LESSON 2: DOING PHILOSOPHY

INTRODUCTION TO THE
PHILOSOPHY OF THE
HUMAN PERSON

DOING PHILOSOPHY

BALDESANSO, GUENDEL C.

ESCORIAL, HESHAM MAE G.

LUMAGBAS, RUZELL L.

SORIANO, JONEL D.

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 What are some of the major questions that philosophers ponder upon?

 In the course of their studies and inquires, philosophers touch upon many subjects and
concerns.
 The major questions in Philosophy concern reality, certainty, casualty and ethics

What is real? Are we able to perceive and understand reality and everything in it?

 Reality

- refers to the state of existence of things independent of human consciousness

-.In the broadest sense reality includes physical things that we see, feel, taste, and smell as well
as things that we cannot easily perceive and comprehend.

- It also includes things that already existed, things that presently exist and things that are yet
to exist.

- Philosophers believe in the existence of an “object and absolute” reality, which means that
everything that exist in reality has a specific nature or character.

- The most general categories divide reality into concrete and abstract reality.

 Metaphysics

- The branch of Philosophy which addressees questions regarding reality.

 Ontology

- Focuses on the classification of existing things.

How do we know what we know? Are the things that we know true?

 Certainty

- Certainty refers to perfect knowledge that is free from error or doubt.

 Truth

- A central concept in the question of certainty

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- Also related to the question of certainty is the concept of knowledge and the means by which
man is able to know.

 Rationalism

- is a theory on knowledge which believes that knowledge is a priori knowledge or based

on pure reasoning without the benefit of any experience.

 Empiricism

- is another theory which considers knowledge to be a posteriori knowledge or knowledge

gained from experienced.

 Skepticism

- questions the certainty of established doctrines or truths and believes that the mind has
limits in perceiving and understanding reality- thus all knowledge is all knowledge is uncertain.

 Epistemology

- The branch of Philosophy which deals with the nature and extent of knowledge.

What is the ultimate cause of all things? What is our purpose in this world? To what
extent are our choices and actions considered “free”?

 Casualty

-Philosophers analyze causality by examining events in the content of cause-and-

effect relationship.

- Also they try to understand the underlying principles that govern a certain phenomenon and
uncover the true native of such phenomenon.

- Closely related to the concept of causality are questions regarding the origin of things.

- Purpose it the other important concept related to casualty it is the explanation of a thing’s
function or goal.

- Ultimate cause is a thing’s purpose that is often considered final.

 Agency

- a concept to causality which is the capacity of man to govern or control his actions.

- Free will is the ability to choose among possible actions over those who contend that human
possess.

 Choice

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- is an important aspect of any discussion on agency and free will.

 Determinism

- which shows that each event is determined or influenced by a specific set of events or factors.

-another important related concept regarding causality and agency is destiny, which refers to a
predetermined course of events leading to a specific outcome or future.

-The branch of Philosophy that studies causality is called Etiology, while teleology is the branch
which deals with the question of purpose.

How should one live his or her life?

What is the right course of action in the face of problems or dilemmas?

 Ethics

- Question of ethics is the final significant problem that Philosophy tackles it deals with the
standards of right and wrong which define human behavior.

- A discussion on ethics seeks to formulate a set of standards and norms of “acceptable,”

“correct,” and “good” behavior which are applied to daily life.

-Ethics or moral philosophy - is the branch that seeks to apply and analyze these concepts in
various situations, contexts, and cultures, and recommends guidelines that will govern the
decisions and actions of people.

What methods and tools do Philosophers use in the conduct of their study?

 Socratic Method

- Philosophers employ a skeptical attitude in looking at ideas, events, or things. Each

aspect of the topic in question is analyzed to determine its validity or truthfulness.

 Argument

- Philosophers engage in discussion and debate on their ideas. Various perspectives on a

topic are taken into consideration and examined

 Dialect

- Varied and deferring ideas and perspectives are analyzed and from the information
gathered, new ideas and views are formulated.

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- In addition, philosophers may choose to employ various methods or problem- solving devices
in their discussion. Examples of these are the following.

 Socratic Method

- It is the method of analyzing a topic by formulating a series of questions designed to

analyzed its various aspects, and examine and clarify a person’s view on it.

 Axioms

- These refer to assumptions which are taken for granted in a philosophical discussion it
also provide a foundation and direction in Philosophical studies.

 Occam’s razor

- It is a problem-solving device used in analyzing possible explanations regarding a

phenomenon.

 Formal Logic

- It is a systematic analysis of the validity of arguments and statements. Logic Often entails
the use of syllogism or logical arguments presented as a series of related statements.

 Thought experiment and allegory

- These are imagined scenarios used to illustrate a certain problem or describe a theory.

 What are the practical uses of Philosophy in our lives?

- Apart from being an academic course and a science , Philosophy also has a place in our daily
lives.

- The work of a philosopher requires a set of skills which can be applied in various academic and
practical endeavors.

-Philosophy requires a person to change in analysis and interpretation of concepts, definitions,

arguments, and problems.

-A philosophical approach can help us avoid being tricked by false claims or manipulative
schemes.

-Problem solving and decision making are important aspects in life which can benefit from a
knowledge of philosophy.

- A philosopher is also a good communicator who can clearly and adequately present his or her
ideas.

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 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 judgement in the practical
aspects of life.

- Finally, knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self-development.