Introduction to
Philosophy of the
Human Person
Quarter 1 – Module 2:
Branches of Philosophy
GRADE 12
SY 2025-2026
MR.ELIZER S. FILLOMENA
(TEACHER)
WEEK 2 TOPIC
Branches of Philosophy
CONTENT STANDARD
The learner understands the meaning and process of doing philosophy.
LEARNING COMPETENCY
PPT11/12-Ia-1.1
Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view.
The presented activities or exercises and texts are developed in order to meet the
following objectives:
1. Identify the different branches of Philosophy.
2. Compare and contrast among the branches of Philosophy.
3. Apply each branch in real life setting.
PRE-TEST
Read the following items carefully. Write the letter of
your answer in your answer sheet.
1. The establishment of criteria of beauty is the function of aesthetics. Which of the
following statements shows the importance of aesthetics to us?
A. It helps us understand better the nature and origin of knowledge.
B. It brings us in touch with our culture and the arts.
C. It serves as a tool in unraveling the unknown.
D. It enables us to make plausible arguments.
2. Etymologically, it means a treatise on matters pertaining to the human thought. As
a branch of Philosophy logic does not provide us with knowledge directly. What then is
the role of logic in Philosophy?
A. Logic enhances appreciation of arguments.
B. Logic is used in some disciplines like mathematics.
C. Logic offers opportunities discovering new knowledge.
D. Logic serves as tool concerning the validity of our arguments.
3. A fundamental and necessary drive in every human being is knowing what is real.
Which among the branches of Philosophy accounts for the unreal in terms of what
we accept as real?
A. Logic B. Aesthetics C. Metaphysics D. Ethics
4. Ethics is the branch of Philosophy that explores the nature of moral virtue and
evaluates human actions. Which of the following statements exemplifies the value of
ethics in Philosophy?
A. Women are not inferior to men and that both must complement each other.
B. All matters are composed of atoms.
C. Ideas are forms of thought representing the real objects.
D. No man is an island
5. A branch of Philosophy focuses itself with the non-observables. Another
branch deals with what is right or wrong. What does epistemology deal with?
A. Epistemology deals with the other branches of Philosophy
B. Epistemology concerns itself with how to make arguments more valid
and essential.
C. Epistemology deals with the nature, sources, limitations and validity
of knowledge.
D. Epistemology focuses on discovering new knowledge unknown to men.
6. Logic is not interested with what we know. Rather, it concerns itself on the truth
and validity of our arguments. Who was the philosopher who devised the first
method of logic?
A. Socrates B. Plato C. Zeno D. Aristotle
7. Metaphysical discourses are characterized by examination of
unobservable entities. Which of the following statements exhibits such
character?
A. Beautiful designs like arts enhances the way we think.
B. If all backboned animals are called vertebrates, then a dog is a vertebrate.
C. All objects contain water.
D. Exercise of freedom should always be accompanied with responsibility.
8. Some philosophers believe that general ideas are formed from the
examination of particular facts. What method is employed in this kind of
generating idea?
A. Deduction B. Induction C. Epistemological D. Logical
9. We can see things made of matter but we cannot see the underlying matter itself.
What branch of Philosophy sees things like this?
A. Metaphysics B. Aesthetics C. Logic D. Epistemology
10.How do we tell good from evil or right from wrong? This basic question is a concern
of what branch of Philosophy?
A. Epistemology B. Logic C. Ethics D. Metaphysics
LET’S SEE WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW
1. What do you recall about the meaning of Philosophy?
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2. Can cite some characteristics of Philosophy?
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3. What perspectives or approaches in Philosophy you already know? List them down.
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4. How are these perspectives or approaches in Philosophy important in our day-to-day
life? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LET’S LEARN
In the previous module, the definition of Philosophy and its salient features were discussed.
In this module, the branches of Philosophy will be tackled.
Knowing only the meaning of Philosophy and some of its characteristics are not enough if we
are in search for true wisdom. For a narrow and partial mind is wholly incompatible with the real
philosophical attitude that manifests holistic point of view. The discussion below on branches of
Philosophy is intended to broaden one’s perspectives and skills in doing philosophical discourses.
There are 5 branches of Philosophy: Metaphysics, Ethics, Epistemology, Logic and
Aesthetics. Metaphysical philosophy accounts on investigating the unreal entities in terms of the
real world that we experience through our senses. The well-known Philosopher, Plato, enlightened
the field of metaphysics by contrasting reality and appearance. He stated that our experience with
the real world is not real. Reality according to him is how we perceive the world. Therefore, what is
real is just products of our perception through the mind. For example, we see a yellow chair
because we perceive it as yellow chair. But others may perceive (aware/concious) a different color
when light affecting the appearance of the chair is obstructed.
Ethics as another branch of Philosophy deals with the evaluation of human actions and the
nature of moral virtue. As such, ethical philosophy accounts for the nature of our moral
judgements and it also attempts to investigate our fundamental ethical ideas. From these
contentions arise the idea of right versus wrong and evil versus good. Discourses like feminism
(equal opportunities among genders) and law-making become areas where ethical philosophy is
employed. Socrates pointed out that knowledge is not merely theoretical nor speculative but also
practical. It means that knowledge on rules of right living is not sufficient when it is not actually
being practiced. One historical example that exemplifies ethical philosophy is that issue laid down
by William Du Bois. He argued that there must be equal rights between black and white
Americans.
Epistemology as philosophical perspective/focus concerns itself with the nature, sources,
limitations and validity of knowledge. Some of the basic questions raised by Epistemology are:
how do we know what we know, how do we know what we want to know and do we distinguish
true from what is not true. Knowledge, according to this perspective, can be acquired through
induction (empiricism) and deduction. Induction is a process of knowledge-forming by
investigating particulars (also known as empirical evidences) in order to arrive at general idea.
Conversely, deductive process employs generally accepted ideas in order to arrive at specific
ideas. Advocates of deductive method are called rationalists. Rene Descartes is well-known
rationalist.
Another method used under Epistemology is pragmatism. William James and John Dewey
are famous pragmatists. They believe that value in use is the real test of truth and meaning.
Logic is another branch of Philosophy. Unlike any other philosophical perspectives, logic does
not concern itself in what we know regarding certain subjects. Thus, logic does not provide us
knowledge of the world directly. It only serves as tool to guide one’s arguments or discourses so as
to keep them valid and true. Aristotle was the first philosopher who employed logical method. He
claimed that truth exists when there is agreement between knowledge and reality. This can only
take place when mental ideas correspond to the objective world. This is where logical reasoning
comes in.
Reasoning is very important in our everyday lives. Decision making can make or unmake
us. Thus the quality of our logical capacity affects our well-being. A person equipped with logic
can reason far better than those who are not.
Finally, Aesthetics as philosophical perspective concerns itself with the notion of
beauty. Whenever we created a devise or equipment we consequently aim to improve (or
beautify) it after some time. It only goes to show that aesthetics accounts for the criteria of
beauty.
Aesthetics can be used to explain matters regarding culture and arts. It is in these fields
where beauty can best be explained with the use of aesthetical philosophy. Embedded in our
culture is our capacity to distinguish beautiful from what is not. Arts as part of our cultural milieu
manifests our ideas regarding beauty.
What benefits can students get from aesthetical knowledge? As students, the importance
of aesthetics are: it vitalizes our knowledge making the world more useful and alive, it helps us
live more deeply and richly for appreciation of work of arts arises, and it keeps us in touch with
our culture.
LET’S TRY THIS AND SELF-CHECK
Below are situational cases where each needs particular philosophical perspective in order to
understand the issues inherent within each of them. Read each case and think of a particular
branch of Philosophy that can appropriately address the issue at hand.
Case 1
The resources that supply our daily needs come from the environment.
The amount of resources that we demand affects environmental condition.
Increasing our demand raises the pressure on environment.
Conversely, the condition of environment influences the quality of
life that we have. An environment in good condition sustains life. While
deg-raded environment brings forth social problems.
What kind of treatment should we accord to the environment
that supplies our needs then?
Case 2
For some reasons, there has been an increasing incidence of teenage
pregnancies. Despite efforts exerted by stockholders of school community
Case 3
Most of us are Face Book users. As such, we cannot deny the
fact that some posts or comments seen on it lack validity or relia-bility.
Sometimes, we are fooled to comply to some posts. Sometimes, we
are unaware that we believe on some opinions making such ideas
become part of our consciousness. The danger of which it reflects the
kind of personality that we have.
What can you say about this?
LET’S STUDY AND ANALYZE THESE
1. What philosophical perspective or branch of Philosophy can best explain case 1? Write
your arguments on your answer sheet.
The branch of Philosophy that can best explain case 1 is -------------------------------------------
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2. What philosophical perspective or branch of Philosophy can best explain case 2? Write
your arguments on your answer sheet.
The branch of Philosophy that can best explain case 2 is -----------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. What philosophical perspective or branch of Philosophy can best explain case 3? Write
your arguments on your answer sheet.
The branch of Philosophy that can best explain case 3 is -----------------------------------------------
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LET’S LEARN
Holistic perspective enables us to understand better the world that we live in. Thus, having
equipped with the different philosophical perspectives discussed above contributes to one’s well-
being.
Employing a particular perspective, though, requires the element of Natural Light of Reason as
explained in the previous module. Having the knowledge on branches of Philosophy gives us some
edge compared to those who didn’t have the opportunity to learn them no matter how difficult
choosing which perspective to use on a particular situation or subject matter.
LET’S SEE WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED
Philosophical perspectives can be used to analyze some issues happening in the fields of
Economics, Religion, Mass Media, Government/Politics, Social Relations, Work Place and many
others. It is only up to us which among these philosophical perspective is appropriate to use. Can
you list down current issues happening in our country which can be explained using any of the
philosophical perspective?
Write your answers in your answer sheet.
1. Metaphysics
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2. Ethics
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3. Epistemology
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4. Logic
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5. Aesthetics
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POST TEST
Read the following items carefully. Write the letter of your
answer.
1. We cannot see the underlying matter itself but we can see the things made
of that matter. What branch of Philosophy sees things like this?
A. Metaphysics B. Aesthetics C. Logic D. Epistemology
2. As a branch of Philosophy logic does not provide us with knowledge directly.
Etymologically, it means a treatise on matters pertaining to the human thought.
As a branch of Philosophy logic does not provide us with knowledge directly.
What then is the role of logic in Philosophy?
A. Logic enhances appreciation of arguments.
B. Logic is used in some disciplines like mathematics.
C. Logic offers opportunities discovering new knowledge.
D. Logic serves as tool concerning the validity of our arguments.
3. A fundamental and necessary drive in every human being is knowing what is
real. Which among the branches of Philosophy accounts for the unreal in
terms of what we accept as real?
A. Logic B. Aesthetics C. Metaphysics D. Ethics
4. A branch of Philosophy deals with what is right or wrong. Another branch focuses
itself with the non-observables. What does epistemology deal with?
A. Epistemology deals with the other branches of Philosophy
B. Epistemology concerns itself with how to make arguments more
valid and essential.
C. Epistemology deals with the nature, sources, limitations and
validity of knowledge.
D. Epistemology focuses on discovering new knowledge unknown to men.
5. Examination of unobservable entities is the focus of metaphysical
discourses. Which of the following statements exhibits such character?
A. Beautiful designs like arts enhances the way we think.
B. If all backboned animals are called vertebrates, then a dog is a vertebrate.
C. All objects contain water.
D. Exercise of freedom should always be accompanied with responsibility.
6. It is not what we know that logic is interested in. Rather, it concerns itself on the
truth and validity of our arguments. Who was the philosopher who devised the first
logical method?
A. Socrates B. Plato C. Zeno D. Aristotle
7. The establishment of criteria of beauty is the function of aesthetics.
Which of the following statements shows the importance of aesthetics to
us?
A. It helps us understand better the nature and origin of knowledge.
B. It brings us in touch with our culture and the arts.
C. It serves as a tool in unraveling the unknown.
D. It enables us to make plausible arguments.
8. Some philosophers believe that general ideas are formed from the
examination of particular facts. What method is employed in this kind of
generating idea?
A. Deduction B. Induction C. Epistemological D. Logical
9. How do we understand the difference between good and evil or right from
wrong? This basic question is a concern of what branch of Philosophy?
A. Epistemology B. Logic C. Ethics D. Metaphysics
10. Ethics investigates the nature of moral virtue and evaluates human
actions in order to arrive at knowledge. Which of the following statements
exemplifies the value of ethics in Philosophy?
A. Women are not inferior to men and that both must complement each
other.
B. All matters are composed of atoms.
C. Ideas are forms of thought representing the real objects.
D. No man is an island
LET’S REMEMBER
Below is a comparative presentation of the branches of philosophy especially made for you in
order for easier recall.
Branch of Philosophy Perspectives / Proponents / Sample Statements
Focus Philosophers
A. Metaphysics > accounts for the > Plato > All terrestrial objects
unreal thing in terms of are made up of matter.
what accepted as real
> discourses focus on
the unobservable > Objects like chair
entities like mind and only becomes real
matter when we think of it as
it is.
B. Ethics > explores the nature > Socrates > Equal opportunities
of moral value and for all regardless of
evaluates human > Edward Burghardt gender.
actions Du Bois
> Law making must
> knowledge is not include ethical
only theoretical nor considerations
speculative but also
practical
C. Epistemology > deals with the > Rene Descartes > deductive method: If
nature, sources, all objects contain
limitations and validity > John Locke water, then human
of knowledge > William James beings have water.
> puts forward > John Dewey > inductive: Any object
induction (empiricism) around us is
and deduction as composed of an
methods of acquiring element or
knowledge combination of
elements. Therefore,
elements are the main
composition of
anything.
D. Logic > serves as tool in > Aristotle
making valid
arguments >Zeno of Citium
> does not directly >Cicero
contribute to
knowledge but focuses
more on the method
how knowledge is
created
E. Aesthetics > deals with the > Schopenhauer > A work of art is like a
establishment of great man. Stand
criteria of beauty > Hans-Georg before it. Wait patiently
Gadamer and it will speak.
>gives importance to
culture and arts for
they manifest social
behavior
THOBURN MEMORIAL ACADEMY
Martires St., Centro 1, Sanchez Mira, Cagayan
Introduction to Philosophy of the Human Person (Grade 11)
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
Name of Learner: ___________________________ Date:____________________
Quarter 3. Week 2/Module 2 . Branches of Philosophy
Learning Competencies:
Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view.(PPT 11/12-1a-1.1)
Directions/Instruction:
This is a one (1) week lesson. Read and understand the topics, do the activities found
in
the module.
Exercises/ Activities: Use separate sheet of paper for your answers.
A. Answer the pre-test (1-10) (Written Works)
B. Answer the Let’s See What You Already Know (Performance Task)
C. Answer the Let’s Study and Analyze These (Performance Task)
D. Answer the Let’s See What You Have Learned (Performance Task)
E. Answer the post-test (1-10) (Written Works)
Reference/s:
Introduction of Philosophy to the Human Person – Grade
11/12
Quarter 3 – Module 2: Branches of Philosophy
Prepared by:
ELIZER S. FILLOMENA
(Subject Teacher)
09361391969
