Lesson 1:Doing Philosophy

1. Lesson 1
The Meaning and Method of Doing
Philosophy
By:
LIYA E. ANICETO
Teacher II-SHS

2. • 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.

3. • Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental
questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind,
and language.
• 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?”

4. Branches of Philosophy that Deals with a
Particular Aspect of Life or Phenomena:
• 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.
• Political Philosophy studies governments and deals with
questions of justice, power and the rights and obligations of
citizens.

5. Branches of Philosophy that Deals with a
Particular Aspect of Life or Phenomena:
• 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.

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. The most notable ancient Greek
philosophers are:
• 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. The most notable ancient Greek
philosophers are:
• 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.

9. The most notable ancient Greek
philosophers are:
• 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.

10. Lesson 1.1

12. Processing Questions
• 1. What did you notice?
• 2. Did anyone get the correct answer? Why or why
not?
• 3. What does this picture imply about our effort to
understand the realities of life or answer our
perennial problems?

13. 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.

15. • 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.
• 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.

16. • 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.

17. Activity 1. Partial or Holistic Point of View
Identify whether the following statements is a Partial Point of
View or Holistic Point of View
• 1. Referring to only one source of information for your research
paper.
• 2. Listening to both your teachers’ and parents’ advice on how to
improve grades.
• 3. Mara regularly monitors the emotional well-being of her
classmates.
• 4. Julie always listens to all sides of argument before giving any
advice.
• 5. Kristia who loves to tell story about herself but seldom listens
to her friends stories.

18. Activity 1. Partial or Holistic Point of View
Identify whether the following statements is a Partial Point of
View or Holistic Point of View
• 6. John always takes into consideration both sides of stories of
his friends, Jim and Kyle.
• 7. I decided to do the dishes first because doing it would make
the whole kitchen look better, even though there are other
things to get done.
• 8. Learn to practice forgiveness and love others regardless of
who hurt you in the past.
• 9. “I choose to go along with those people who are loyal to me.”
• 10. “I love you because you love me.”

19. Activity 1. 1. Doing Philosophy
Answer the following.

20. Lesson 1.2
The Value of Doing
Philosophy in Obtaining a
Broad Perspective on Life

21. 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

22. • 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.

23. Lesson 1.3
Doing a Philosophical
Reflection on a Situation
from Holistic Perspective

24. •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.

25. • 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.
• 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.

26. • 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.
• Knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self-
development.

28. ACTIVITY 2: REFLECTING
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