INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

GRADE 12 – 1ST SEMESTER

1ST QUARTER

CHAPTER 1
PHILOSOPHY AND THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH
LESSON 1: THE MEANING AND VALUE OF PHILOSOPHY AND THE ART OF
PHILOSOPHIZING
The Meaning Of Philosophy
The word philosophy has several meanings and usages. Some are very common while
some are profound. In fact there could be as many definitions of philosophy as there are
serious philosophers.
In a very general sense, philosophy could mean a guiding principle. For example, when
someone says, “My philosophy in life is, What is important is doing my best, not really
being the best,” he/she means to say that this is his/her guiding principle.
Philosophy could also mean reason, rationale, or basis of something. When someone
ask, “What is the philosophy behind such project, activity, or endeavor?” he/she wants to
know the reason behind such project or endeavor.
Philosophy could also be understood as the study of the cause of something. For
example, we say that philosophy is the study of the cause or foundation of knowledge.
Sometimes we also describe something or someone as being “philosophical”. When we
say that someone or something is being “philosophical”, we could either mean that one
is taking things in a very profound way or that he/she is being too analytical about a
particular subject matter or topic. When we say that something is too philosophical, we
could mean that it is very complex or profound and that it requires a thorough analysis
and assessment in order to undertand it.
According to Quito (1983), a Filipino professor of philosophy, the there are two usages of
the term philosophy in the current local trend or in our own local setting. These are the
popular and the academics uses. When someone talks about the popular usage of
philosophy, he/she is reminded of how the common people think of the way a pilosopo
explains things or events in one’s surroundings.

REFERENCE:
PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
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The Etymology Of Philosophy
Philosophy comes from the two Greek words: philo or philien which means “love” and
sophia which means “wisdom” or “knowledge”. Thus, philosophy means “love of wisdom
or knowledge”. It was the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras who coined the word
philosophia or philosophy.

According to Greek Philosopher Aristotle, all men seek wisdom. Therefore all men are
philosophers in this sense. The search for wisdom is not just the exclusive task or role of
academic philosophers; it is everyone’s task. The object of wisdom is the truth. The
pursuit of the truth is therefore the noble aspiration of every rational individual.

The Value Of Philosophy

What is the value of philosophy? To this question we propose some possible answers.
First, it’s natural to wonder, to ask questions. Children are marvelous philosophers who
never tire of asking questions. However, you may reply that nature doesn’t necessitate
duty, and that you don’t find it natural to philosophize. Second, philosophizing
is pleasurable. We find great joy asking questions and considering possibilities. Perhaps
that is why Plato called philosophizing “that dear delight.” Nonetheless, you might counter
that it doesn’t suit your tastes. Third, we appeal to philosophy’s usefulness. Any kind of
knowledge is potentially useful, and if philosophy engenders a bit of knowledge and
wisdom, then it’s worthwhile. Nevertheless, you may not value either wisdom or
knowledge unless it engenders material reward.

Finally, we argue that philosophy protects us against unsupported ideology, unjustified

authority, unfounded beliefs, baseless propaganda, and questionable cultural values.
These forces may manipulate us if we don’t understand them and can’t think critically
about them. This doesn’t require a rejection of cultural values, only a reflection upon
them. Otherwise, they aren’t our values, ideals, or beliefs—we have accepted them
second-hand. To this you might respond that reflection is laborious, that ignorance is
bliss, and that trust in authority and tradition maintain the continuity of culture.

Therefore you could conceivably reject all of our arguments. In the absence of definitive
arguments, individuals must decide whether philosophy is a worthwhile pursuit. We all
decide whether the pursuit of wisdom, knowledge, wealth, fame, pleasure, or anything
else is worth the effort. In the end, to value philosophy we must believe that reflection,
questioning, contemplation, and wonder enrich human life; we must believe with Socrates
that “the unexamined life isn’t worth living.” And I do believe that.

REFERENCE:
PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
reasonandmeaning.com/2016/03/25/the-value-of-philosophy

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Questions about the value of philosophy entwine with issues concerning education. What
is the point of education? Is it merely to learn practical techniques? Consider a nurse or
physician who has mastered all of the techniques necessary to practice their professions.
Are they complete nurses or physicians? Most of us would say no; they need to
understand their patients holistically, and this knowledge doesn’t come merely from their
technical training. Thus, we do recognize the place in our education for philosophy,
literature, poetry, psychology and history, even though they may not be practical.
However, if material needs are all that matter, then the life of the mind may be irrelevant.

The Art And Wonder Of Philosophizing

Philosophizing is making speculations or theories about fundamental or serious issues in

a complicated or difficult manner. It begins with wondering and posing the questions why.

Phisophizing begins when a person becomes curious and wonders about the things
around him/her. This followed by a simple act of inquiry and then by the search for
answers. A persons asks questions such as, “How could it be?”, “Why do things
happen?”, and “For what reason do things happen?”

When one philosophizes , he/she engages in philosophical activity. But what does it
mean to engage in philosophical activity? It could mean to engage in critical
examination or reflection about the meaning, causes, or reason of certain realities. To
engage in a philosophical activity such as critical or rational reflection , a person will
need two basic components---reason and experience.
Reason enables a person to reflect on or examine the underlying meaning or causes of
things or realities. Experience provides a person with the initial data so that he/she
would be able to speak of his/her subsequent reflection or examination.

ACTIVITY 1
A. How will you differentiate the positive and negative understanding of the term
philosopy?

B. How will you explain the roles of reason and experience in philosophical activity?

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PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
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ACTIVITY 2
1. Write a reflection paper on your one unforgettable experience and try to draw some
lessons you learned from it.

2. Think of one particular activity in school where you apply your mental ability or skill.
Share this in a group discussion.

ASSIGNMENT
Describe one person you know whom you think embodies the philosophical attitude.

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PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
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 CHAPTER 1
PHILOSOPHY AND THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH

LESSON 2: PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION AND THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH

Philosophical Reflection
Philosophical reflection is a more profound examination of the underlying
meanings or causes of the problems regarding human existence. While we can ponder
on how we can put food on our plate, a more profound reflection will lead us to
realization of why we need food and why we do not have food on the table in the first
place. When one practices philosophical reflection he/she examines his/her existence
and practical issues in life.
One of the benefits of practicing philosophical reflection is that people become
critical thinkers. As critical thinkers, people understand clearly a particular situation and
determine whether such situation presents a problem that needs an explanation or a
practical solution.

ELEMENTS OF CRITICAL THINKING

1. UNDERSTANDING
On of the first elements of critical thinking is having a proper and clear
understanding of a particular situation. Understand means “to have a mental grasp of
things, of reality, of issues at hand, or of the subject matter.”
2. THINKING BY AND FOR ONESELF
Is using one’s power or ability to think or reason out. When one makes decision,
reflects on his/her experience, or evaluates a particular issue, he/she has to rely on
his/her own power to think instead of having other people do the thinking for him/her.
3. THINKING PROACTIVELY
In proactive thinking, one uses his/her own intelligence, knowledge, and abilities
in order to deal with different situations, issues and subject matter. Thinking proactively
means that one has to think in advance and anticipate certain consequences of his/her
actions; it means getting involved in useful and meaningful endeavors and tasks instead
or remaining passive and indifferent.

REFERENCE:
PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
reasonandmeaning.com/2016/03/25/the-value-of-philosophy

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4. BEING OPEN MINDED
The philosopher or critical thinker is open to the ideas and opinions of others.one
does not have the monopoly of ideas, much less of good ideas. There are good ideas
and thoughts one can learn from others, other sources, new experiences, and
encounters with other people.
5. CONSIDERING DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES
Openness of mind leads one to the next element of philosophical reflection and
critical thinking which is considering different paths that lead to the truth. Philosophical
reflection requires that one considers different possibilities and perspectives. This
means that being open to the different paths to the truth is being open to new
perspectives and views.
6. QUESTIONING AND CHALLENGING BELIEFS
Sometimes people think of questioning in a negative way, they sometimes
interpret questioning as outright opposition or a radical opposition to a new thought or
idea. Questioning can become a means to contradict a different view without any basis
or reason. To question constructively is simply to ask for a clarification, a reconfirmation
of an old interpretation that has been accepted or believed in. It means going back to
the real issue or the original interpretation, and clarifying whether such interpretation or
ideas or beliefs are indeed right and correct.

PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION AND PROBLEM SOLVING

Problem – solving behavior generally involves five logical steps or stages:
1. Representing or Defining the Problem
This involves a thorough understanding and comprehension of the problem and
its cause. The first step is to determine whether or not the situation present a problem.
2. Generating Possible Solutions
The next step is to generate possible solutions to the problem. This involves
divergent thinking. In divergent thinking one thinks of possible solutions to the problem.
He/She either recalls past solutions or invents new ones; his/her mind or thought
“diverges” along a number of different paths; thus, it is called “divergent thinking.”

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PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
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3. Evaluating Solutions
The next stage in solving a problem is evaluating the solutions and coming up
with the final solution. In this step one tries to apply his/her knowledge and the rules of
logic and attempts to narrow down the possibilities to one that is most appropriate or
effective. The mind “converges” on the most appropriate solution. This is called
convergent thinking. In solving difficult problems, people often alternate between these
two modes of thought---the divergent and convent modes.
4. Applying the Solutions
Once the solution has been finalized, the next step is to apply it. If, for example,
you think asking someone to ask permission from your parents in the your behalf is the
best solution, then you do it. It is important to constantly assess the progress of the
application of the solution and to be ready to modify it if needed. If that solution does not
work, then additional or other solutions must be generated.
5. Critiquing Given Solution Throught Dialectics
Dialectics in this context is the critical discussion about certain things, in problem
solving it is applied to the solution or alternative ways of dealing a problem. Critical
discussion involves questioning certain thoughts or ideas, even the ideas of the one
looking for the solution. Philosophy thrives in constant criticism and questioning. This is
done by way of dialectics or discussion of the pros and cons of one particular topic,
issues, or action.

TRUTH
Truth is the proper aim of any inquiry, particularly scientific and philosophical
inquiry. People study and investigate because they want to find out or discover the truth
and be able to attain it. By attaining the truth, people are also able to achieve their
goals.

THEORIES ON TRUTH
a. REALISM
Realism is a general theory about truth which asserts that the mind can know
certain, fundamental, and immediate truths. When one judges an object, he/she is
aware of his/her intellectual capacity to know the truth.
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PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
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b. RELATIVISM THEORY
According to relativism theory, truth as the object of knowledge cannot be known
as it is in itself; it can only truth is always truth is always be known as it is modified by a
person. This means that truth is always dependent on a person.

c. PRAGMATISM THEORY
According to pragmatism theory which has proposed by William James, the truth
is consequential in nature, the real norm or criterion of truth is its consequence or result.

d. CORRESPONDENCE THEORY
According to this theory, proposed by the Logical Positivism Bertrand Russell,
truth is in what is said, in the propositions uttered. A proposition is true if it corresponds
with a state of affairs or with facts.

e. COHERENCE THEORY
This theory developed as a reaction to the correspondence theory. It asserts that
truth cannot be asserted of one proposition, only in isolation from other proposition.

TRUTH AS VALUE
Truth is not just an object of the mind or intellectual speculation. Truth is also a
matter of conviction. Truth is a value that gives meaning to one’s life. As a value, one
can live and die for the truth. People commit themselves to the truth. For example,
those who are fighting for the truth. But the truth that they are fighting for is not an
intellectual object or some object that is only appreciated by the mind.

SKEPTICISM, DOUBT AND OPINION

Skepticism states that the mind cannot attain the truth because it is prone to error
and therefore one needs to suspend his/her belief. Skepticism is based on doubt.

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PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
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 Doubt is a state in which the mind suspends its judgement or assertion on the
truth of a certain proposition or belief. Doubt is either positive or negative.
Opinion is the statement without sufficient basis or reason and therefore can
either be true or false.

ACTIVITY 1
A. Defined the following elements of critical thinking.
1. Understanding
2. Thinking by and for Oneself
3. Thinking Proactively
4. Open Minded
5. Considering Different Perspective
6. Questioning and Challenging Beliefs

B. How is doubt related with opinion

ASSIGNMENT
1. Write a reflection paper on the underlying reason or meaning of your possible career
choice in college.

2. Think of one problem in our society and generate or think of possible solution to this
problem.

REFERENCE:
PHILOSOPHY: Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person
reasonandmeaning.com/2016/03/25/the-value-of-philosophy

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