DURATION: 1 WEEK
UNIT 1
MODULE
1
Introduction to Philosophy
The Meaning and Method of Doing
L E S S O N 1: Philosophy
LEARNING COMPETENCIES:
Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view
Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life
Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic perspective
INTRODUCTION
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 and become truthful,
environment-friendly and service-oriented. Actively committed to the development of a more humane
society and articulate their own philosophy of life.
Before heading on to our lesson, let us first check what you already know.
PRE-ASSESSMENT:
Instruction: Explain the given question.
1. What words come to mind when you hear the word Philosophy? Why do we need to
study Philosophy?
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Pre-discussion:
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 it to the study or discipline that
uses human reason to investigate the ultimate causes, reasons, and principles which govern all things.
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values,
reason, mind, and language.
Philosophy in simple words is a way of thinking about the world, the universe, and society. It works
by asking very basic questions about the nature of human thought, the nature of the universe, and the
connections between them. The ideas in philosophy are often general and abstract.
Philosophy is the study of humans and the world by thinking and asking questions. It is a science and
an art. Philosophy tries to answer important questions by coming up with answers about real things and
asking "why?"
Pre-Activity:
Do you know of some Greek Philosophers?
Philosophers- are people who engage in philosophy.
Direction: Identify the following person in the picture below. Write your answer on the
space provided below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
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The most notable ancient Greek philosophers 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 is based on a higher
order or plan which he called logos.
Democritus (460 BCE to 370 BCE)- He devoted himself to the study of the causes of natural
phenomena.
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.
Socrates (470 BCE to 399 BCE)- He was considered the foremost philosophers of ancient times.
He was credited with formulating the Socratic method- means of
examining a topic by devising a series of questions that let the learner examine and
5
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
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 the Academy, an institution of higher learning.
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 give rise to deductive reasoning-the
process by which specific statements are analysed to reach a conclusion or
generalization.
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The Difference Between
L E S S O N 1.1:
Holistic Perspective from a Partial
Point of View
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 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.
ACTIVITY 1
Direction: Give a brief answer to the following question. Write your answer on the space provided 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
DISCUSSION:
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.
Holistic medicine is a prominent example of holistic thinking. A medical professional who
believes in holistic care considers the relationship between the mind, body and spirit. For example,
holistic doctors don't just provide patients 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.
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 an individual's beliefs or experiences. 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. A holistic view gives rise to a more appreciative perspective
about life, as we are able to look at life in its totality.
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The Value of Doing Philosophy
L E S S O N 1.2: in Obtaining a
Broad Perspective on Life
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 adequately present his or her ideas.
Doing philosophy can be applied in day-to-day activities and life perspectives. Because it
involves an evaluative 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
relationships
In doing philosophy, a holistic perspective on the subject is always required. Failure to do so or
only using a partial point of view may lead to illogical or incorrect conclusions.
Activity 2
Direction: Give a brief answer to the following question. Write your answer in space provided below.
1. How can a person benefit from philosophizing?
2. What are the reasons that compel a person to engage in philosophical thinking?
DISCUSSION
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 Descartes traced the need to
philosophize to doubt. 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.
Swiss-German philosopher Karl Jaspers 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 for 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
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things.
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ACTIVITY 3
Direction: Based on the picture below. Identify the branches of Philosophy. Write your answer
on the space provided.
PHILOSOPHY
The following are the branches of philosophy that deals with a particular aspect of life
or phenomena.
Aesthetics is the branch of Philosophy which deals with beauty and what makes things “beautiful”.
Logic is branch of philosophy which deals with correct reasoning.
Epistemology discusses the nature of knowledge and knowing.
Ethics is the branch which deals with moral questions and dilemmas.
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.
Philosophy of the Human Person-is an area in philosophy that understand the human person from a
philosophical perspective.
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Doing a Philosophical Reflection on
L E S S O N 1.3: a Situation from Holistic
Perspective
Reflection requires a person to be willing to examine one’s thoughts, feelings,
and action and to learn more about one’s life and experiences.
Human self-reflection is the capacity of humans to exercise introspection and to
attempt to learn more about their fundamental nature and 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 situations.
ACTIVITY 4
Direction: Give a brief answer to the following questions. Write your answer on the space provided below.
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?
DISCUSSION
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 concepts,
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 skill learned through philosophy.
In the process of doing philosophy, it is critical to have a holistic point of view-the perception of looking
at all aspects of a situation first before making a conclusion.
Wisdom as it refers to a person’s ability to apply knowledge to daily life particularly in making
sound choices and judgment is the intended product of philosophizing.
Finally, knowledge of Examples of activities that emanated
Philosophy can from a deliberate reflection
contribute to self- Learning from your previous mistakes and not repeating them again
development. Evaluating and knowing the best choice from a set of options
Gaining a holistic point of view first before making any conclusion
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ACTIVITY 5
Direction: Complete the table below. Write your answer on the space provided.
ACTIONS WHAT MUST BE DONE BEFORE THE
ACTION?
1. Buying a new gadget
2. Choosing friends
3. Eating food
4. Deciding where to study in College
5. Joining an organization in school
6. Helping a stranger
7. Going out with friends
8. Posting your opinion or feelings in the
social media
9. Going out with the opposite sex
10. Confronting a person who verbally hurt
you
Based on your answers in Table 1, what must before making actions? Do you consider it helpful
if you do this before making actions? Why or why not?
Simple action seems to take a whole new meaning when one engages in reflection. Like buying
a new gadget, think of the questions you asked yourself as you consider buying the said item.
You may start with simple questions, but since we are in reflective and philosophizing mood, we
try and think of deeper questions and reflect on the situation
Direction: TRUE OR FALSE. Write TRUE if the statement is correct otherwise choose FALSE.
Write your answer on the space provided.
1. Plato traced man’s need to philosophize to his sense of wonder.
2. The need to philosophize is driven by the love for wisdom.
3. This is an area in philosophy that understand the human person from a
philosophical perspective is holistic thinking.
4. Swiss-German philosopher Karl Jaspers saw the need to philosophize because of
doubt.
5. Aesthetics is branch of philosophy which deals with beauty.
6. Ethics is a branch of philosophy which deals with correct reasoning.
7. Logic is a branch of philosophy which discusses the nature of knowledge and knowing.
8. Philosophy of the Human Person is a branch of philosophy which deals with moral
questions and dilemmas.
9. Metaphysics is branch of philosophy which deals with questions regarding reality and
existence.
10.Political Philosophy is branch of philosophy which studies governments and deals
with questions of justice, power and the rights and obligations of citizens.
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PRE-ASSESSMENT:
Direction: Fill in the blanks. Write your answer on the space provided.
Experience Knowledge Greek
Holistic Thinking Partial Thinking Lover of Wisdom
Philosophy – comes from two word philos (love) and sophias (wisdom)
is the study of general and fundamental questions about existence, knowledge,
values, reason, mind, and language.
Philosophers – or people who are engage in philosophy.
A man needs to philosophize because of his sense of wonder, doubt and
_.
Philosophy does not limit itself to its own field as it makes sense of information gathered from
various fields of (e.g., science, psychology, economics,
politics, etc.,)
Philosophy of the Human Person is an area in philosophy that understand the human person
from a philosophical perspective which involves holistic thinking and
.
Philosophical reflection is important in our daily lives as it ensures that our actions and decisions
are well thought by using a deeper, holistic perspective.
In doing philosophy, critical, logical, and analytical thinking, observation, and communicative skills
were involved.
Direction: encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. The word Philos is a Greek word means .
a. Love b. Wisdom c. Philosopher d. Philosophy
2. Sophia is a Greek word for .
a. Love b. Wisdom c. Philosopher d. Philosophy
3. The people who engages in philosophy are called .
a. Love b. wisdom c. Philosophy d. Philosopher
4. He was considered the foremost philosophers of ancient times. He was credited with
formulating the Socratic method .
a. Plato b. Aristotle c. Socrates d. Democritus
5. A student of Socrates, he wrote down his mentor’s teaching and incorporated some of his
own ideas into them included his Theory of Forms .
a. Plato b. Aristotle c. Socrates d. Democritus
6. It refers to a perspective that considers large-scale patterns in systems .
a. Doubt b. Academy c. Holistic Thinking d. Partial Thinking
7. It focuses on specific aspects of a situation, as an individual focuses on certain areas or
aspects of a problem in order to understand it.
a. Doubt b. Academy c. Holistic Thinking d. Partial Thinking
8. It is the process by which specific statements are analysed to reach a conclusion or
generalization.
a. Academy b. Deductive reasoning c. Holistic d. Partial
9. It requires a person to be willing to examine one’s thoughts, feelings, and action and to
learn more about one’s life and experiences.
a. Reflection b. Observation c. Knowledge d. Doubts
10. The Greek term for philosophy, philosophia, means .
a. Holistic Thinking d. Partial Thinking c. Love of wisdom d. Knowledge
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REFERENCES
Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min. (2016). Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person.
Philosophy meaning. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy)
Holistic thinking. https://www.reference.com/world-view/holistic-thinking-71825abaad1c20ca
Partial point of view. https://study.com/academy/answer/what-is-partial-point-of-view.html Self-
reflection. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-reflection
The difference between holistic and partial thinking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=4yTVInz1eOg https://www.slideshare.net/arielgilbuena7/intro-to-the-philosophy-of-the-
human-person- chapter-1-the-process-of-doing-philosophy
https://www.reference.com/world-view/holistic-thinking-71825abaad1c20ca
https://study.com/academy/answer/what-is-partial-point-of-view.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBTnhWEWf38 https://www.google.com/search?
q=what+is+philosophy&oq=what+is+philo&aqs=chrome.1.6
9i57j0l7.8372j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy
https://study.com/academy/lesson/big-picture-vs-detail-oriented-thinking.html
https://thefearlesshustle.com/5-ways-to-stay-positive-through-life/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristotle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socrates
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicurus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/prek-12-subject-area/test-preparation/Type- of-
Resource/Rubrics
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