Colegio de San Gabriel Arcangel

Founded 1993
Area E, Fatima I, Sapang Palay, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
Recognized by the Government: DepEd, TESDA and CHED;
PACUCOA Accredited - Level 1

Course Code: GEC09

Subject: RIZAL I
LEARNING SHEET NO. 3

Name: Aragon, Mark Anthony T. Score:

Date: Sept. 08, 2022 Section: BSECE 4 – 1

Topic: What Were the Ideals and Philosophies of Rizal?

Learning Outcomes: 1. Analyze Rizal’s ideas and Philosophies

2. Appreciate the ideals of Rizal
3. Explain Rizal’s philosophies

References: Rizal and Other Philippine Heroes and Heroines

A Primer Teaching Strategies
Dionesio C. Rivas, M.A. Ed.D
Michael Molina Nael, M.A. PhD.

Discussions:

How shall we understand the philosophy of Rizal?

Philosophy may be defined as the study and pursuit of facts that deal with ultimate
realities or causes of things as they affect life.
The Philosophy of a country like the Philippines is made up of the intricate and
composite interrelationship of the life histories of its people. Being one of the prominent
representatives of Filipino personalities, Jose Rizal is a fit subject whose life philosophy
deserves to be recognized.
Having been a victim of Spanish brutality early in his life in Calamba, Rizal had
thus already formed the nucleus of an unfavorable opinion of imperialistic administration
of his country and people. Social evils like inferiority complex, cowardice, timidity and false
pride pervaded nationality and contributed to the decay of social life. This stimulated and
shaped Rizal’s life philosophy to contain if not to eliminate these social ills.
1. What was the educational philosophy of Dr. Jose Rizal?
Rizal’s concept of the importance of education was clearly enunciated in his work
entitled “Instruction” wherein he sought improvements in the schools and in the methods
of teaching. He maintained that the backwardness of his country during the Spanish era
was not due to the Filipino’s indifference, apathy or indolence as claimed by the rulers,
but to the neglect of the Spanish authorities in the islands.
Rizal’s philosophy of education centered on the provision of proper motivation in
order to bolster the great social forces that make education a success and to create in the
youth an innate desire to cultivate his intelligence that will lead him to eternal life.

What is the primary mission of education according to Dr. Jose Rizal?

The primary mission of education is to elevate the country to the highest seat of
glory and to develop the people’s mentality. Since education is the foundation of society
and a pre-requisite for social progress, Rizal claimed that only through education could
the country be saved from domination.

What should be the primary aim of education as envisioned by Dr. Jose Rizal?
The aim of education is the development of the people’s mentality. That is to
develop morally and physically the masses, to guide them to happiness, and to transform
them into a prosperous, intelligent, and noble people.

2. What was the religious philosophy of Dr. Jose Rizal?

Being a critical observer, a profound thinker and a zealous reformer, Rizal did not
agree with the prevailing Christian “propagation of the Faith” by fire and sword.
Rizal did not believe in the Catholic dogma that salvation was only for Catholics
and that outside Christianity salvation was not possible even if Catholics composed only
a small minority of the world’s religious groups. Nor did he believe in the Catholic
observation of fasting as a sacrifice, nor in the sale of such religious items as the cross,
medals, rosaries and the like in order to propagate the Faith and raise church funds. He
also lambasted the superstitious beliefs propagated by the priests in the church and in
the schools. All of these and a lot more are evidence of Rizal’s religious philosophy.

3. What could be the guiding Political Philosophy of Dr. Jose Rizal for the
conquered country?
A conquered country like the Philippines should not be taken advantage of but
rather should be developed, civilized, educated and trained in the science of self-
government.
Rizal’s political philosophy prove to be the study and application of reforms, the
extension of human rights, the training for self government and the arousing of spirit of
discontent over oppression, brutality, inhumanity, sensitiveness and self love.
4. What could be the guiding principles of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Ethical Philosophy?
The study of human behavior as to whether it is good or bad or whether it is right
or wrong is that science upon which Rizal’s ethical philosophy was based. This trend is
needed when there are different and sometimes conflicting morals.
To bolster his ethical philosophy, Dr. Jose Rizal offered a useful method of solving
the moral problems:
1. Censure the friars for abusing the advantage of their position as spiritual leaders
and the ignorance and fanaticism of the natives;
2. Censure the priests who preached greed and wrong morality;
3. Advise the masses that the object of marriage was the happiness and love of the
couple and not financial gain;
4. Advise every one that love and respect for parents must be strictly observed; and
5. Counsel the Filipinos not to resent a defect attributed to them but to accept same
as reasonable and just.

5. What could be the main focus of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Social Philosophy?
The subject matter of his social philosophy covered the problems of the whole
race, with every problem having a distinct solution to bolster the people’s social
knowledge.
Rizal’s social philosophy dealt with:
1. man in society;
2. influential factors in human life;
3. racial problems;
4. social justice;
5. social ideal;
6. poverty and wealth;
7. reforms;
8. youth and greatness;
9. history and progress;
10. future of Philippines. The above dealt with man’s evolution and his
environment, explaining for the most part human behavior and capacities like his will
to live; his desire to possess happiness; the change of his mentality; the role of
virtuous women in the guidance of the great men; the need for elevating and inspiring
mission; the duties and dictates of man’s conscience; man’s need of practicing
gratitude; the necessity for consulting reliable people; his need for experience; his
ability to think, aspire and strive to rise; and the proper use of heart, brain and spirit
all of these combining to enhance the intricacies; beauty and values of human nature.
6. How did Rizal portray his ideals to institute reforms?
The ideals of Rizal can be considered a unique aspect of our history that gave
inspiration to the Filipinos, greater sense of dignity and human values and faith in their
own country and civilization. It became a powerful vehicle to provide enlightenment and
awakening of a blind people toward national progress.
To carry out these noble ideals, Rizal used his pen to arouse his people and
advocated peaceful reforms from the Spanish Government. He portrayed his ideals in his
writings and works.

7. What was the ideal of Rizal on Nationalism?

Rizal tried to put emphasis on the need of recovering the great ideal to awaken
the nationalistic spirit among the Filipinos who were quite passive. Nationalism for Rizal
was the devotion to the interests of one’s country and its means of existence. This in turn
help the Filipinos survive through the ages no matter what political and economic
oppression they have to face.
Nationalism is “a banner of freedom proclaiming the national interests of the
people, to be promoted and safeguard by themselves so that the fruits of their efforts and
the wealth derived from their God-given resources shall accrue to them, and thus enable
all of our people to rise above poverty, and march on to prosperity, contentment and
dignity.”

8. How can education be a powerful means in propagating nationalism?

A nationalist education would place great importance on the teaching of the
Philippine history from the point of view of the Filipino people. This will develop an
anticolonial, anti-imperialist orientation based on our historical experience as a people.
Such a history should clarify how, why and for whose benefit our people have been
exploited and oppressed.
A nationalist education would also emphasize a critical study of the Philippine
economy so that, as a people, we will learn to be wary of economic progress proposed
by foreign governments and institution.
Educating for nationalism means educating for a national and a social purpose. It
means going beyond the conventional tasks of training a person to earn a living and
developing his intellect, skills and character.
Educating for nationalism means consciously educating Filipinos to be Filipinos -
Filipinos who will work for the Philippines and for the Filipino people. To be proPhilippines
and pro- Filipinos, one must have national identity.

9. What was the ideal of Rizal on Moral Values?

Moral values can exist only in a free being and his voluntary human acts. By
willingness to be morally good, a man becomes good.
 Moral values are universal in the sense that what holds for an individual, holds for
all in the same conditions and circumstances. Moral values implies obligation.
Rizal, a man of powerful energy and intellectual endowments valued loyalty, filial
devotion, benevolence, love, faithfulness, justice, harmony and peace.

10. What was the ideal of Rizal on cooperation? How will cooperation among the
Filipinos be realized?
Rizal said: “He who wants to help himself should help others, because if he
neglects others, he too will be neglected by them. “ One midrib is easy to break, but not
a bundle of many midribs tied together.” Rizal wanted so much to unite the Filipino people.
He believed that class struggle is not a requirement to human progress. Man has
been guided by the principle of cooperation and not conflict.
Cooperation is working together for a common purpose. It exists among members
of the family, peers, and friends by way of mutual sharing of efforts to achieve the desired
goal. Rizal emphasized that cooperation as a social process in which people work
together to achieve a common goal and to share benefits. This social process eloquently
shows the mutual sharing of efforts and abilities to achieve the desired end of the
individuals.

11. What was the ideal of Rizal on Nation-Building?

Nation- Building was one of the magnificent obsessions of Rizal. The blueprint of
Rizal for nation building included the importance of instilling racial pride and dignity among
his people, the promotion of national consciousness, the reorientation of values and
attitudes, and the willingness to sacrifice for the country through education.
Rizal insisted on educating his people so that they could eradicate the vices of
their society successfully and develops a national awareness of their rights and pride in
their country’s heritage and culture. He emphasized on the importance of the livelihood of
the people – its social welfare and economic justice as the foremost task in nation-
building.

12. What was the ideal of Rizal on Democracy?

In a democracy, the supreme power is vested in the people. The political leader’s
ultimate concern should be the welfare of the majority; he willingly binds himself with the
ideals of the constitutions and the laws of the land and to observe righteousness and
justice for the common good.
For the political health of a country, a free and responsible free press is very
important.
The press freedom Rizal advocated would today cover all forms of media-press
and TV and radio. He advocated his freedom for the good of every one, not only for the
populace but also especially for the rulers so that in understanding the temper of their
people, they may forestall commission of errors. It was also to serve a check on the abuse
of authority and the reminder that rulers are accountable to the people who can replace
them if they no longer serve the welfare of their constituency.
Rizal was undoubtedly very idealistic, but his ideals were attainable. He proved
this in his exile in Dapitan where he played very successfully the roles of educator,
physician, scientist, businessman, artist, and civic spirited citizen.

13. What was the ideal of Rizal on Governance?

Since power is the very heart of politics, the ruler who exercises the authority to
govern should promote the interest and general welfare of the people. Government exists
for the benefit of the governed. It is very important for the protection of the inhabitants,
the administration of justice, and the advancement of the physical, economic, social and
cultural well being of the people. The preservation of the state from internal and external
danger is one of the primary functions of the government.
The observance of the principle that ours is a government of laws and not of men
should be observed and upheld at all times.
A government is committed to promote the general welfare, morals, intelligence,
social justice, and the ultimate happiness of the people.

14. What was justice for Rizal?

Justice is the constant and perpetual will to allot to every man his due. In the
judicial system, it should undergo different court processes and the best credibility should
be exercised.
Under a democratic society, “no person shall be deprived of life, liberty and
property without due process of Law.” A fair, speedy and impartial investigation should be
administered before a final judgment is made.
15. What was the ideal of Rizal on the Filipino family?
The basic and oldest social institution is the family, which is very important in
shaping the character of the child. The family determines the child’s social class, religious
orientation and the language used and each of these factors have a profound influence
on upbringing of the children. The family teaches children values they hold dear
throughout their lives.
The greatest legacy that the parents can bequeath their children is rectitude in
judgment, generosity in rights, and steadfastness in adversity; the greatest honor that a
son can pay his parents is integrity and a good name that the acts of the son may never
make his parents live with shame, and the rest God will provide.
Review Questions: Fill in the blanks with the correct answer.
1. According to Rizal, the greatest honor that a son can pay his parents is integrity
and a good name.
2. Educating for nationalism means consciously educating Filipinos to be Filipinos.
3. A conquered country like the Philippines should not be taken advantage of but
rather should be developed, civilized, educated and trained in the science
of self- government.
4. Rizal claimed that only through education could the country be saved from foreign
domination
5. The importance of education was clearly enunciated in the work of Rizal entitled
“Instruction”.

Activity 1: Look for the key terms used in this chapter and encircle them.

M G O V E R N A N C E F G A
H O G C O O P E R A T I O N
D R R M K S E H L P Z P K D
E A N A T I O N A L I S M L
M M W S L A G H K L T A M Y
O E O S D V E K O Y J E H B
C R E D U C A T I O N B D R
R S A J K T O L W Y A U A E
A M L D G J M N U C T I R V
C U X J U S T I C E I L Y T
Y D M V N S O L A F O D P F
C S O C I A L Z A P N I U O
B P H I L O S O P H Y N J E
D E S F H T A D G I L G E M

Activity 3: State at least two things that you shall do to contribute to the realization of the
following Ideals.

1. Justice
a. Don’t judge a person immediately until he’s proven guilty.
b. I will allow him to speak so I can hear his/her side of his story.

2. Good Governance
a. I will follow the rules implemented by our community.
b. I’ll be fair to others and ruled out camaraderie.
 3. Cooperation
a. I will participate to our community-based projects
b. I will give some suggestions or information to resolve a specific problem

4. Nation Building
a. Promotes a healthier environment through cleaning my vicinity.
b. By working honestly and giving my best when a get job, I am increasing a
nation's productivity.

5. Democracy
a. Practice my freedom to vote for worthy officials in our country
b. I will always be observant and to suggest a healthy conversation with my
schoolmates.

Activity 4: Write a short paragraph on

How do I love my country?

I will help with simple things that I can handle. I will prioritize studying well,

because I know that I will be one of those who will be part of the prosperity of the country's

economy. And if there is an opportunity, I will volunteer to teach our less fortunate

countrymen. I will follow rules because I know that it will also benefit me. I will join the

projects that even with a small help it will do a big difference. I will love my country by

enjoying our products. One thing that I will also be proud of are the tourist spots here that

are really amazing. I will promote its beauty so that tourism in our Philippines can flourish

even more.