Diogenes of Sinope (412 BCE – 323 BCE) was known to advocate for a simple
and virtuous life. For Diogenes, one should not only talk of virtue but should show it
in words and actions. He emphasized the austerity and simplicity often went to the
extreme, and he was said to have lived like a beggar. His teaching and views were later
promoted by his followers and inspired the development of several schools of
Philosophy such as Cynicism and Stoicism.
5. Epicurus (341 BCE – 270 BCE) believed that Philosophy could enable man to live
a life of happiness. His views gave rise to Epicureanism – a school of philosophy that
believes that wisdom and simple living will result in a life free from fear and pain.
6. Socrates (470 BCE – 399 BCE) was the Foremost Philosopher of ancient times. He
made great contributions to the field of Ethics and known critic of intellectuals during
his times. He also concluded that philosophy could enable a man to live a life of virtue.
The Socratic method derived from his name that refers to 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 – 347 BCE) was a Student of Socrates whose teaching and
writings were considered the foundation of western philosophy. He also believed in the
Theory of Forms which 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. He added that the Ideal government must be ruled by wisdom and
reason. The Dialectic method was first suggested by him that refers to the inquiry
where two opposing ideas are discussed in an attempt to arrive a new knowledge
8. Aristotle (384 BCE-322 BCE) was a Prominent student of Plato whose. His ideas
were such as (a) All ideas and views are based on perception and reality that must be
based on what we can sense and perceive; (b) His view greatly influences the study of
Physical Science; (c) He was involved in a great variety of disciplines such as zoology,
psychology, ethics, and politics; and (d) He also proposed the classification of plants
and animals.
9. Archimedes (287 BCE – 212 BCE) was a mathematician, physicist, inventor, and
astronomer. His achievements were such as (a) Known for his philosophical inquiries
and was considered a leading scientist in ancient times; (b)His inquiries led to the
developments which gave rise to modern calculus; (c) Using mathematics to analyze
natural phenomena; and (d) Known for his invention, Archimedes crew – a device of
raising water, and method for determining volume using displacements.

E. Difference Between Holistic Thinking and Partial Thinking

This topic will help you to become a more considerate and appreciative
individual. It discusses the holistic and partial thinking that may help you to consider
the various situations in having the sound and right judgments. Holistic thinking
refers to a perspective that recognizes large-scale patterns in systems. It is described
as looking at the “big picture” when describing and analyzing a situation or problem. A
holistic perspective requires an individual to have an open mindset and an ability to

Philo. Q1. Wk.1

get a general sense or impression concerning a situation. Partial thinking, on the
other hand, focuses on particular aspects of a situation. The partial view is an
important component of analytical thinking when an individual focuses on certain
areas or aspects of a problem to understand it. Though partial thinking is beneficial,
Philosophy utilizes holistic thinking in making sense of problems and issues related to
the human experience. A holistic perspective can enable a person to step back and
consider the general aspects of a certain situation.

What’s More (Activity)

Activity 1.1: Matching Type: Choose the right answer from the column B and write
the correct letter on the space provided

Column A Column B
_______ 1. Awareness of something a. wisdom
_______ 2. Intended product of philosophizing b. holistic
_______ 3. Love of Wisdom c. partial
_______ 4. looking at the “big picture” d. philosophy
_______ 5. specific aspects of a situation e. knowledge

Activity 1.2: Who I am: Identify the following pictures and statements/contributions
of the Ancient Greek Philosophers below whom they are. Write the correct names on
the space provided.

1. I advocated 6. I pioneered the

living a method of inquiry
simple and of devising a series
virtuous life of questions.
https://www.dreamstime.com/diogene-diogenes-
https://www.shutterstock.com/tr/search/socrates+dra
sinope-portrait-was-ancient-greek-philosopher-one-
wing
founders-cynic-philosophy-image138479762

2. I believed 7. “No man never

that all ideas steps on the same
and views are river twice.”
based on
perception and
https://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2011/08/08/1390
reality. 06531/the-end-of-a-physics-worldview-heraclitus-and-
https://www.essay.ws/essay-on-philosophy- the-watershed-of-life
aristotle/
9. I am a
3. I believed mathematician and
that philosophy scientist that
could enable formulated the
to live a life of Pythagorean
happiness. theorem.
https://myhero.com/Pythagoras_jasper_jhs_07
https://newepicurean.com/how-would-epicurus-
answer-nietzsche/
4. I was among I proposed that the
the first to ideal government
propose that must be ruled by
matter is wisdom and reason.
composed of
atoms. https://www.shutterstock.com/tr/image-vector/plato-
https://www.artstor.org/2016/04/21/whats-so- 428348-bc-portrait-line-art-1314675875
funny-democritus/

5. I invented a 10. I was

crew a considered as the
device of raising Father of History.
water. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Herodotus-
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archimedes Greek-historian 6

Philo. Q1. Wk.1

 What I have learned.
Activity 1.3: Discuss: Elaborate the following.
1. What does it mean to be a lover of wisdom? Elaborate.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. Why do you think that most of the Ancient Greek Philosophers are also
considered as experts in various fields of learning?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. How does Philosophy help us to understand life? Give an example.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Activity 1.4: Holistic or Partial: Write the letter H on the left side of the table if the
statement shows a Holistic approach, and P on the right side if Partial. WRITE your
answer in your answer sheet.

Holistic Situations Partial

1. During the pandemic, the Reyes family who owned a big house
did not receive government aids despite all the family members
stopped and lost jobs, and experienced scarcity and crisis.
2. Doctors don’t just provide patients with medication but
instead, they look at ways to improve life balance and eradicate
health problems.
3. In Ancient Greece, the Spartans soldiers were known for their
aggressiveness and ferocious in war as they focused on their
physical development.
4. On the other hand, the Athenians focused not only physical
but also mental activities. That is why there were a lot of
ancient Greek philosophers were born.
5. Some people are asked to close their eyes and to guess what
kind of animal they touch the body. The other guy touched one
part and answered, “It is a pig.” while the other one did the
same and answered, “It is a tiger”.
6. But, the last guy who touched the different parts of the
animal’s body finally guessed and got the right answer which is
an elephant.
7. Mrs. Reyes scolded her son of breaking a flower base but she
found out that it was accidentally bumped by her husband.
8. Mr. Gonzales did not scold his student who came late in class
yesterday but instead he asked him the reasons why his
student always came late in class.
9. Maria has been looking for a guy not only the physical
appearance as well as the attitudes.
10. Mr. Gonzales likes his students who are not just intelligent
but also respectful.

Philo. Q1. Wk.1

Activity 1.5: Reflection: Make your personal reflection about how important the use
of Holistic approach in seeing the situation.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

CHECKING YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Direction: Describe the following terms and concepts based in your own
understanding.

1. Philosophy
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. Ancient Greek Philosophers
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Partial thinking
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. Holistic thinking
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

POST TEST

Direction: Multiple Choice: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Select the circle
on the right which corresponds to your answer. Write your answer in your answer
sheet.

1.It is the study or disciplines the uses human reason to a b c d

investigate the ultimate causes, reasons, and principles.
a. Anthropology c. Philosophy
b. Geography d. Political Science
2.It refers to the awareness of something. a b c d
a. holistic b. knowledge c. philosophy d. wisdom
3.His studies about logic led to the formulation of a formal process a b c d
of analyzing reasoning which gave rise to deductive reasoning.
a. Aristotle b. Diogenes of Sinope c. Plato d. Socrates
4.He was considered the foremost philosopher of ancient times. a b c d
a. Aristotle b. Diogenes of Sinope c. Plato d. Socrates
5.The Greek term for philosophy, philosophia, means ____. a b c d
a. love of knowledge b. love of life c. love of truth d. love of wisdom
8

Philo. Q1. Wk.1

6.It is a perspective that focuses on specific aspects of a situation. a b c d
a. Framework b. holistic c. Partial d. reflection
7.Which of the following statement is not true about Philosophy? a b c d
a. Philosophy helps us to attain knowledge and wisdom.
b. Philosophy helps us to understand life.
c. Philosophy helps us to make a good decision.
d. Philosophy helps us to disrespect and dehumanize people.
8.Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living”. a b c d
What did he mean?
a. Life is not worth living if a person fails to attain the
higher education in life.
b. Life is not worth living if a person fails to attain his or her
goal in life.
c. Life is not worth living if a person fails to seek
wisdom and knowledge on how to live a good life.
d. Life is not worth living if a person fails to obey the
highest law and submit to the authority.
9.He believed that Philosophy could enable man to live a life of a b c d
happiness
a. Aristotle b. Epicurus c. Plato d. Socrates

10.Which of the following situation is NOT the example of the a b c d

partial thinking?
a. Mr. Gonzales, a Philosophy instructor got angry, and become
a monstrous teacher when one of his students came late in class.
b. The mentally ill and poor man alleged as strange was shot by
the policeman without any probable cause.
c. Even though he made a lot of sins, his father ran toward him to
hug and forgive.
d. Jessica immediately broke up yesterday with her boyfriend upon
seeing him calling another girl.

ENRICHMENT
Additional Activity
Direction: Elaborate the following questions below.
1. How important is philosophy in your academic performance?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. How did the significant contributions of the Ancient Greek Philosophers inspire
you to attain your goal and dream in life?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. How are you going to be a holistic person inside your home, school and
community where you belong?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Philo. Q1. Wk.1