INTRODUCTION

TO THE
PHILOSOPHY OF
THE HUMAN
PERSON
What is holistic thinking?
Holistic thinking refers to a perspective that considers
large-scale patterns in systems. This is often 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 ability
to get the general sense or impression regarding a
situation
Partial thinking on the other hand, focuses on
specific aspects of a situation. The partial view is an
important component of analytical thinking, as an
individual focuses on certain areas or aspects 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 apply these types of analytical thinking
when dealing with problems or situations. Lets
take a doctor for an example, they examine the
patient and it’s illness and find the symptoms of
what's causing the illness. After that, they
prescribe medicine to treat the illness.
A holistic perspective, however, requires the
doctor to look at the "big picture" and view the
patient's illness as an aspect of his or her
lifestyle and personal circumstances. When
using this perspective, a doctor may be able to
identify other underlying causes of the illness.
A holistic perspective can enable a person to
step back and consider the general aspects of a
certain problem. A holistic view also 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.
WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY?

Philosophy comes from the two Greek words: philos which

means love and Sophia which means wisdom. The ancient
Greeks used this term to refer to " love of wisdom" and they
soon applied it to the study or discipline that uses human reason
to investigate the ultimate causes, reasons, and principles which
govern all things. People who engage in philosophy are called
philosophers or lovers of wisdom.
Why is there a need to philosophize?

Philosophers have often wondered and argued about the role of

philosophy in man's life. One view is that each of us is a
philosopher, whether or not we have studied philosophy. We all
have the potential to philosophize since we have the tendency to
wonder and doubt. We possess the capacity to reflect on our
experiences, and we have a never-ending need to learn and
discover.
According to the Greek philosopher Plato, a man's need to philosophize
because of his SENSE OF WONDER.

Rene Descartes, a French philosopher traced the need to philosophize to

DOUBT. Descartes was famous for rejecting or questioning established
ideas, and he even went far by doubting his own ideas.

Swiss-German philosopher Karl Jaspers saw the need to philosophize

because of EXPERIENCE. Japers believed that man is often confronted
by experiences which challenges his ideas and frameworks. Jaspers called
these experiences as limit situations, and these are often accompanied by
feelings of helplessness, anxiety, or dread
According to Socrates, the need to philosophize is driven by
the LOVE OF WISDOM. To love wisdom is to have an
insatiable desire for truth.

Philosophizing is a reflective and meditative activity, and

it has no designated subject matter of its own. It is also a
method of mental exercise on any type of experience.
CHARACTERIZING THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy can be viewed as a WAY OF ANALYZING FRAMEWORKS. A
Framework is defined as a way of thinking about the world and is composed of
the views and beliefs of a person.
There are 2 types of questions that a framework can assess.
• Internal questions- Questions dealing with our own correctness and values.
• External questions- That seek to question the very frameworks upon which
people based their own beliefs and views.

Philosophy can also be thought of as an EXAMINATION OF A PARTICULAR

AREA OF KNOWLEDGE. The central principle in philosophy is examination
and questioning.
Philosophy itself is a DISTINCT AREA OF KNOWLEDGE WITH
ITS OWN GOALS, CONCERNS, AND WAYS OF DOING
THINGS. Often divided into several branches each of which deals
with a particular aspect of life or phenomena.
• Aesthetics deals with beauty and what makes things beautiful.
• Logic deals with correct reasoning.
• Epistemology deals with the nature of knowledge and knowing.
• Ethics deals with the moral questions and dilemmas.
• Political philosophy deals with the studies of the government
and questions of justice, power and the rights and obligation of
the citizens.
• Metaphysics deals with the questions regarding reality and
existence.
THE PRACTICAL USES OF PHILOSOPHY IN OUR LIVES

Philosophy has an important place in our daily lives. Engaging in

philosophical reflection leads to the development of beneficial skills that
individuals can apply in everyday situations.
1. Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis and
interpretation of concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems.
2. Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision-making.
3. A Philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly and adequately
present his or her ideas.
4. Knowledge of philosophy can contribute to self-development.
5. WISDOM is the very byproduct of philosophizing. Refers to ones ability
to apply knowledge and make wise choices.