Lesson 1: What is philosophy?

LET'S PONDER

Read and analyze the following conversation between a high school teacher and her student in
class:

Teacher: Juan, what would you like to be when you grow up?
Juan: Ma'am, I want to be happy!
Teacher: Juan, you did not understand my question.
Juan: Ma'am, you do not understand what life is all about!

1. Do you think that Juan's answer was appropriate for his teacher's question?
2. What do you think was Juan's interpretation of his teacher's question?
3. Based on his responses, what kind of student do you imagine Juan to be?
4. If you were Juan's teacher, how would you respond to him?
5. How is philosophy related to this situation?

LET'S EMBARK

At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:

1. discuss philosophy and its importance as a discipline and means for understanding life;
2. distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view;
3. recognize human activities that emanated from deliberate reflection;
4. recognize reflection as an important aspect of philosophy;
5. realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life;
6. do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic perspective; and
7. discuss their thoughts regarding the importance of philosophy in their lives.

INQUIRE AND DISCOVER

Have you, like Juan, come to a realization of what you want in life? Have you ever found
yourself wondering about the things you experienced or where your life is headed? Have you
ever encountered a situation where you had to think about the " deeper " questions in life?

Throughout our lives, we have wondered about many things which lead us to ask a lot of
questions. By nature, human beings are inquisitive. We ask questions to try and make sense of
our world and experiences. Young children are very curious, and we often hear them ask simple
and silly questions such as: " What is this? " " What does this do? " "Why are trees tall?" Why is
the sky so far away?" These queries may be easily ignored because of their simplicity, but these
indicate a healthy curiosity and a sense of wonder which is an important feature of childhood
innocence.

As we grow older, our questions are influenced by our experiences and circumstances. We find
ourselves asking more "serious" questions such as: "Why do I have to study?" What do I need
to do to get better grades?" " Why can't I have more friends?" What should I do to achieve my
goals in life?" Why did I fail?" " What can I do to be better?" You may also hear your parents
and other older people ask questions about various concerns such as: "Would it be better to
apply for a new job?" "Did I make the right choice in buying property?" "How do I deal with
difficult people at work?" People ask these questions to help them plan and decide on certain
tasks. These are the questions that we often hear in everyday conversations.

Still, there are other questions that make us pause and think. We often encounter these "deep"
questions in serious conversation, in the books we read, the songs we hear on the radio, and
even in the movies we watch. Some of these questions include: "What is love?" "Is love worth
giving up everything?" "Where can one find true happiness?" "Does the end justify the means?"
"Why do good people suffer?" "Why is there injustice in the world?" "What can we do to make
the world a better place?" "Why do I have to be a good person?"

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.

THINK

Read the following news headlines. What "simple", "serious", and "deep" questions come to
mind when you read them? Discuss them in class.

 Flash floods in remote village kill a hundred people

 Abused child kept chained in basement for five years finally rescued
 Man sentenced to ten years for stealing milk to feed his baby
 Lottery winner donates half of winning to local orphanage

DISCUSS
What questions about your life are you struggling to find answers to? Share some of them in
class.

WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY?
The word philosophy comes from 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. People who engage in philosophy are called philosophers or "lovers of
wisdom." Among the ancient Greeks, the philosophers became pioneers in various fields of
knowledge such as history, biology, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and even physics. It
was quite common to hear of ancient philosophers who were "experts" in various fields of
learning.

THINK

What words come to mind when you hear the word philosophy? Copy the graphic organizer
and write the words in the blank circles
 PHILOSOPHY

DISCUSS

1. What does it mean to be a lover of wisdom? What characteristics should philosophers

possess?

Since ancient times, philosophers have been pondering some of the most enduring questions
regarding human existence. The following are some of them.

 What is real? Are we able to perceive and understand reality and everything in it?
 How do we know that we know? Are the things that we know true?
 What is the ultimate cause of all things? What is our purpose in this world?
 To what extent are our choices and actions considered "free"?

DISCUSS
1. What other philosophical questions have you asked yourself? What led you to ponder
those questions?
2. Do you think that you will be able to figure out the answers to those philosophical
questions? Explain.

The following are the most notable ancient Greek philosophers.

Phytagoras (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 475 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 BCE 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 (412 BCE 323 BCE) He was a known advocate of living a simple and
virtuous life. For diogenes, one should not only talk of virtue but should show it in words and
actions. His emphasis on austerity and simplicity often went to the extreme, and he was said to
have lived like a beggar. He was also known to be a vocal critic of well-known philosophers
such as Plato and Aristotle. His teachings and views were later developed by his followers and
influenced the development of several schools of philosophy such as Cynicism and Stoicism.
Epicurus (341 BCE 270 BCE) He believed that philosophy could enable man to live a life of
happiness. His views 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 399 BCE) He was considered the foremost philosopher of ancient times.
He made great contributions to the field 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" that helped inquiring minds achieve wisdom. He also believed that philosophy could
enable a man to live a life of virtue. He was credited with formulating the Socratic Method - a
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.

Plato (427 BCE 347 BCE) - A student of Socrates, he wrote down his mentor's teaching and
incorporated some of his own ideas into them. His teachings and writings were considered the
foundation of Western philosophy. Plato's most significant ideas included his Theory of Forms,
which proposes that everything that exists is based on an idea or template that can only be
perceived in the mind; these nonphysical ideas are eternal and unchanging. He also focused his
studies on the ideal society and proposed an ideal model of government and society which is
ruled by wisdom and reason. 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 Academic, an institution of higher learning which
was the first of its kind in the Western world.

Aristotle (384 BCE 322 BCE) - He attended the academy, and was a prominent student of
Plato. Aristotle, however, disagreed with Plato's theory of forms and took a different stance in
interpreting reality. For him, all ideas and views are based on perception and our reality is based
on what we can sense and perceive. This view greatly influenced the study of the physical
senses. Aristotle was involved in a great variety of disciplines such as zoology, psychology,
ethics, and politics. He also proposed a system for the classification of plants and animals. His
studies in logic led to the formulation of a formal process of analyzing reasonings which gave
rise to deductive reasoning - the process by which specific statements are analyzed to reach a
conclusion or generalization.

From their roots in ancient Greece, the thoughts and ideas of philosophers soon gained
popularity in many places throughout the world. The developments that started in ancient
Greece brought about the emergence of Western Philosophy, Meanwhile, Eastern Philosophy
emerged from the communities and civilizations in Asia. While both philosophies pondered the
significant questions regarding human existence, Western philosophy throughout the centuries
became more systematic and specialized in its approach. Eastern philosophy, on the other
hand, is more fluid and places greater emphasis on social relations, the family, and community.
At present, philosophy is an important field of study as it touches upon a diverse array of topics
and disciplines. Every aspect of human knowledge from the arts to science and technology has
benefited from the inquiring nature of philosophy.
Why is there a need to philosophize?
Philosophers have often wondered and argued about the role of philosophy in man's life. One
view is that each one of us is a philosopher, whether or not we have studied philosophy. We all
have the potential to philosophize since we have the tendency to wonder and doubt. We
possess the capacity to reflect on our experiences, and we have a never-ending need to learn
and discover.

The Greek philosopher 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. Man's
over bounding curiosity drives him to ask questions, some of which have no definite answers.
Where did we come from? Why do we exist? For what purpose were we created? Consider a
small child's curiosity about all the things around him, most of which he encounters for the first
time. This perspective drives the need of a philosopher to question, examine, and learn more.

The 15th-century French philosopher Rene Descartes traced the need to philosophies to doubt.
Descartes was famous for rejecting or questioning established ideas, and he even went as far
as doubting his own ideas. His method of examining ideas and perspectives became the basis
of critical thinking and analysis in the sciences. For example, a scientific hypothesis must first be
tested and verified before it is accepted as truth. 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.

The 20th-century Swiss-German philosopher Karl Jaspers saw the need to philosophize
because of experience. Jaspers believed that man is often confronted by experiences which
challenge his ideas and frameworks. Jaspers called these experiences limit situations, and
these are often accompanied by feelings of helplessness, anxiety, or dread. For Jaspers,
philosophy provides us a means to understand adverse or challenging conditions, and to rise
above them and gain new knowledge and perspectives.

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

Finally, the need to philosophize is driven by the love for wisdom. To love wisdom is to have
an insatiable desire for truth. A philosopher does not seek knowledge to claim ownership of it;
and one who engages in philosophy is not satisfied with figuring out the answer to a question.
He seeks to continue to question, to probe, and to discuss in was Socrates. He gained fame for
his curiosity and his constant debates with many of order to get to the bottom of things. The
philosopher who exemplified this perspective the intellectual elite in Greece. Socrates is famous
for having said "I know that I do not know..." and it is in accepting this state of ignorance that
one can begin to learn and understand. By expanding our knowledge through philosophy, we
begin to realize that learning is unceasing - there is a lot more to learn and experience in life.
Socrates is also recognized for his motto: "The unexamined life is not worth living." And
nowhere is it more appropriate to embark on philosophy than in an examination of our own life.
How do we characterize the study of philosophy?
Just as there are many ways of looking at a problem, philosophers have employed varied
means of looking into the fundamental questions regarding the human condition. This has given
rise to various viewpoints, thoughts, and approaches in philosophy. One way of looking at
philosophy is to consider it as a way of analyzing frameworks. A framework is defined as a
way of thinking about the world and is composed of the views and beliefs of a person.
Whenever a person encounters a problem or question in life, he or she often goes back to his or
her own framework in order to make sense of the problem. Questions dealing with our own
correctness and values are considered internal questions which can be addressed using our
own personal frameworks.
Also, there are external questions that seek to question the very frameworks upon which
people base their own beliefs and views. For instance, a child who is going through the bitter
experience of his or her parents' separation will be in a state of confusion as his or her
experience does not conform to his or her personal framework of what a family should be. In
this case, the child begins to question the very framework or concept family that he or she has
built based on previous experiences. By questioning his or her ideas and concepts, the child
has already touched on an important aspect of philosophy. The child seeks to clarify, examine,
and evaluate the basis of frameworks which he or she uses to deal with the world and give
meaning to his or her experiences.

LESSON 1: What is philosophy?

Philosophy can also be thought of as an examination of a particular area of knowledge. The
central principle in philosophy is examination and questioning, and this is often applied in the
analysis of the frameworks of other areas or sciences. Philosophy hand in hand with other
disciplines in examining their fundamental purposes and evaluating the changes they
experience. There is a philosophy of science, which seeks to understand the fundamental
principles that guide scientific thought. There is also a philosophy of religion, which examines
the basic tenets of any faith. There is philosophy of education, political philosophy, philosophy of
history - every aspect of knowledge can benefit from the inquiring nature of philosophy.
Philosophy itself is a distinct area of knowledge with its own goals, concerns, and ways of
doing things. It is often divided into several branches each of which deals with a particular
aspect of life or phenomena. The philosophy which deals with beauty and what makes things
"beautiful" is called Aesthetics. Logic is the branch of philosophy which deals with correct
reasoning, while Epistemology discusses the nature of knowledge and knowing. Ethics is the
branch which deals with moral questions and dilemmas, while 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. Although not a branch itself, Philosophy of the Human Person is an area in
philosophy that understands the human person from a philosophical perspective - integrating
and synthesizing the different branches of philosophy and other fields of study to know the truth
about the human person.
However complex and varied the perceptions, they suggest two important facts about
philosophizing: philosophy is a reflective and meditative activity, and it has no designated
subject matter of its own. It is also a method of mental exercise on any type of experience.
When confronting human experience, philosophers often employ tools that engage the mind in
analyzing problems and situations. For instance, in discussing complex philosophical issues,
philosophers often use thought experiments. Individuals also engage in this form of
philosophizing when they ponder possible consequences regarding their actions. When one
imagines certain alternatives and possible outcomes, one already engages in philosophy.
Additionally, philosophy does not limit itself to its own field. Philosophy makes sense of
information gathered from various fields of knowledge (e.g., science, psychology, economics,
politics, etc.) by integrating and synthesizing them to have a deeper and more complete
understanding of reality.

What is the difference between holistic thinking and partial thinking?

Holistic thinking refers to a perspective that considers large-scale patterns in systems. This is
often described as looking at the "big picture" when describing and analyzing a situation or
problem. A holistic perspective requires an individual to have an open mindset and an ability to
get the general sense or impression regarding a situation.
Partial thinking, on the other hand, 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. 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. For
instance, doctors often focus on a specific set of symptoms to determine the cause of a patient's
illness. Once a particular cause has been identified, the doctor then prescribes the appropriate
medicine and other treatments to address the illness. In the case of a person who experiences a
stomach ache, a doctor may prescribe the appropriate medicine that will address the physical
causes of the problem.

A holistic perspective, however, requires the doctor to look at the "big picture" and view the
patient's illness as an aspect of his or her lifestyle and personal circumstances. When using this
perspective, a doctor may be able to identify other underlying causes of the illness. The doctor
can interview the patient and get an idea of his or her situation. In the case of the patient with
stomach problems, the doctor's inquiry into his or her habits and lifestyle may lead to the
discovery that fatigue and stress may be factors that cause the illness. Knowing this, the doctor
can advise the patient to make changes in his or her habits to reduce stress and eventually
improve his or her well-being.
A holistic perspective can enable a person to step back and consider the general aspects of a
certain problem. In the case of an argument among friends, would it be beneficial to take one
side or act as a mediator and try to reconcile all sides? Should we simply condemn a person
who misbehaved in a video that has gone viral? Or should we reserve judgment until we get all
the facts regarding what made that person act in that manner? Adopting a holistic approach in
thinking encourages us not only to be more critical but also to be more considerate in dealing
with others.

A holistic view also gives rise to a more appreciative perspective about life, as we are able to
look at life in its totality. This means that we try to understand a situation from different vantage
points so we can see it more fully. Just as we savor food in its entirety and not pick out each
ingredient and taste it, we experience and appreciate life in its entirety and not just its specific
"flavors". All the positive and negative experiences in our life come together to give meaning to
our existence, and we learn to appreciate our individual experiences as vital aspects of a larger
and more meaningful life.

How does one engage in reflection?

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. One can reflect on almost any subject. For
instance, the moment you wake up you can already reflect upon the things you plan to do for
the day. This will enable you to set your daily goals and set you on the path of thinking of ways
to achieve them.
Seemingly simple or mundane actions take a whole new meaning when one engages in
reflection. When buying clothes, for example, think of the questions that you ask yourself as you
consider buying the t-shirt or blouse you are holding. You may start with the simple questions:
"Will this fit me?" "Do I look good in this color?" These are the usual questions any buyer would
ask himself or herself.
But since we are in a reflective and philosophizing mood, let us now try and think of "deeper
questions and reflect on the situation. You may find yourself asking the following questions: "Do
I even have to buy a new t-shirt today?" "Am I better off spending my money on other things?"
"Do I see myself wearing this shirt often, or am I just going to wear it once?" "What sort of
person wears this kind of shirt?" Notice the difference when you engage in reflection. The
simple task of buying a shirt becomes something much more. If you concentrate only on the
simple questions, you would just buy that shirt immediately. But reflection allows you an
opportunity to think more deeply about your action, your motivations for doing such an action,
and even its possible consequences. Buying a shirt becomes a much more meaningful activities
with the aid of reflection. Constant reflection on your possible purchases may even help you
make wiser choices and improve your spending habits in the future.
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. Reflection helps us understand ourselves and our actions better. When we
reflect, we can judge whether our actions or decisions are reasonable or not. Taking time to
analyze your decisions and actions is one vital skill that will greatly help you as you encounter
more challenges in life.
THINK

Engage in reflection on the following situations. List down the simple, serious, and deep
questions you would ask yourself in these situations

1. You go into a restaurant and the waiter hands you a menu. You are deciding
which dish to order.
2. You and your friends are deciding on a "fun" thing to do while at the mall.
3. You open your wallet and saw that you still have a hundred pesos left trom
your weekly allowance.
DISCUSS

Have you ever had an experience where reflecting on your actions benefited you?

Has reflection ever helped you avoid making a bad decision?

What are the practical uses of philosophy in our lives?

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.

Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis and interpretation

of concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems. It also trains us to be critical of our own
ideas as well as of others - meaning, we don't simply accept or reject whatever is presented to
us. One can apply this critical and analytical mindset in processing information gained from
media and addressing certain issues encountered in life. Critical thinking skills can help us avoid
being tricked by false claims or manipulative schemes.
Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision making. The ability to analyze a
problem or dilemma, identify its significant aspects, and come up with alternative solutions is an
important skill learned through philosophy.
A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly and adequately present his or
her ideas. Discussion and debate require skills in presenting and communicating ideas.
Philosophy can also help us be more open to new and different ideas. Communication skills are
also enhanced by the study of philosophy because it trains us to be very clear and precise
about our thoughts and sentiments in order to express exactly what we want to say.
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.
Finally, knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self-development. One can be a better
student, scientist, artist, professional, and citizen if he or she has the capacity for inquiry, critical
thinking, and reflection. In addition, philosophy encourages a person to know oneself, his or her
strengths and weaknesses, establish an identity, and determine his or her purpose in life. Self-
knowledge also grows along with one's understanding of the world and this is essential to the
realization of the self. These are tools to develop one's own ideas and views and engage fully in
useful activities in the community, nation, and the world at large.

DISCUSS

1. How can philosophy help you succeed as a student?

2. How can philosophy help you become a productive individual and citizen?

Review

• Philosophy is the study that uses human reason to investigate the ultimate causes, reasons,
and principles which govern all things.
• The need to philosophize is traced to a person's sense of wonder and doubt, the need to make
sense of challenging experiences, and the love for wisdom.
• The study of philosophy can be considered as a way of analyzing ideas and frameworks. It is
also considered as a way of examining a particular area of knowledge. Philosophy itself is a
discipline with its own goals, concerns, and ways of doing things. Philosophy also makes use of
information gathered from other fields of knowledge and not just its own conclusions. Finally,
philosophy can be considered a reflective and meditative activity.
• Reflection is an important aspect of philosophy. One can engage in reflection by examining
one's thoughts, feelings, and actions and learning from experience. Reflecting on situations,
activities, actions, and decisions enables a person to gain insights that will help in effective
decision-making.
• Holistic thinking is a perspective that considers larger patterns or the bigger picture when
looking at problems or situations. Adopting a holistic view enables a person to view a problem
more objectively and come up with better decisions or solutions. A holistic view also means that
one does not confine one's understanding of the world to one's own perspective, but also
includes the perspective of others. This view also enables a person to better appreciate his or
her experiences as vital components that give meaning to life.

A. Identify the following. Write your answers on a piece of paper.

1. It is the study or discipline that uses human reason to investigate the ultimate causes,
reasons, and principles
which govern all things.

2. The Greek term for philosophy, philosophia, means

3. The Greek philosopher Plato believes that philosophy is brought about by man's sense of

4. He believes that persons engage in philosophy in order to make sense of difficult life
experiences.

5. Rene Descartes considers this as a reason why people philosophize.

6. It refers to a way of thinking about the world and is made up of a person's views and beliefs.

7. These are questions that examine personal ideas regarding correctness and values.

8. It is an activity that requires a person to examine his or her thoughts, feelings, and actions
and learn from experience.

9. It is a perspective that considers the "bigger picture" when looking at problems and situations.

10. It is a perspective that focuses on specific aspects of a situation.

B. How can reflection help you solve the following problems? Form groups and conduct
a role-play on the following situations.

1. You heard that one of your friends was hurt in a fight with some students from a nearby
school. Your other friends approach you saying that they want you to go with them after class to
look for the students who hurt your friend.

2. Your family has already made plans to go on a vacation but two days before your trip, your
father had an accident and your planned vacation had to be cancelled. Your younger sister was
really looking forward to the trip and was upset with your father for ruining it.

3. You have been saving your extra allowance in order to buy a new pair of rubber shoes. Your
mother, however, is asking you to give your money to your sister so she can buy a new bag for
school.

4. One of your friends has uploaded embarrassing pictures of another friend on an online site. It
was supposed to be a joke, but your other friends are angry for doing it and are telling you not to
talk to her.

C. Discuss with your other family members a problem or issue important to your family.
Write down their views and use them as bases to come up with a solution based on a
holistic perspective. Use the graph as a guide in conducting the discussion.

PROBLEM OR ISSUE IMPORTANT TO MY FAMILY

My Mother's Views

My Father's Views

My Brother's/Sister's Views

My Own Views

Other important views or things to consider

SOLUTION
Reflect

Make a reflection journal where you will write your answers to the following questions:
1. Among the needs that drive man to philosophize, which is most relevant to you?
2. What philosophical questions do you wish to be answered as you study this course? List
down five.
3. Describe a situation in your life when you were able to engage in philosophy. What
circumstances or dilemma brought about your need to philosophize? How did philosophy help
you address your situation?
4. Reflect on your life so far. Can you say that you have lived a meaningful life, considering all
your experiences and achievements? What do you consider as the "highlights" of your life?
What things are you looking forward to in the future?

Apply

• Make a poster showing a holistic view of your life. Come up with a creative visualization that
will show your life in its totality and how your various experiences contributed to give meaning to
your life.
• Apply a holistic perspective in understanding a popular issue in society. Form groups of five
members. Each group will choose an issue currently being discussed in media. Have each
member research on the issue and present what they have learned in a group discussion. As a
group, come up with a common stand on the issue.