Philosophy

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF MAN
MODULE 1:
MEANING AND METHOD OF
DOING PHILOSOPHY

2. The Six Blind Men

3. WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY?
 The word philosophy comes from two Greek words: philos (love) and sophia
(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.
 Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental questions about
existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.

4. WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY?
 Philosophy in simple words is a way of thinking about the world, the universe,
and society. It works by asking very basic questions about the nature of human
thought, the nature of the universe, and the connections between them. The
ideas in philosophy are often general and abstract.
 Philosophy is the study of humans and the world by thinking and asking
questions. It is a science and an art. Philosophy tries to answer important
questions by coming up with answers about real things and asking "why?"

5. DO YOU KNOW THEM?

6. The most notable ancient Greek philosophers are:
Pythagoras (570 BCE to 495 BCE)- A mathematician and scientist, he was
credited with formulating the Pythagorean theorem.
Heraclitus (535 BCe to 475 BCE)- He proposed that everything that exists
is based on a higher order or plan which he called logos.
Democritus (460 BCE to 370 BCE)- He devoted himself to the study of the
causes of natural phenomena.

7. Diogenes of Sinope (412 BCE to 323 BCE)- He was a known advocate
of living a simple and virtuous life.
Epicurus (341 BCE to 270 BCE)- He believed that philosophy could
enable man to live a life of happiness.
Socrates (470 BCE to 399 BCE)- He was considered the foremost
philosophers of ancient times. He was credited with formulating the
Socratic method- 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.

8. Plato (427 BCE to 347 BCE)- A student of Socrates, he wrote down his
mentor’s teaching and incorporated some of his own ideas into them.
Plato’s most significant ideas included his Theory of Forms, which
proposes that everything that exist is based on an idea or template than
can only be perceived in the mind. Plato is also known for his dialectic- a
method of inquiry where two opposing ideas are discussed in an attempt
to arrive at new knowledge. Plato’s lasting contribution to learning was his
founding of the Academy, an institution of higher learning.
Aristotle (384 BCE to 322 BCE)- He attended the Academy, and was the
prominent student of Plato. For him, all ideas and views are based on
perception and our reality is based on what we can sense and perceive. His
studies in logic led to the formulation of a formal process of analyzing
reasoning which give rise to deductive reasoning-the process by which
specific statements are analysed to reach a conclusion or generalization.

9. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE FROM A PARTIAL
POINT OF VIEW
Holistic thinking refers to a perspective that considers large-
scale patterns in systems. 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 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.

10. The term "holistic thinking" refers to a big picture mentality in
which a person recognizes the interconnectedness of various
elements that form larger systems, patterns and objects. Thinking
holistically is the opposite of analyzing something, which involves
breaking down a larger system into its details.
Holistic medicine is a prominent example of holistic thinking. A
medical professional who believes in holistic care considers the
relationship between the mind, body and spirit. For example, holistic
doctors don't just provide patients with medications. Instead, they
look at ways to improve life balance and eradicate health problems
from their root source, such as high stress or bad nutrition.

11. In philosophy, point of view describes the perception of an event or
phenomenon and how exactly it is viewed. Point of view often is
shaped by an individual's beliefs or experiences. Though partial
thinking is useful, philosophy utilizes holistic thinking in making sense
of problems and issues related to the human experience.
People tend to apply an analytical perspective when looking at
problems or situations. A holistic view gives rise to a more
appreciative perspective about life, as we are able to look at life in its
totality.

12. TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF THINKING

13. Directions: Fill in the boxes with the factors that will help you attain your goal in
your life
•In each of the boxes, trace what happens if you study hard. The first box is studying
hard. The succeeding boxes will show what happens if you will do your best in
school.

14. I. Fill the center box with your future goal. The other boxes will contain the
factors that will help you attain that goal.

15. Activity 2: Matching type: Match column A to column B. Write the letter
of your choice on the space provided.

16. Title of the Activity: A Friend in Need
Directions: Read the situation carefully. Reflect on it and come up with a holistic
approach to address the situation.
I.Mary Joy is your friend. She has been doing well in class since your elementary
days. She has been a consistent honor student. Last year Dagul, also your friend,
became her boyfriend. Dagul, just like Mary Joy, comes from a poor family. They
are both doing odd jobs during weekends in order to earn any amount to sustain
their school needs.
Yesterday, Mary Joy came to you saying she has a problem. She is pregnant. She
needs your advice on what course of action she must do.
After much thinking, you decided to come up with an action plan. Using the rows
below, indicate what possible results will she face for possible course/ of action.

17. ACTION 1: ACTION 2:
PROS CONS PROS CONS

18. THE VALUE OF DOING PHILOSOPHY IN OBTAINING A BROAD
PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE
Why do we philosophize?
We all have the potential to philosophize since we have the tendency to wonder and doubt.
A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly and adequately present his or her ideas.
Doing philosophy can be applied in day-to-day activities and life perspectives. Because it involves an
evaluative process, doing philosophy allows a person to make better decisions and act accordingly to situations
with the help of various philosophical skills. On life perspectives, philosophy enables reflective thinking which
greatly influences a person’s view of life, challenges, and relationships
In doing philosophy, a holistic perspective on the subject is always required. Failure to do so or only using a
partial point of view may lead to illogical or incorrect conclusions.

19. Direction: Give a brief answer to the following question. Write your answer in space provided below.
1. How can a person benefit from philosophizing?
1. What are the reasons that compel a person to engage in philosophical thinking?

20. Plato traced man’s need to philosophize to his sense of wonder.
Whenever we are confronted with an experience, we always wonder
how it came about.
French philosopher Rene Descartes traced the need to
philosophize to doubt. In life, we will be faced with several ideas and
arguments which present themselves as “truths”. A critical and
questioning perspective is necessary to determine if indeed these
ideas or views are correct or true.

21. Swiss-German philosopher Karl Jaspers saw the need to philosophize
because of experience. These experiences limit situation, philosophy
provides us a means to understand adverse or challenging conditions,
and to rise above them and gain new knowledge and perspective.
The need to philosophize is driven by the love for wisdom. To love
wisdom is to have an insatiable desire for truth.
Philosophy itself is a distinct area of knowledge with its own goals,
concerns, and ways of doing things.

23. Direction: Based on the picture below. Identify the branches of Philosophy.

24. Aesthetics is the branch of Philosophy which deals with beauty and what makes things
“beautiful”.
Logic is branch of philosophy which deals with correct reasoning.
Epistemology discusses the nature of knowledge and knowing.
Ethics is the branch which deals with moral questions and dilemmas.
Political Philosophy studies governments and deals with questions of justice, power
and the rights and obligations of citizens.
Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy which deals with questions regarding reality and
existence.
Philosophy of the Human Person-is an area in philosophy that understand the human
person from a philosophical perspective.

25. DOING A PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION ON A
SITUATION FROM HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE

26. Reflection requires a person to be willing to examine one’s
thoughts, feelings, and action and to learn more about one’s life
and experiences.
Human self-reflection is the capacity of humans to
exercise introspection and to attempt to learn more about their
fundamental nature and essence.
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.

27. Direction: Give a brief answer to the following question. Write your
answer on the space provided below.
1.Have you ever had an experience where reflecting on your actions
benefitted you?
2.Has reflection ever helped you avoid making a bad decision?

28. Reflection is vital in ensuring that our actions and decisions are
well thought out and are done with due regard for their implications
and consequences on ourselves, others, and our surroundings.
When we reflect, we can judge whether our actions or decisions
are reasonable or not.
Doing Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis
and interpretation of concepts, definitions, arguments, and
problems.

29. Doing Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision
making. The ability to analyze a problem or dilemma, identify the
significant aspects, and come up with alternative solutions is an
important skill learned through philosophy.
In the process of doing philosophy, it is critical to have a holistic
point of view-the perception of looking at all aspects of a situation
first before making a conclusion.
Wisdom as it refers to a person’s ability to apply knowledge to daily
life particularly in making sound choices and judgment is the
intended product of philosophizing.
Finally, knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self-development.

30. Examples of activities that emanated
from a deliberate reflection
 Learning from your previous mistakes and not repeating
them again
 Evaluating and knowing the best choice from a set of
options
 Gaining a holistic point of view first before making any
conclusion

31. Direction: Complete the table below.
ACTIONS WHAT MUST BE DONE BEFORE THE
ACTION?
1. Buying a new gadget
2. Choosing friends
3. Eating food
4. Deciding where to study in College
5. Joining an organization in school
6. Helping a stranger
7. Going out with friends
8. Posting your opinion or feelings in the social
media
9. Going out with the opposite sex
10. Confronting a person who verbally hurt you

32. Based on your answers in Table 1, what must before making actions?
Do you consider it helpful if you do this before making actions? Why or
why not?
Simple action seems to take a whole new meaning when one engages
in reflection. Like buying a new gadget, think of the questions you
asked yourself as you consider buying the said item.
You may start with simple questions, but since we are in reflective and
philosophizing mood, we try and think of deeper questions and reflect
on the situation

33. Direction: TRUE OR FALSE. Write TRUE if the statement is correct otherwise choose
FALSE. Write your answer on the space provided.
1.Plato traced man’s need to philosophize to his sense of wonder.
2.The need to philosophize is driven by the love for wisdom.
3.This is an area in philosophy that understand the human person from a
philosophical perspective is holistic thinking.
4.Swiss-German philosopher Karl Jaspers saw the need to philosophize because of
doubt.
5.Aesthetics is branch of philosophy which deals with beauty.
6.Ethics is a branch of philosophy which deals with correct reasoning.
7.Logic is a branch of philosophy which discusses the nature of knowledge and
knowing.
8.Philosophy of the Human Person is a branch of philosophy which deals with
moral questions and dilemmas.
9.Metaphysics is branch of philosophy which deals with questions regarding reality
and existence.

34. Direction: Fill in the blanks. Write your answer on the space provided.
Experience Knowledge Greek
Holistic Thinking Partial Thinking Lover of Wisdom
Philosophy – comes from two ____________________word philos (love) and sophias (wisdom) is
the study of general and fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind,
and language.
Philosophers – or ______________________ people who are engage in philosophy.
A man needs to philosophize because of his sense of wonder, doubt and
______________________.
Philosophy does not limit itself to its own field as it makes sense of information gathered from various
fields of _________________________ (e.g., science, psychology, economics, politics, etc.,)
Philosophy of the Human Person is an area in philosophy that understand the human person from a
philosophical perspective which involves holistic thinking and _______________________.
Philosophical reflection is important in our daily lives as it ensures that our actions and decisions are
well thought by using a deeper, holistic perspective.
In doing philosophy, critical, logical, and analytical thinking, observation, and communicative skills
were involved.

35. Direction: encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1.The word Philos is a Greek word means_________.
a.Love b. Wisdom c. Philosopher d. Philosophy
2.Sophia is a Greek word for ___________.
a.Love b. Wisdom c. Philosopher d. Philosophy
3.The people who engages in philosophy are called________.
a.Love b. wisdom c. Philosophy d. Philosopher
4.He was considered the foremost philosophers of ancient times. He
was credited with formulating the Socratic method___________.
a.Plato b. Aristotle c. Socrates d. Democritus
5.A student of Socrates, he wrote down his mentor’s teaching and
incorporated some of his own ideas into them included his Theory of
Forms________.
a.Plato b. Aristotle c. Socrates d. Democritus

36. 6.It refers to a perspective that considers large-scale patterns in systems______.
a.Doubt b. Academy c. Holistic Thinking d. Partial Thinking
7.It focuses on specific aspects of a situation, as an individual focuses on certain
areas or aspects of a problem in order to understand it.
a.Doubt b. Academy c. Holistic Thinking d. Partial Thinking
8.It is the process by which specific statements are analysed to reach a conclusion
or generalization.
a.Academy b. Deductive reasoningc. Holistic d. Partial
9.It requires a person to be willing to examine one’s thoughts, feelings, and action
and to learn more about one’s life and experiences.
a. Reflection b. Observation c. Knowledge d. Doubts
10. The Greek term for philosophy, philosophia, means ___.
a. Holistic Thinking d. Partial Thinking c. Love of wisdom d. Knowledge