Senior

High School

Introduction to the
Philosophy of the Human Person
Module 1:
Doing Philosophy

AIRs - LM
LU_ Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person _Module1
INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
Module 1: Doing Philosophy
Second Edition, 2021

Copyright © 2021
La Union Schools Division
Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form without
written permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Author: Reina C. Boac

Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team
Content Reviewer: Reina C. Boac
Language Reviewer: Concepcion Dulay
Illustrator: Ernesto F. Ramos Jr.
Design and Layout: Ronnel M. Barrientos

Management Team:

Atty. Donato D. Balderas, Jr.

Schools Division Superintendent
Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan, PhD
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
German E. Flora, PhD, CID Chief
Virgilio C. Boado, PhD, EPS in Charge of LRMS
Lorna O. Gaspar, EPS in Charge of Intro. to Philosophy
Michael Jason D. Morales, PDO II
Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II

Printed in the Philippines by:

Department of Education – SDO La Union

Office Address: Flores St. Catbangen, San Fernando City, La
Union Telefax: 072 – 205 – 0046
Email Address: [email protected]
Senior High School

Introduction to the
Philosophy of the Human Person
Module 1:
Doing Philosophy
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear
learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities,
questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you
to understand each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you
step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in

each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this
module or if you need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for
better understanding of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to
answer the post-test to self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided
for each activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are
also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on
how they can best help you on your home-based learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on
any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the
exercises and tests. And read the instructions carefully before performing
each task.

If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in

answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher
or facilitator.

Thank you.
Target

This learning material you will be able to reflect on your daily

experiences from a partial point of view to holistic point of view and acquires
critical and analytical thinking skills so that you can apply this critical and
analytical thinking to the affairs of your daily life and should be able to
demonstrate a capacity for a critical and analytical reflection from the
perspective of a holistic and profound vision of life.

The learning material is divided into three lessons, namely:

Lesson 1: Nature of Philosophy

Lesson 2: Value of Philosophy
Lesson 3: Philosophical Reflection as a Way of Doing Philosophy

After going through this learning material, you are expected to:

1. Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view (Ia1.1)

2. Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad
perspective on (Ib-1.2)
3. Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic
perspective (Ib-1.3)

Subtask:

a. Define Philosophy
b. Identify the different branches of Philosophy
c. Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view
d. Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad
perspective in life
e. Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic
perspective.

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Jumpstart

Activity 1: Sensitivity Check

Direction: Look at the pictures below and answer the question. Write your
answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Is the world you see real or is it a perception of what your brain is allowing you to
perceive?

1. 2.

https://www.123rf.com/photo_110289677_ https://knowyourmeme.com/photos/969142-
stock-vector- business-men-and-women-are- optical-illusion
confused-with-numbers-9-and-6-.html

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Lesson
Nature of Philosophy
1

Discover

In a few years, you will gain new experiences in life that you may have
dreamed of. Such experiences may excite or challenge you, while some can make
you rethink your life and decisions. At your age, you may have already asked
yourself important questions about your life that cannot be directly answered
through research or education, such as “What I want” or what make me happy”. If
you asked those big questions you engage in Philosophy The original meaning of
philosophy based on its etymologically love of wisdom. The term “philosophy is an
English translation of the Greek word “Philosophia” which is the combination of the
two Greek words namely, “Philo” which means love, and “Sophia” which means
wisdom. Where Love is the strong desire of a particular object and wisdom is the
correct application of knowledge. A philosopher consequently is lover of wisdom or
one who loves wisdom. The term philosopher is used by Pythagoras, the Ancient
Greek thinker popularly known for Great Job! Later as you continue reading this
learning materials we will see if your answers are correct. 3 mathematical formula
the Pythagorean Theorem. Pythagoras preferred to be called a philosopher rather
than sophist which literally means wise man or one who knows.

Common meaning of Philosophy

a. Science Because the investigation is systematic,

and it follows certain steps, or it
employs certain procedures.
is a science that studies beings in their
ultimate caused, reasons, through the
aid reason alone. Beings, in philosophy
means that all things that exists
material or immaterial. Example of
material stones, tress, cars, plants and
immaterial is the notion of soul spirit
and God.
b. Natural Light of Reason Philosopher uses his natural capacity to
think or simply human reason alone or
so-called unaided reason.
c. Study of all things The reason is that philosophy is not one
dimensional or partial. In short, a

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philosopher does not limit himself to a
particular object of inquiry. He
questions almost anything, if not
everything. It is multidimensional or
holistic.
d. Philosophy as a First Cause or a. Principle of Identity- whatever is is;
highest Principle. and whatever is not is not; everything
is what it is. Everything is its own
being, and not being is not being. It
means that each thing is identical
with itself. Ex: "a = a" or "For all x: x
= x",
b. Principle of Non-Contradiction- it is
impossible for a thing to be and not
be at the same time, and at the same
respect. The law of noncontradiction
is a rule of logic. It states that if
something is true, then the opposite
of it is false. For example, if an
animal is a cat, the same animal
cannot be a cat.
c. Principle of Excluded Middle- a thing
is either is or is not; everything must
be either be or nor be; between being
and not being, there is no middle
ground possible. Example “The world
is flat” you should answer True or
False. If you believe the world is flat,
then you should answer True if not
you should answer False. Principle of
Sufficient Reason nothing exists
without a sufficient reason for its
being and existence

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Most Notable Philosopher

Socrates, ancient Greek philosopher

whose way of life, character, and
thought exerted a profound influence
Socrates on Western philosophy. Socrates was
a widely recognized and controversial
figure in his native Athens, so much
so that he was frequently mocked in
the plays of comic dramatists.
Plato, ancient Greek philosopher,
student of Socrates (c. 470–399 bce),
Plato teacher of Aristotle (384–322 bce), and
founder of the Academy, best known
as the author of philosophical works
of unparalleled influence.

Aristotle, ancient Greek philosopher,

and scientist, one of the greatest
intellectual figures of Western
Aristotle history. He was the author of a
philosophical and scientific system
that became the framework and
vehicle for both Christian
Scholasticism and medieval
Islamic philosophy.
Thomas Hobbes, English philosopher,
scientist, and historian, best known
Thomas Hobbes for his political philosophy, especially
as articulated in his masterpiece
Leviathan (1651). Hobbes viewed
government primarily as a device for
ensuring collective security.
St. Thomas Aquinas, canonized July
18, 1323; feast day January 28,
formerly March 7), Italian Dominican
St. Thomas theologian, the foremost medieval
Aquinas Scholastic. He developed his own
conclusions from Aristotelian
premises, notably in the metaphysics
of personality, creation, and
Providence.

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Branches of Topic of
Philosophy Philosophical Some main Concerns
Investigation
1. Metaphysics Reality, -Came from the Greek words
existence meta and physika, where meta is
beyond off after and physika
means physical and nature.
-whether reality consist of
physical objects only, of
nonphysical objects, or of both
physical and non-physical
2. Logic Reasoning -comes from the Greek word “
logike” – means a treatise on
matters pertaining to human
thought.
The distinction between correct
and incorrect forms of reasoning
3. Epistemology Knowledge -Came from the Greek word
“Episteme” and “Logos” meaning
knowledge and study.
-The kinds, sources, and
conditions of knowledge.
-It explains the following:
 How we know what we
claim to know?
 How can we find out what
we wish to know?
 How can we differentiate
truth from falsehood?
4. Ethics Morality -Came from the Greek Ethos
means custom or habit. It is the
morality of human actions.
-The appropriate moral
principles, meaning of moral
judgements.
5. Aesthetics Beauty -Criteria for judgements about
beauty
-Importance of Aesthetics of
which learners need to consider:
 It vitalizes knowledge
makes our knowledge of
the world alive and useful.
 It helps us to live more
deeply and richly
 It brings us in touch with
our culture

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Explore

Activity 1: Concept Mapping

Directions: Put the following concepts in their proper places. Choose your answer
on the box.

It follows certain procedures. Multidimensional or holistic

Principle of sufficient reason Unaided reason

Principle of identity Love of wisdom

Principle of excluded Middle Principle of Non-Contradiction

Etymologically Study of all

things

Philosophy

Science Natural light

of reason
Highest
principle

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Activity 2: Identification
Directions: Read the statement below and identify what is ask. Put your answer on
the space provided.

1. He was the author of a philosophical and scientific system that became the
framework and vehicle for both Christian Scholasticism and medieval
Islamic philosophy.
2. He viewed government primarily as a device for ensuring collective security.
3. It comes from the Greek word “logike” – means a treatise on matters
pertaining to human thought.
4. It is Philosophical Investigation of Aesthetic.
5. It refers to your strong desire onto a particular object.

Deepen

Activity 3: Showing your Creativity

Directions: Answer the questions substantially. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.
1. What are your views about what is “right: or “wrong” based on your own
experiences?
2. If you choose between the two, would you rather be kind or right. Why?

Rubrics:
Category 5 4 3 2 1

Content & Content is Content is Content is Content is Content is

Organization closely nearly somewhat slightly not related
related to related to related to related to to the topic
the topic the topic the topic the topic and is
and is very and is well and is and is hard unorganized.
well organized. slightly to
organized. organized. understand

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Lesson Doing Philosophy in Obtaining
2 Broad Perspective in Life

Discover

Socrates believed that philosophy should achieve practical results for the
greater well-being of society. He attempted to establish an ethical system based on
human reason rather than theological doctrine. Socrates pointed out that human
choice was motivated by the desire for happiness. Russell holds that the primary
value of philosophy is not in any kind of definite answer but exists in the questions
themselves. He concludes that, "through the greatness of the universe which
philosophy contemplates, the mind also is rendered great."
Doing philosophy means engaging oneself in matters of utility and
methodologies to eliminate any practical problem or abstract idea. Before engaging
in philosophical inquiry, one must be able to distinguish between a holistic and
partial point of view. This is critical for anyone doing philosophy because it sets a
limit in coming up with conclusions about a given situation.
Importance of Doing Philosophy

 Doing philosophy can be applied in day-to-day activities and perspective.

Because it involves an evaluate process, doing philosophy allows a person to
make better decisions and act accordingly to situation with the help of
various philosophical skills.
 Doing philosophy enables reflective thinking which greatly influences a
person’s view of life, challenges, and relationships.
 Doing philosophy directs how a person will perceive these factors in life and
how they will be faced.
 In any setting, wisdom is always gained when philosophy is applied to
formula conclusion about a certain concern
What do you think?
Is doing philosophy possible without engaging in philosophical reflection?
Tips

 In doing philosophy, a holistic perspective on the subject is always required.

Failure to do so or only using partial point of view may lead to illogical or
incorrect conclusion.
 In the process of doing philosophy is critical to have holistic perspective- the
perception of looking at all aspects of a situation first before making a
conclusion. This point of is different from holistic thinking which is a mental

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activity of recognizing the interconnectedness of systems and procedure to
form a general picture of an issue.
 The process of doing philosophy should not be mistaken for the Filipino
activity of pamimilosopo or pedantry where a person displays useless
knowledge or minute observances of small details.
Characteristics of Partial Point of View

1. Looks at only a limited number of aspects of the given problem or situation

2. Conclusions are made based on considering some, but not all, sides the problem
or situation

Characteristics of Holistic Points of view

1. Looks at all the aspects of the given problem or situation

2. All aspects are given importance when making conclusion.

3. All aspects are tied in together to form a general overview of the problem or
situation.

Looking at the characteristics of holistic and partial points of view, it can be

concluded that using a holistic perspective is more reliable in doing philosophy
than using a partial perspective. Partial points of view only promote limited
knowledge on the situation. This leads to wrong conclusions. Philosophy requires
learning to investigate all available perspectives and work on their relationship to
come up with sound, logical, and valid conclusion. In the process, doing philosophy
helps one to develop the skill of broadly looking at the situation first before
concluding anything.

Explore

Activity 1: True or False

Directions: Write T if the statement True and F if False. Write your answer on the
space provided.
1. In doing Philosophy, day to day activities and perspective is applied.
2. The process of doing philosophy should not be mistaken for the Filipino
activity of pamimilosopo.
3. One of the characteristics of partial point of view is look all the aspects of the
given situation.
4. Before engaging in philosophical inquiry, one must be able to distinguish
between a holistic and partial point of view.
5. Truth is always gained when Philosophy is applied to a certain situation.

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Deepen

Activity 2. Think Carefully

Directions: Below are the different human actions think what must be done before
doing the actions. Complete the table below.

Philosophical actions to be done

Situations
before accomplishing the
situation.

1. Playing computer games

2. Posting your opinions and

feelings in social media

3. Watching movie that not

suitable with your age.

4. Asking permission in going out

with friends

5. Engaging Pre-marital sex

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Lesson Philosophical Reflection as a
3 Way of Doing Philosophy

Discover

Jay and Ryan proceeded to articulate the specificity of the approaches to

doing philosophy. They start with the discussion on the nature and dynamics of
philosophical reflection. 12 According to Jay and Ryan, philosophical reflection is
one of the important skills that one needs in doing philosophy. To drive their point,
Jay and Ryan appropriated Gabriel Marcel’s notion of philosophical reflection,
which is deeply personal and is intimately anchored on day-to-day existence. For
Marcel, as Jay and Ryan argue, philosophical reflection is first and foremost the act
of giving time to think about the meaning and purpose of life. There are two types
of philosophical reflection according to Marcel, namely, primary reflection and
secondary reflection. Primary reflection is a kind of thinking that calculates,
analyzes, or recounts past events. In this way, primary reflection is a fragmented
and compartmentalized thinking. Thus, for Marcel, according to Jay and Ryan,
primary reflection cannot be a genuine thinking because it failed to make sense of
the whole, of the mystery of life. In other words, primary reflection is selfish
thinking because it is instrumental thinking. As we already know, instrumental
thinking is a “means-end” kind of thinking. Applied to human relations,
instrumental thinking thinks only of what it can practically get in a relationship.
For example, one may establish a relationship or friendship with somebody who is
rich so that she may be able to borrow money in times of need. Secondary
reflection, on the other hand, is characterized by the act recapturing the unity of
the original experience by gathering back together what has been separated by
primary reflection. Thus, secondary reflection allows us to think holistically. In this
way, secondary reflection enables us to integrate our fragmented and
compartmentalized experience into a coherent whole. This gives us the impression
that secondary reflection for Marcel is genuine or unselfish thinking. Applied to
human relations, secondary reflection does not think of what it can practically get
in a relationship. Here, the human person establishes a relationship with the other
not because of what she can get but is premised on the idea that the other is a
human person that deserves respect, care, and love.

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Explore

Activity 1: What’s your own viewpoint?

Directions: Write your Primary and secondary reflection about the different
concepts below.
Secondary
Concepts Primary Reflection
Reflection
1. Covid-19
vaccination

2. Covid-19 cases
constantly rises in
our country

3. Wearing of face
mask and face
shield on public
places.

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Deepen

Activity 1: Reflection

Directions: Write your reflections as a student “How do you cope up during this
pandemic?”

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Rubric:
Category 5 4 3 2 1

Content & Content is Content is Content is Content is Content is

Organization closely nearly somewhat slightly not related
related to related to related to related to to the topic
the topic the topic the topic the topic and is
and is very and is well and is and is hard unorganized.
well organized. slightly to
organized. organized. understand

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References
Books

Christine Carmela R. Ramos, PhD. 2016. Introduction to the Philosophy of the

HumanPerson: REX Book Store, 865 Nicanor Reyes, Sr. St. Manila.

Napolen M. Mabaquiao Jr. PhD and Ronaldo B. Mactal, PhD. Making Life Worth
Living: An Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person, 2016 Phoenix
Publishing House Inc. Quezon City

Websites

https://philonotes.com/index.php/2017/12/24/doing-philosophy/
Mb.com.ph>2020/07/22>phs-covid-19-count surges

https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/22/phscovid-19-count-surges-to-72269/

https://www.britannica.com/browse/Philosophers

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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – SDO La

Union Curriculum Implementation
Division Learning Resource
Management Section
Flores St. Catbangen, San Fernando City La Union 2500
Telephone: (072) 607 - 8127
Telefax: (072) 205 - 0046
Email Address:
[email protected]
[email protected]

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