I.

Basic Understanding

1. In your own words, explain why philosophy is called the “love of wisdom.”

1. Love of wisdom — Philosophy comes from philos (love) and sophia (wisdom), meaning a passion for
seeking truth and understanding about life, reality, and human behavior.

Why: This definition captures the origin and purpose of philosophy.

2. How does the Socratic Method help people arrive at the truth? Give an example.

2. Socratic Method — It uses questions to challenge assumptions and uncover deeper truths. Example: A
teacher asking, “Why do you think honesty is important?” to push students to reason further.

Why: It leads to self-examination and clearer understanding.

3. Why is holistic thinking important when solving life problems?

3. Holistic thinking — It considers all factors and how they are connected, helping create solutions that
address the whole problem, not just a part of it.

Why: Avoids one-sided or incomplete decisions.

4. Explain the difference between fact, opinion, and truth with examples.

4. Fact vs. Opinion vs. Truth — A fact is proven (e.g., “Water boils at 100°C”), an opinion is a personal
belief (e.g., “Tea is better than coffee”), and truth is universal and constant (e.g., “2 + 2 = 4”).

Why: Understanding these avoids confusing beliefs with proven reality.

7. Why is transcendence possible even if we have many human limitations?

7. Transcendence despite limits — We can rise above challenges (like poverty or illness) through
willpower, creativity, and growth.

Why: Limits are starting points for growth.

8. How does reflection help us avoid making the same mistakes again?

8. Reflection prevents repeated mistakes — Looking back on experiences teaches what to avoid and how
to improve.

Why: Self-awareness improves decision-making.

9. Why is logic important in everyday decision-making?

9. Logic in daily life — It helps identify faulty reasoning and make rational, consistent choices.

Why: Logical thinking avoids errors caused by emotions alone.

10. How can knowing the branches of philosophy help us in real-life situations?

10. Branches in real life — Ethics guides moral actions, logic sharpens arguments, metaphysics deepens
understanding of reality, political philosophy helps in civic decisions.

Why: Philosophy applies to everyday life.

II. Philosophers and Concepts

11. Aristotle called humans “rational animals.” What does this mean, and do you agree? Explain.

11. Rational animals — Humans combine intellect with physical nature. Agreeing means you believe
rational thought defines humanity.

Why: It’s a defining philosophical concept about human nature.

16. How can the historical method of philosophizing help us make better decisions?

16. Historical method — Using past lessons to guide present decisions prevents repeating mistakes.

Why: History informs wise choices.

17. Explain how the scientific method can be used to answer philosophical questions.

17. Scientific method in philosophy — Testing ideas through observation and reasoning ensures claims
are evidence-based.

Why: Prevents baseless assumptions.

18. Why is pathocentrism considered a more compassionate ethical view?

18. Pathocentrism — Extends moral concern to all beings capable of suffering, promoting compassion.

Why: Expands ethics beyond humans.

19. How is ecocentrism different from anthropocentrism, and which do you think is better for the
environment?

19. Ecocentrism vs. Anthropocentrism — Ecocentrism values the whole ecosystem, anthropocentrism
values humans most. Ecocentrism better supports environmental balance.
Why: It recognizes interdependence in nature.

20. Why is ethics important in both personal and professional life?

20. Ethics in life — Promotes fairness, responsibility, and respect in personal and professional settings.

Why: Guides moral decision-making.

III. Situational / Application

21. You failed in a project but used the experience to improve yourself. How does this show
transcendence?

21. Transcendence — Turning failure into self-improvement means surpassing personal limits.

Why: Shows growth beyond setbacks.

22. You are about to buy a new gadget but start questioning your real reasons. What philosophical
process are you using and why?

22. Philosophical reflection — Questioning motives ensures decisions are thoughtful, not impulsive.

Why: Leads to more mindful choices.

23. You’re choosing between two conflicting ideas about climate change. How would you use the
dialectic method to decide?

23. Dialectic method — Compare opposing views, weigh evidence, and arrive at a reasoned conclusion.

Why: Balances perspectives before deciding.

25. A doctor treats a patient’s illness by also addressing stress and diet. How is this holistic thinking?

25. Holistic thinking in medicine — Addresses mind, body, and lifestyle, not just the illness.

Why: Tackles root causes, not symptoms alone.

26. You analyze a historical event to understand a current political issue. Which method is this, and why
is it useful?

26. Historical method — Learning from a past event to solve a present issue applies history to decision-
making.
Why: Past experience informs solutions.

27. You see a friend doing something wrong but instead of judging, you ask them questions to
understand their reason. Which method is this?

27. Socratic method — Asking questions to understand reasons instead of judging encourages open
discussion.

Why: Leads to deeper understanding.

28. A class debates whether social media helps or harms society. How does this reflect the dialectic
method?

28. Dialectic — Debating social media’s effects involves exchanging opposing arguments for insight.

Why: Promotes critical thinking.

30. You believe that plants, animals, and humans all deserve equal moral concern. What belief is this,
and why do you hold it?

30. Biocentrism — Belief in equal moral concern for all living things reflects respect for life.

Why: Encourages protection of all forms of life.

11. Why is partial thinking sometimes useful?

Answer: It focuses on specific aspects of a problem for analysis.

Explanation: Useful when details need close attention.

12. Why can holistic thinking lead to better decisions than partial thinking?

Answer: It considers the whole picture and all effects.

Explanation: Avoids solutions that create more problems.

13. How can ethics guide online behavior?

Answer: It promotes respect, honesty, and fairness on social media.

Explanation: Encourages responsible digital citizenship.

14. Why should we value environmental integrity?

Answer: It protects ecosystems so they can continue to support life.

Explanation: Sustainability depends on healthy ecosystems.

15. Give an example of prudence in decision-making.

Answer: Saving money for emergencies instead of spending it all.

Explanation: Prudence is wise self-control.

16. A teacher lets students discuss and argue different solutions to a problem before deciding. Which
method is this?

Answer: Dialectic method.

Explanation: It uses opposing ideas to reach a better conclusion.

17. A community switches from fossil fuels to solar energy. Which sustainability principle is applied?

Answer: Environmental integrity.

Explanation: It protects the environment while meeting needs.

19. You research the success of past businesses before starting your own. Which method is this?

Answer: Historical method.

Explanation: Uses lessons from the past to guide decisions.

20. A doctor treats a patient by giving medicine and advising exercise and meditation. Which approach is
this?

Answer: Holistic thinking in medicine.

Explanation: Considers physical, mental, and emotional health.

How can understanding environmental ethics affect your daily habits?

Answer: It can encourage you to reduce waste, save resources, and protect nature.

Explanation: Knowing the moral value of nature inspires sustainable actions.

1. You are invited to join a project that pays well but involves harming the environment. What
philosophical concept can guide your decision?

Answer: Environmental ethics.

Explanation: It considers the moral responsibility to protect nature over personal gain.

2. You fail an exam but use the feedback to study harder for the next test. Which concept is this?

Answer: Transcendence.
Explanation: Overcoming limits and using challenges as stepping stones for growth.

3. Your barangay is deciding how to divide relief goods fairly. Which sustainability principle should they
apply?

Answer: Equity.

Explanation: Ensures resources are distributed fairly to all members.

4. You are choosing between buying a new phone or saving money for school expenses. What skill
should you apply?

Answer: Prudence.

Explanation: Thinking ahead and making wise, future-oriented decisions.

5. You debate with a classmate about whether uniforms should be required in school, and both sides
present reasons before deciding. Which method is this?

Answer: Dialectic method.

Explanation: Involves discussing opposing arguments to reach a reasoned conclusion.