Introduction to the Philosophy

of the Human Person

 Chapter 1: Doing Philosophy

Learning Objectives:
Understand Philosophy in a holistic point of view.
Know the importance of Philosophy.
Learn how to apply wisdom with knowledge.
Recognize the value of reflection.
Learning Outcomes:
Realize how critical and constructive reasoning affect
our philosophical way of thinking.
Encourage students to ask questions in search for
truth.
Bear in mind that Philosophy is not just for the
schooled academicians.
Appreciate how life is viewed through Philosophy.
Chapter Outline:
Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial
point of view.
Recognize human activities that emanated from
deliberate reflection.
Realize the value of doing Philosophy in obtaining a
broad perspective on life.
A philosophical reflection on a concrete situation
from a holistic perspective.
 Albert Camus

Those who lacked the courage

will always find a Philosophy to
justify it.
 Philosophy

Why is Philosophy important?

Philosophy involves thinking, evaluating, and
engaging in arguments.
Philosophy is about working out and justifying
reasons the best way we know how to deal with life.
Philosophy is about wisdom in relation to the search
for truth.
 Etymology of Philosophy

Philosophy

Philo/Philien Sophia

Wisdom or
Love Knowledge

Love of wisdom or knowledge

 Brief History of Philosophy

Ancient Philosophy 7th Century B.C to 5th Century A.D

Medieval Philosophy 500 to 1500

Modern Philosophy 16th to 19th Century

Postmodern or Contemporary 20th Century to Present

Philosophy
 Aside from being defined as love for wisdom or knowledge,
philosophy is aptly conveyed as;

The inquiry of wide-ranging and essential

dilemmas, such as those associated with;
a) Life
b) Comprehension
c) Ethics
d) Logic
e) Intellect
f) Semantics
The sensible endeavor to;
a) Articulate
b) Comprehend
c) Resolve important issues
Important Personalities in
Philosophy

A. P T H A G O R A S
B. S O C R A T E S
C. P L A T O
D. A R I S T O T L E
 1. Pythagoras
570 BC to 495 BC
One of the wisest men and
philosopher of ancient Greece
who coined the word
“Philosophia” or
“Philosophy” because of his
“Love of wisdom”
Famous mathematician who
laid down the foundation of
“Pythagorean Theorm”
He believed in reincarnation,
and the possibility that man can
be reborn in the form of an
animal.
Types of Group of People according to Pythagoras

Those that love Those that love Those that love

PLEASURE ACTIVITY WISDOM
 2. Socrates
Greek philosopher who
was credited in History
as one of the
forefathers of
Western Philosophy,
and as being the primary
moral philosopher of the
western ethical tradition
of thought.
 3. Plato
Greek philosopher who is
widely considered the
most pivotal figure in the
development of
philosophy, especially in
the western tradition.
Founder of the
Academy in Athens,
the first institution of
higher learning in the
western world.
 4. Aristotle
Greek philosopher.
For Aristotle, all en seek
wisdom. Therefore, in
this regard, all men are
philosophers.
In view of the fact that the object of wisdom is the
quest for truth, hence, the exploration of wisdom
should not be placed exclusively in the hands of
academic philosophers. Every individual has the
right to examine and understand things that matter
to him.
 Three Kinds of Love (According to the Greeks)

1. Eros
 A kind of love that is passionate.
 “Eros” meaning love of desire.

2. Agape
 Represents the absolute and unconditional love of God for mankind.
 It surpasses the requisite of mutuality or reciprocity.

3. Philia
 Involves a fondness or appreciation of the qualities of the beloved.
 Forms of Philia may be directed in friendship, family, or profession.
 Platonic Love - a close relationship between two persons in which
sexual desire is nonexistent or has been suppressed or sublimated.
 Classifications of Philosophy

1. Philosophy as an academic discipline

 Simply refer to philosophy as something that is
done within the confines of the academic. It is
regarded as an academic exercise attributed only
for those who are intellectually gifted. They prject
an image such that they seem to be above the rest
because they know better. Hence, the term
“intellectual bullying”.
2. Philosophy as a set of beliefs or world view
All “isms” (and ll religion and faith) cascade under
this classification of philosophy. Included are:
Xatholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Mysticism,
Existentialism, Taoism, Dualism, Paganism, and
many others.
3. Philosophy as a study of inquiry
As a rational inquiry, it is, therefore, an activity.
Doing Philosophy is exercising our logic to come up
with sensible answers to challenging questions.
 Two Parts of Doing Philosophy

The GENERATION of
The EVALUATION of those
conceivable ideas, theories,
generated beliefs to determine
models, views, beliefs, or
which is acceptable and which
solutions with reference to a
should be vetoed.
particular issue.
 Branches of Philosophy

1. Metaphysics
 A division of Philosophy that is concerned with the
fundamental nature of reality.
 The study of the “Ultimate Reality”.
 It is focused on “how things really are”.

2. Epistemology
 The study of nature and foundations of knowledge mainly
with reference to its bounds and validity.
 It is the study of knowing how to determine if we really
know something.
3. Ethics
Set of moral disciplines.
The discipline dealing with what is good and bad.
The exercise of moral duties and disciplines and
obligations.

4. Logic
The science of the formal, prescribed, and proper
principles of reasoning.
The study of the rubrics of correct reasoning.
 Chapter: 1.1

DISTINGUISH A HOLISTIC
PERSPECTIVE FROM A
PARTIAL POINT OF VIEW
 Energizer: Find and Define!

W I S D O M K Y R H
D L G F H B W Q E O
S O G H N P J N A L
J G D F N W A U S I
C I D E A S H D O S
D C L D F C G T N T
S H I R D S S S R I
T Z B S S F F E A C
K C D W L E C N G J
K N O W L E D G E H
 Knowledge VS. Wisdom

What is the difference between knowledge and

wisdom?

Are they the same?

Is wisdom knowing how to apply knowledge or is it

the other way around?
 Knowledge

It is the accumulation of facts and, information, and

data gained through;
a) Study
b) Research
c) Actual Experiences

 These are the particulars and specifics that may

have been observed in detail.
 Wisdom

It is the gift or ability to;

a) Detect which among those facets of
b) Distinguish knowledge are true and
c) Decide beneficial for you.

 It is therefore the ability to apply that knowledge as

it is deemed worthy for the greater design that you
are trying to protect or convey.
The primary aim of wisdom is the deep
understanding of reality as it correlates to having a
good life.

The realization of wisdom comprises reflection,

vision, and learning experiences (includes both good
and bad experiences).
 Conclusion

While KNOWLEDGE refers to

information,

WISDOM is the understanding

and application of that knowledge.
Alas, we can acquire a lifetime of knowledge, but still
by no means grasp the wisdom in it.
“Being clever does not equate to being
sensible.”
If philosophy is about wisdom and seeking a deeper
meaning of doing things, then how can philosophy
help distinguish a holistic perspective from a
partial point of view? After all, is really it
necessary?
Wisdom is a more holistic view of reality. Seeing
things in a broader perspective is what wisdom is
about.
Humans possess an exceptional ability to reason out
his thoughts the way he understand things and
situations. We have inner desire to know more and
prove our convictions.
 Examples of Situations

1. You are about to ask permission from your parents to go

somewhere on weekend. Basically a parent would normally
ask any or all of the following:

a) WHERE are you going?

b) WHAT are your reason(s) for going?
c) WHO will be your companions?
d) HOW long will you be out on that weekend?

But the deeper question is WHY do you want to be there?

(Why – an open ended question)
2. Money
Knowledge is knowing how to “Manage your
money.” by:
Wisdom:
a) Budgeting
b) Spending
c) Saving
While Wisdom is:

a) The ability to understand in what way will money

impact the quality of your life and your future.
Can you figure out how to understand something you do not know?

Example:
“Is there life after death?”

To answer this type of question, you must first

possess some kind of knowledge about life after
death. Definitely, one can never understand
something without knowing what he is trying to
figure out.
 Philosophizing

Is formulating assumptions or theories about basic

and/or major issues in an intricate and challenging
approach.

KNOWLEDGE WISDOM

EXPERIENCE REASON
 Importance and Significance of Philosophy

1. The study of Philosophy allows us to deliberate on

essential matters cautiously and clearly.

2. Philosophy goes beyond discovering the nature of

knowledge and seeks the truth and basic value and
importance of life.

3. In exploring Philosophy, we learn to unlearn from

our normal, ordinary thinking and to discover the
broader, and maybe hidden questions deep within.
4. The emphasis in the study of Philosophy is to learn
not what to believe, but how to think and rationalize
things.

5. Taking in Philosophy polishes your analytical

proficiencies, empowering you to recognize and
gauge the potencies and flaws in any stance.

6. It enhances your competence to raise and enunciate

convincing claims of your own.
7. It encourages you to functionally operate amidst
disciplinary boundaries and to ponder openly and
innovatively about nuisances which do not offer instant
solutions.

8. Philosophy likewise improves your ability to think and

work autonomously.

9. Consequently, even if you are not fond of engaging in

debates or any form of discussion, deep within you still
need to arrive at an acceptable answer to certain questions.
10. When you are adept in using Philosophy to its full
potential, you raise above the ordinary ones in terms
of logic and understanding.
Therefore, Understanding Philosophy Improves the Following

1. Problem-solving skills – Philosophy is about probing relevant

questions vis-à-vis fostering responses which can be sensibly,
practically, and realistically be safeguarded against cynical questioning.

2. Communication skills – An individual who possess a knack at

conversing in the subject of Philosophy can also shine in discussing
other topics.

3. Self-knowledge – It improves understanding one’s self. And is also

one way to understand others.

4. Persuasive skills – The need to convince others. We need to be

understood and agreed upon. We need to be accepted.
 Benefits of Philosophy

1. Be trained to classify and categorize important knowledge in

the realm of reason.

2. Be channelled in the quest for truth and in extricating truth

from what is fabricated or from sheer judgment.

3. Be able to evaluate things through an “intellectual eye” that

allows them to comprehend things not only as they come into
view to the senses but more so to the primary grounds and
value of these things that lie beneath.

4. Be adept to gain insights and discernments into human nature.

 Chapter: 1.2

RECOGNIZE HUMAN
ACTIVITIES THAT
EMANATED FROM
DELIBERATE REFLECTION
 Nature of Philosophy

 Philosophy is an established interpretations and

principles about life and the cosmos, which are time
and again held uncritically.

 Philosophy is a manner of mirroring on and assessing

our most profoundly held notions and beliefs.

 “Having” and “Doing” are the two senses of

Philosophy that cannot be treated entirely
independent of each other.
 Philosophy must have a formal and personal sense
for us to be able to have a critical and reflective sense
as well.

 A good Philosopher is one who is “open-minded” and

can see and consider things from all angles thereby
arriving at a sound conclusion without being bias. To
be able to think philosophically is to master the art of
being reflective and critical and without being
judgmental at its onset.
 Philosophy is a sensible, logical, and realistic bid to view
and regard the world as a whole.

 Philosophy work toward combining the suppositions and

conclusions of various sectors involved in a particular
case. It does not set aside arguments or deductions as
these may be deemed beneficial in the long run.

 Philosophy embraces the overall view of all concerned,

not just the “schooled academicians” but more so with
those considered “experienced”.
 Philosophy is the rational exploration of linguistics and
the interpretation of the connotation of terms and
concepts. The foremost chore and recognized purpose
of philosophy is to seek and make clear the gist and
implication of terminologies and the usage of language.

 Philosophy is a consortium of recurrent and perpetual

snags and glitches that fascinates people and for which
philosophers continuously have sought remedies or
answers.
 Tasks of Philosophy

In philosophy, critical and constructive tasks are two

separate but complementary tasks.

Tasks of
Philosophy

Critical Constructive
 Critical Tasks

This includes presenting complex and inquisitive

queries about claims of uncertainty.

Probing such questions is not intended to damage

what is probably believed to be the truth at its onset,
but to guarantee and confirm that belief supports
upon authentic and legitimate certainty and is
indisputably logical. The goal is to discover truth and
prevent mistakes and consequently sustain the
constructive feature of philosophy.
 Constructive Tasks

The goal of this task is to foster a consistent,

dependable, steadfast, and practical representation
of reality.
Philosophy’s critical and constructive tasks is
interdependent and not independent. It would seem to be
useless and pathetic if you keep on critiquing/criticizing
the opinions, designs, and works of other people for the
purpose of making them feel bad because their outputs
cannot pass your standards. In doing constructive critique,
you can point the flaws but be willing to recommend
something substantial for improvement purposes. Likewise
the one giving the critique must also be willing and open to
accept others’ opinion when presenting own ideas. Thus, it
should not be a one-sided thing.
Can those without formal training in Philosophy
engage in Philosophical discussion?

Yes, indeed. After all, the goal of philosophy is to

understand…
Understand oneself

Understand the Understand the world

To
entirety of existence we live in.
around us.

Understand our values.

 Philosophy is an Activity

One cannot be inert and unresponsive to anything

and everything. We are philosophizing mortals.
Philosophy compels us to be actively involved with
the world through ideas, visions, proposals, and
others.
 Chapter: 1.3

REALIZE THE VALUE OF

DOING PHILOSOPHY IN
OBTAINING A BROAD
PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE
 What is the Value of Philosophy?

 The value of Philosophy rests in providing what the

mind and the spirit needs.

It provides food for

the mind and
nourishment for the
future.
If you are very keen you would notice that other
sciences can provide exact answers due to objectivity
simply because they are focused on answering the:

What?
Where?
How? Or How
Who? Long?
Philosophy’s basic question centers on “WHY?” So
even if you either agree or disagree on an argument,
you have to justify your reasons for such decision. It
is basically proving your standpoint. One
response can generate many “WHYS” until you are
satisfied with the given answer.
Why?
 Philosophy, therefore, is like
providing food for for the mind.

EAT THOUGHTFULLY!
 How essential and how conventional should a particular
question be so much so that it can be categorized as
“Philosophical”?

How essential and how conventional should a

particular question be so much so that it can be
categorized as “Philosophical”?

There are no good or bad questions if your intention

is to further understand something.
 Examples of Questions

Example No. 1

A young kid asked his sister “Which one is heavier: A

kilo of cotton or a kilo of stone?”

Which answer is correct?

A. The kilo of cotton
B. The kilo of stone
Example No. 2

How many months in a year has at least twenty-eight

days?

What is the answer?

The point of these questions is to realize that
sometimes even to the most basic of questions, answers
tend to get lost in the process if not properly
understood.

In some cases, the answers of the youth are far more
interesting than what adults can offer. Their
childishness gives them the ability to see things in a
fresh and different perspective. Some adults, on the
other hand, tend to be stuck in the traditional and
conventional way of thinking.
At this instant is it safe to say that we correlate
philosophy with thinking?

If the crucial element in thinking is insight and

insight is seeing with the mind, then only you can do
it. I cannot see it for you but I can help you see it.
Also, seeing is different from observing. We see
things on a routinely basis that we sometimes forget
to observe.
Example
We see people on a daily basis. If you saw someone
wearing a jacket in summertime and during the heat
of the scorching sun and you are not paying close
attention, you may not notice that he perhaps be
hiding something inside his jacket that could spell
trouble.

When you do not observe, there is a lack of

awareness.
“Man is an actor not just a spectator”.

You discover things only when you observe and

when you ask questions.

Your philosophy in life is your guiding principle.

Your mindset will will permit you to accomplish
something as long as you work for it.
 It’s not what happens to you, but
how you react to it that matters.
It’s not how many times you fall, but
how many times you rise up to
continue the fight.
Quitters don’t win.
 Chapter: 1.4

A PHILOSOPHICAL
REFLECTION ON A
CONCRETE SITUATION
FROM A HOLISTIC
PERSPECTIVE
 Creativity and Reason

A philosopher may actually conceive as well as mash-

up ideas or beliefs. To be effective, a philosopher
must possess the following attributes:

a) Imaginative at the same time reserved.

b) Artistic in addition to being a geek.
c) Liberal along with being a conservative.

 In short, a philosopher must be open-minded.

 Open Mindedness: Misconception

What you believe has nothing to do to be classified as

open-minded. Same things apply when you consider
stuff that are not customarily recognized.

The more you are adept in accepting things to be

true only on the basis that they are not collectively
acknowledge makes you more narrow-minded.
Outwardly, you are averse in accepting what is
generally established.
 Being Critical: Misconception

Many of us erroneously associate being critical with the

following metaphors:

a) Cynical
b) Pessimistic
c) Dismissive
d) Sarcastic
e) Negative

The metaphors are projected images of being critical and are

all mistaken beliefs.
 Being Critical: How to be one?

1. Contemplate on the belief first before passing and

judgment either to:

a. Accept
b. Reject
c. Postpone Judgment
2. Consider other beliefs and make comparisons, if
necessary. Alternative beliefs may be:

a. Complementary
b. Unorthodox
3. Being critical embraces the two philosophical
components (to be applied in assessing alternative
beliefs): These components are:

a. Generation of conceivable ideas, theories,

models, views, beliefs or solutions with reference to
a particular issue.
b. Evaluation of those generated beliefs to
determine which is acceptable and which should be
vetoed.
4. Undeniably, in dealing with challenging issues,
critical thinking would play a vital part in
Philosophy.

Philosophical Reflection
Demands
Critical Thinking
 Elements of Critical Thinking

1. Think to understand
2. Think to reason
3. Think proactively
4. Think with others
5. Think to question
6. Think to challenge
 Philosophical Reflection

The way we apply and develop the tools that

philosophy offers us to assess and criticize our lives,
including our beliefs, with the goal of realizing a
higher degree of understanding which could yield
more positive results by knowing which among the
(many) choices should be accepted or rejected.
 Truth and Theories on Truth

How do you know what you know is true?

Truth
A fact or belief that is in accordance with reality.
Something that is proven.
Authentic
 Truth According to…

Socrates Aristotle

Truth is found in ideas He saw ultimate truth

recognized only in physical objects
through reflection and recognized through
reason. experience.
 Theories on Truth

1. Realism
 Just the facts; not hope.
 A portrayal of how things really are.

2. Relativism Theory
 The convention that there is no absolute truth.
 Different people can have different views
depending on one’s culture.
3. Pragmatism Theory
Pragmatic Maxim: “Consider the practical effects of the
objects of your conception”.
It identifies the nature of truth with the principle of action.

4. Correspondence Theory
Affirms that the principle or criterion of truth is that actual
propositions agree to the facts.
It asserts that correct beliefs and declarations are
consistently parallel to the actual set of circumstances.
5. Coherence Theory
The theory of truth that every statement, insofar as it
is true, depicts or illustrates its subjects in the
entirety of its association with all other things.
There is no solitary set of such “logical universes”,
but instead a collection of viewpoints that are
generally conferred.
 Family of Uncertainty

1. Doubt
 In its simplest meaning, is not being sure of
something. The absence of adequate knowledge
does not equate to hopelessness. Doubt can go
whichever way – positive or negative.
2. Skepticism
A doubt with attitude. Already uncertain of all the
facts and yet expects to discover more of the ugly
side of it. Such doubts manifests predisposition and
seeks proof or evidence to affirm his doubts.
Both doubts and skepticism can be constructive if
you’re looking at a world that is surrounded by stuff
that is not considerably “trusting”. It fosters
questioning minds that ultimately seeks answers that
may lead to learning.
 Example of the difference of doubt from skepticism

Scenario:

You smelled something good in the kitchen. You

realized that a chocolate cake is being baked in the
oven. Of course, you would not know if it will taste
great as it smells. Then you found out that your
cousin was actually working on that cake.
Unfortunately, you had a quarrel with her and you’re
not on speaking term as of that moment.
Doubting the taste of the cake is natural. What
smells great does not equate to tasting delicious as
well.

Skepticism enters the picture when you pass

judgment immediately and convince that your cousin
could not produce anything tasty. You could even
went as far as saying “ She should not bake while
she’s mad because it would affect the taste of the
cake.”
So what separates doubt
from skepticism?
 Curiosity

It is the “difference maker”.

(You would only discover the true taste of the cake if
you take a bite.)

Both doubt and skepticism are questioning

mindsets. Curiosity can transform our doubts into
fuel for learning. Given that curiosity is the quest for
truth, when justified, skepticism and most of the
negativity associated with it can be minimized, if not
totally eliminated.
Methods of Philosophizing
 Philosophizing

A search for meaning

To theorize or speculate about fundamental or issues

of utmost importance in a tedious, grand, and
overbearing manner.

The process of explaining or arguing of view or idea

in terms of one’s philosophical theories.
 Philosophical Doctrines

1. Essentialism

2. Existentialism
 1. Essentialism

Philosophical theory asserting that metaphysical

essences are real and intuitively accessible.

A philosophical theory giving priority to the inward

nature , true substance, or constitution of something
over it existence.

The view that things have essences (the attribute/s

that makes an object what it fundamentally is)
 Essentialism believes on:

In the real true essence, which is invariable or fixed

property that defines what an entity on its truest
sense?
There is ultimate reality: (A. Permanent, B.
Unalterable, C. Eternal)
The human nature has more than just a physical
body which is eternal and with an unchanging
human nature.
 Types of Essentialism

1. Meteorological Essentialism
View that objects have its parts essentially.
2. Ethical Essentialism (Moral Absolutism)
Claim that some things are wrong in an essential or
absolute sense universal or ethically constructed one.
3. Epistemological Essentialism
View that all entity have intrinsic properties that can
be discerned by reason.
4. Sociological Essentialism
Sociological theory which states that position on
gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity or other group
characteristics are fixed traits.

5. Educational Essentialism
Educational theory that states that children should
learn the traditional basic subjects and that these
should be learned thoroughly and rigorously.
Essentialism can be divided into three types:

A. Sortal Essence
Set of defining characteristics that all and only
members of a category share.

B. Causal Essence
Entity that causes other categories.

C. Ideal Essence
It has no actual instantiation in the world
 2. Existentialism

a form of philosophical inquiry that explores the

problem of human existence and centers on the lived
experience of the thinking, feeling, acting individual.

a philosophical way of talking. It sees humans, with

will and consciousness, as being in a world of objects
which do not have those qualities. The fact that
humans are conscious of their mortality, and must
make decisions about their life is what existentialism
is all about.
 General Characteristics of Existentialism

1. Existence before essence

2. Reason is unable to deal with the depths of life

3. The encounter with nothingness

 Methods of Philosophizing

1. Logical Analysis

2. Analytic Philosophy

3. Phenomenology
 1. Logical Analysis

Logical analysis is not an analysis into existing

elements. It is the tracing out of relations between
concepts on the assumption that along with each
given or found concept is given its negative, and
every other relation resulting from a transposition of
its correlates.
 B. Analytic Philosophy

Analytic philosophers
conduct conceptual investigations that
characteristically, though not invariably, involve
studies of the language in which the concepts in
question are, or can be, expressed. According to one
tradition in analytic philosophy (sometimes referred
to as formalism), for example, the definition of a
concept can be determined by uncovering the
underlying logical structures, or “logical forms,” of
the sentences used to express it. 
 C. Phenomenology

The study of experience and how we experience it.

the study of “phenomena”: appearances of things, or

things as they appear in our experience, or the ways
we experience things, thus the meanings things have
in our experience. Phenomenology studies conscious
experience as experienced from the subjective or first
person point of view.