Philosophy Module 1: The Meaning and Method of Doing Philosophy of Rey An C. Castro, LPT., was created as a tool for teaching Philosophy in senior high school students. The author aims to help educators and students in teaching and learning Philosophy.

2. The study of this subject is an initiation to the activity and
process of philosophical reflection as a search for a synoptic
vision of life. At the end of the course, you should be able to
reflect on their daily experiences from a holistic point of view,
acquire critical and analytical thinking skills and should be able to
apply this critical and analytical thinking skills to the affairs of
daily life become truthful, environmental-friendly and service-
oriented. Actively committed to the development of a more
humane society and articulate their own philosophy of life.

3. WHAT I KNOW
In the answer sheet provided on your portfolio, answer the
following questions below.
“What words come to your mind when you hear the word
Philosophy?
Why do we need to study Philosophy?”
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
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4. • Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental
questions about existence , knowledge, values, reason,
and language.
WHAT’S IN
• Philosophy in a simple words is a way of thinking about
the world, the universe, and society. It works by asking
very basic questions about the nature and human
thought, the nature of the universe, and the connections
between them. The ideas in philosophy are often

5. • 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 to the study of discipline that uses human reason
to investigate the ultimate causes, reasons, and
principles which govern all things.
WHAT’S IN

6. WHAT’S NEW
Do you know of
some Greek
Philosophers?
Philosophers – are
people who engage in
philosophy.

7. • Philosophy is the study of humans and the
world by thinking and asking questions. It is a
science and an art. Philosophy try to answer
important questions by coming up with
answers about real things and asking “why?”
WHAT’S IN

8. WHAT’S NEW Identify the
person in the
picture below.
Write your answer
in the answer sheet
2 in your portfolio.

9. WHAT IS IT?
The most notable ancient Greek Philosopher 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 are based on a higher order or plan which
he called logos.
 Democritus (460BCE to 370 BCE) – He devoted himself to the
study of the causes of natural phenomena.

10. WHAT IS IT?
 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.

11. WHAT IS IT?
 Socrates (470 BCE to 399 BCE) – He was considered the
foremost philosopher of ancient times. He was credited with
formulating the Socrates Method – means examining a topic by
devising a series of questions that let the learner examine and
analyze his knowledge and views regarding the topic.
 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 dialect – a method of injury
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.

12. WHAT IS IT?
 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
specific statements are analyzed to reach a conclusion or
generalization.

14. We have already discussed the meaning of Philosophy from our previous lesson.
Now, let us proceed to another topic.
 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 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.

15. WHAT I KNOW
In the answer sheet provided on your portfolio, give a brief
answer to the following question below.
1. Give a situation where you are adopted a holistic view in
looking at a problem or situation.
2. How can having a holistic view help us become better
individual.

16. • 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.
WHAT’S IN

17. • People tend to apply an analytical perspective when
looking at problems or situations. A holistic view give rise
to a more appreciative perspective about life, as we are
able to look at life in totality.
WHAT’S IN

18. • 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 individual’s belief or
experiences. Though partial thinking is useful, philosophy
utilizes holistic thinking in making sense of problems and
issues related to the human experience.
WHAT’S IN

19. • Holistic medicine is a prominent example of holistic
thinking. A medical professional who believes in holistic
care considers relationship between the mind, body and
spirit. For example, holistic doctors don’t just provide
patient 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.
WHAT’S IN

22. 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
adequate present
his or her ideas.
Doing philosophy can be applied
in day-to-day activities and life
perspectives. Because it involves
an evaluated 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 relationship.
In doing philosophy, a
holistic perspective on
the subject is always
require. Failure to do so
or only using a partial
point of view may lead to
illogical or incorrect
conclusions.

23. WHAT I KNOW
Give a brief answer to the
following question.
1. How can a person benefit from philosophizing?
2. What are the reason that compel a person to engage in
philosophical thinking?

24. WHAT I KNOW
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 Decartes traced
the need of philosophize to doubt. In life, we will be
faced with several ideas and arguments which
present themselves as “truth”. A critical and
questioning perspective is necessary to determine if
needed these ideas or views are correct or true.

25. WHAT I KNOW
Swiss-German philosopher Karl Jasper 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 of 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.

26. Direction: Identify the branches of Philosophy.
Philosophy
MetaphysicsEpistemolog
y
Phil of
Mind
Phil of
Religio
n
Universals
Ontology
Causalit
y
Skepticism
Dogmatism
History of
Philosophy
Axiology
Ideas
People
Logic
Mathematical
Predicat
e
Propositional
Cartegorical
Ethics
Aesthetics
Politics

27. WHAT IT IS?
Aesthetics is the branch of Philosophy which deals with beauty and
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 question 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.

29. Reflection requires a person to be
willing to examines one thought, feelings,
and action to learn more about one’s life
and experiences
Human Self-Reflection is the capacity
of humans to experience introspection
and to attempt to learn more about their
fundamental nature 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 situation.

30. WHAT I KNOW
Give a brief answer to the following questions.
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?

31. WHAT IT IS?
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 concept, 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 skills
learned through Philosophy.

32. In the process of doing Philosophy, it is critical to have a holistic point of
view- the perception of looking all aspects of a situation before making a
conclusion.
Wisdom as it refers to a persons’ ability to apply knowledge to daily life
particularly in the making the sound choices and judgment is the intended
product of philosophizing.
Finally, knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self-development.

33. 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
conclusions