CHAPTER 1:

INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF HUMAN PERSON

WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY?

Is the study of that uses human reason to investigate the ultimate causes, reasons, and principles which
govern all things.

A big part of living is spent pondering many questions, and our lives become more meaningful because we
search for answers to these innumerable questions. This is the essence of philosophy – the search for answers
to life’s questions.

PHILOSOPHERS

 People who engage in philosophy.

 They are called “lovers of wisdom”
 Pioneers of various fields of knowledge such as history, biology, medicine, mathematics, astronomy,
and even physics.
 They are called experts.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MOST NOTABLE ANCIENT GREEKS PHILOSOPHERS:

PYTHAGORAS
(570 BCE TO 495 BCE)

 A mathematician and scientist, he was credited with formulating the Pythagorean theorem. His work
earned him many followers, and he established a community of learners who were devoted to the
study of religion and philosophy.

HERACLITUS
(535 BCE TO 495 BCE)

 He proposed that everything that exists is based on a higher order or plan which he called “logos”. For
him, change is a permanent aspect of the human condition as he was credited with the saying, “No
man ever steps in the same river twice.”

DEMOCRITUS
(460 TO 370 BCE)

 He devoted himself to the study of the causes of natural phenomena. He was among the first to
propose that matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms.

DIOGENES OF SINOPE
(460 BCE TO 370 BCE)

 He was a known advocate of living a simple virtuous life. For Diogenes, one should not only talk the of
virtue but should show it in words in actions. His emphasis on austerity and simplicity often went to the
extreme, and he was said to have lived like a beggar.
 He is also known to be a vocal-critic of Plato and Aristotle.
 Cynicism and Stoicism

EPICURUS
(341 BCE TO 270 BCE)

 He believed that philosophy could enable man to live a life of happiness. His views gave rise to
Epicureanism – a school of philosophy which believes that wisdom and simple living will result in a life
free of fear and pain.

SOCRATES
(470 BCE TO 399 BCE)

 He was considered the foremost philosopher of ancient times. He made great contributions to the field
of ethics. Socrates was a known critic of intellectuals during his time, but he himself did not claim to be
“wise” and merely considered himself a “midwife”.
 “Philosophy could enable a man to live a life full of virtue.
  Socratic Method – examining a topic by devising a series of questions that let the learner examine
and analyse his knowledge and views regarding the topic.

PLATO
(427 BCE-347 BCE)

 A student of Socrates
 Foundation of Western Philosophy
 Theory of Forms
 Plato is known for his dialectic - a method of inquiry where two opposing ideas are discussed in an
attempt to arrive a new knowledge.
 Founder of Academy, an institution of higher learning which was the first of its kind in the Western
World.

ARISTOTLE
(384 BCE TO 322 BCE)

 He attended the Academy, and was a prominent student of Plato.

 Physical Sciences - All ideas and views are based on perception and our reality. All ideas and views
are based on perception and our reality is based on what we can sense and perceive.
 Zoology, Psychology, Ethics, and Politics
 Deductive Reasoning – the process by which general statements are analysed to reach a specific
statements.

WHY DO WE NEED TO PHILOSOPHIZE?

The need to philosophize is driven by the love of wisdom. To love wisdom is to have insatiable desire for truth.

WHY IS THERE A NEED TO PHILOSOPHIZE?

Plato (Greek philosopher)

 man’s need to philosophize to his sense of wonder.

Rene Descartes

(15th Century French Philosopher)

 traced the need to philosophize to doubt.

Karl Jaspers

(20th Century Swiss-German Philosopher)

– the need to philosophize because of experience.

HOW DO WE CHARACTERIZE THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY?

FRAMEWORK - is defined as a way of thinking about the world and is composed of the views and beliefs of a
person.

Internal Questions

- questions dealing with our own correctness and values.

External Questions

- Seek to question the very frameworks upon which people base their own beliefs and views

BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY

Metaphysics - deals with questions regarding reality and existence.

Ethics - deals with moral questions and dilemnas.

Epistemology - deals with the nature of knowledge and knowing.

Logic - deals with correct reasoning

HOLISTIC THINKING PARTIAL THINKING

refers to a perspective that considers large-scale focuses on the specific aspects of a situation.
patterns in systems.

REFLECTION

 requires a person to be willing to examine one's thoughts, feelings, and actions and to learn more
about one's life and experiences.
 is an important aspect in philosophy.

What are the practical uses of philosophy in our lives?

 Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis and interpretation of concepts, definitions,
arguments and problems.
 Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision making.
 A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly and adequately present his or her ideas.
 Wisdom is one intended product of philosophizing, and this refers to a person’s ability to apply
knowledge to daily life particularly in making sound choices and judgment.
 Knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self-development.