M.

R TABINAS 2019-2010

INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY OF THE person making the claim is desperate to convince

HUMAN PERSON someone.
FACTS AND OPINIONS
LESSON 2: METHODS OF PHILOSOPHIZING ■ Facts are generally established truths, easily verified,
and do not easily change from one situation to
Correspondence Theory another.
 - Something is true if it corresponds to reality or ■ Opinions- are more subjective and may express
the actual state of affairs. certain views and beliefs.
 Assumes a direct relationship between an idea – Bias- personal views of the person presenting it
and reality and that statement can be taken as – Are not necessarily errors in reasoning but refer to
“fact.” tendencies or influences which affect the views of
 Example: A dog barks; a mammal is an animal other people
which is warm-blooded, has hair and feeds its CLAIM – statements which need to be examined to
young with milk. determine whether they are true or false.
Coherence Theory KNOWLEDGE- it is the clear awareness and
■ Makes sense when placed in a certain situation understanding of something.
or context. TRUTH- based on what we believe. A believe is true if it
■ There is a possibility that there will be varied can be justified or proven through the use of one’s
truths from different perspectives. (it makes senses.
sense in its own context)
■ Example: Muslims have a belief that certain LESSON 3: THE HUMAN PERSON AS AN EMBODIED
animals like pigs are unclean, they prevent SPIRIT
from eating pork and other types of food made MAN- the general term commonly used to refer to the
from unclean animals.(Islamic faith) entire human race.
■ Relativism- there are no absolute truth HUMAN- refers to a man as species
Consensus Theory HUMAN BEING- used to distinguish man from other
■ Based on agreement, and that something is true animals.
if almost everyone agrees that it is true PERSON/ HUMAN PERSON- refers to a human being
■ Also used to determine the truth of scientific granted recognition of certain rights, protection,
claims, where experts must agree on certain responsibilities, and dignity above all.
phenomenon before it can be established true - it is the totality of an individual, possessing
■ Example: Pluto’s classification into a dwarf awareness, self determination, and the capacity to
planet. interact with others and with himself/ herself.
Pragmatic Theory PERSONHOOD- refers to the state of being a person.
■ If we can put into practice or is useful in real life HUMAN NATURE- refers to the characteristics that
■ Ideas should be continually tested to confirm distinguish human from all other creatures.
their validity.
■ Vereficationism- ideas must be verified using CONSCIOUSNESS- awareness especially of something
the senses or experience within oneself.
■ Using the scientific method UNCONCIOUS MIND- the part that governs latent and
■ Example :diseases and viruses repressed emotions, thoughts and desired is present.
DEDUCTIVE REASONING AND INDUCTIVE REASONING
■ Deductive reasoning- draws conclusion from 4 TRAITS WHICH CAN DEFINE
usually one broad judgement or definition to HUMAN PERSON
more specific assertion.(general-specific) 1. SELF – AWARENESS- refers to the person having a
■ Inductive reasoning- based from observations in clear perception of oneself, including his thoughts,
order to make generalizations. (specific- emotions, identity and actions. This awareness goes
general). beyond perception and reaction to the environment.
ARGUMENTS- series of statements that provide reasons
We have deeper awareness that is driven by rationality
to convince the reader or listener that a claim or
opinion is truthful. or human thought.
FALLACY/ FALLACIES – These are arguments based on
- INTERIORITY- the quality of being focused of
faulty reasoning. These may be intentional, as the
one’s inner life and identity. It enables us to exercise
creativity.

2. SELF DETERMINATION- capability of person to make

choices and decision based on their of preferences,
monitor and regulate their actions and be goal-oriented
and self- directed.

 FREE WILL- enables us to do actions whenever

we want to and makes self-determination
 M.R TABINAS 2019-2010

possible. It is the capacity to choose a course of 3 MAJOR VIEWS:

action from various alternatives.
 CONSEQUENCE- the result or effect of an action A. ANTHROPOCENTRISM – focuses on thje
or condition. significant role of human kind in the world
 MORALITY- the goodness or badness of an act. considers nature as the means by which
humans are able to meet their needs and
3. EXTERNALITY- the capability to reach out and survive.
interact with others and the world. B. BIOCENTRISM- believes that humans are not
the only significant species on the planet, and
4. DIGNITY- the innate right to be valued and respected. that all other organisms have inherent value
and should be protected.
Rationality- state of being reasonable; the ability to C. ECOCENTRISM- places great value on
understand experiences in order to solve problems or ecosystems and biological communities. This
view believes that human kid is part of a greater
do tasks and engage in decisions making and judgement
biological system or community and that we
Intelligence- ability to perceive information, store have significant role as stewards or guardians of
nature.
knowledge, and apply it in various situations
ENVIRONMENTAL AESTHETICS- believes that
Introspection- ability to examine one’s own conscious maintaining order in the environment will bring out
the natural beauty of the surroundings and
thoughts, feelings and mental state, and the capacity
contribute to the well-being of the people and
for self-reflection other organisms living in it.
- the appreciation of natural beauty brings out
Wisdom- is the ability to perceive information and
about concern for the environment and helps
apply knowledge. people relate more effectively with nature.
ENVIRONMENTALISM- this perspective advocates
THE HUMAN PERSON IS AN EMBODIED SPIRIT.
to address the growing environmental problems.
SPIRIT- intangible element of the person which enables ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS- a moral approach that
us to exercise thought, possess awareness, interiority, analyzes the relationship between humans and the
and the capacity to reach out. environment.
• The body is physical and with the five senses - it also guides us in upholding the welfare of
(sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch) it the environment and everything in it.
connects and interacts with the outer world. - serves as a basis for reflecting on how our
• The soul is the part of us that covers our will, actions show our regard for nature.
affections and thoughts.
• The soul is the part of us that connects with our SUSTAINABILITY/ SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
fellow human beings. The spirit is the part that - this concept focuses on reconciling human
connects to God and covers matters like faith, activities and economic development with the
trust, worship and so on. protection of the environment.
• The spirit is seen as the innermost part of our 3 IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES:
being. It is enveloped by our soul, which in turn a. ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRITY- refers to
is enveloped by our body. The spirit then is the maintaining the state of the environment.
part that needs regeneration in the person who b. ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY- refers to prudence in
does not know God. decision making regarding the use of resources
TRANSCENDENCE- the ability to surpass limits. to ensure that there is minimum to zero waste.
The essence of transcendence is to; c. EQUITY- demands that we use our natural
resources in such a manner that these are
a. Acknowledge our limitations. conserved so that the next generation will be
b. Identify possibilities for development able to use them.
c. Change ourselves for the better. 1. PRUDENCE- is the ability to regulate
one’s actions and behavior.
2. FRUGALITY-is being thrifty with the
LESSON 4: THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE use of one’s resources.
ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY- the discipline that

studies the moral relationship of human beings with the
environment and its non-human contents.