Philosophy: Introduction To The of The Human Person
Philosophy: Introduction To The of The Human Person
Philosophy: Introduction To The of The Human Person
INTRODUCTION TO THE
PHILOSOPHY
OF THE HUMAN PERSON
MS. MARIA VANESSA G. SAGARIO
Teacher
INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
This module will enable you to learn more about Philosophy, and how we are engaged in reflecting
on our actions, which we perform in our day to day lives. In this module, you will be able to gain
more knowledge on the differences between holistic and partial thinking, and how we are using these two
views in our day to day actions. Moreover, you will also gain a deeper understanding of how these views
highly affect the decisions that we constantly make in our daily lives.
Read the story, “The Blind Men and the Elephant” by American poet John Godfrey Saxe and
answer the questions below.
Once upon a time there were six blind men. They lived in a town in India.
They thought they were very clever. One day an elephant came to their town. The blind men did not know
what an elephant looked like but they could smell it and they could hear it. “What is this animal like?” they said.
Each man touched a different part of the elephant.
The first man touched the elephant's body. It felt hard, big and wide. “An elephant is like a wall”, he said.
The second man touched one of the elephant's tusks. It felt smooth, hard, and sharp. “An elephant is like a
spear,” he said.
The third man touched the elephant's trunk. It felt long, thin, and wiggly. “An elephant is like a snake,” he
said.
The fourth man touched one of the legs. It felt thick, rough, hard and round. “An elephant is like a tree,” he
said.
The fifth man touched one of the elephant's ears. It felt thin and it moved. “An elephant is like a fan,” he
said.
The sixth man touched the elephant's tail. It felt long, thin, and strong. “An elephant is like a rope,” he said.
The men argued. It's like a wall! No, it isn't! It's like a spear! No it isn't! It's like a snake! They did not
agree.
The king had been watching and listening to the men. “'You are not very clever. You only touched part of
the elephant. You did not feel the whole animal. An elephant is not like a wall or a spear or a snake, or a tree or a
fan or a rope.”
The men left the town still arguing. A little girl heard them and said “Each of you is right but you are all
wrong … but I know what you are talking about!”
Guided Questions:
1. What happens in the story when each blind man "touches" the elephant?
2. What did the blind men learn from the king? What does the storyteller want us to learn from this tale?
3. Do problems like this happen in real life? Think of the times when arguments or misunderstandings have
occurred because people saw situations from different points of view. Describe what happened.
4. How does it feel when another person doesn't "see" something the way you do? How can you address
those differences in perceptions?
5. What are some steps you can take to understand why another person doesn't see things the way you do?
WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY?
Philosophy, is coined from the Greek word “philein” which means love, and “Sophia”, which
means wisdom. Taken together, this means philos-sophia is the love of wisdom. It is mainly defined
as the science of beings in their ultimate reasons, causes and principles, acquired by the aid of
human reason alone. It is an organized body of knowledge just like any other sciences. Philosophy
investigates things, the philosopher uses his natural capacity to think or simply, human reason alone.
Philosophy is not one dimensional or partial. A philosopher does not limit himself to a particular object of
inquiry. He studies the human beings, the society, religion, language, God, and plants, among other
concerns. He questions almost anything, if not everything. It is multidimensional or holistic.
Reflection requires a person to be willing to examine one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions and to
learn more about one’s life and experiences. For instance, the moment you wake up, you can already
reflect upon the things that you plan to do for the day. This will enable you to set your daily goals and set
you on the path of thinking of ways to achieve them. Seemingly simple or mundane actions take a whole
new meaning when one engages in reflection. When buying clothes, for example, you may start with the
simple questions: “Will this fit me?” “Do I look good in this color?” these are the usual questions any
buyer would ask for himself or herself.
But since we are in a reflective and philosophizing mood, let us now try and think of “deeper”
questions and reflect on the situation. You may find yourself asking the following questions: “Do I even
have to buy a new t-shirt today?” “Am I better off spending my money on other things?” “Do I see
myself wearing this shirt often, or am I just going to wear it once?”
Notice the difference when you engage in reflection. The simple task of buying a shirt becomes
something much more. If you concentrate only on simple questions, you would just buy that shirt
immediately. But reflection allows you an opportunity to think more deeply about your action, your
motivation for doing such an action, and even its possible consequences. Reflection also helps us understand
ourselves and our actions better. When we reflect, we can judge whether our actions or decisions are
reasonable or not. Taking time to analyze your decision and actions is one vital skill that will greatly help
you as you encounter more challenges in life.
Task 1:
Directions: Write True if the statement is correct and False if the statement is wrong. (5pts)
_____1. A holistic view helps us understand a situation from different vantage points so we can see it
more partially.
_____2. People tend to apply analytical perspective when looking at problems or situations.
_____3. Holistic thinking refers to a perspective that considers small-scale patterns in systems.
_____4. An individual uses a partial point of view when he/she looks at only a limited number of the
given problem or situation.
_____5. A holistic perspective cannot enable a person to step back and consider the general aspects
of a certain problem.
Task 2:
Directions: Complete the table below by constructing a philosophical reflection in each of the
actions provided.
Criteria:
Content - 10
Neatness - 5
Structure/ Organization - 5
Total: 20 points
Task 3:
Directions: Discuss with your other family members a problem or issue that is important to your
family. Write down your views and use them as bases to come up with a solution based on a holistic
perspective. Use the graph as a guide in conducting the discussion.
Criteria:
Content - 15
Neatness - 5
Structure/ Organization - 5
Total: 25 points
In the previous lesson, you learned about Holistic and Partial Thinking in Philosophy. Moreover,
you were also able to see the value of Philosophizing in achieving a broad understanding of your
life. In this lesson, you will learn about the various ways of evaluating our own opinions. Moreover, you will
also learn to distinguish between facts and opinions, and reflect on concrete experiences in a philosophical
way, in order to come up with sound decisions.
Task 1:
Directions: Do what is asked. (10pts)
1. Share your experience on times you did not use reason in your life but rather, you relied on emotions or opinions of
other people. What did you learn from the experience?
2. Determine which are the premises and the conclusion (read lesson 4):
a. All known planets travel about the sun in elliptical orbits. Therefore, Earth travel about the sun in elliptical
orbit. Earth is a known planet.
b. Therefore, all oranges grow on trees. All oranges are fruits. All fruits grow on trees.
LESSON 2: Distinguishing Opinion from Truth
The ideas that we encounter in everyday life can be considered as truth or opinion.
Ideas Characteristics Examples
Truth Contains ideas or information 1. The policeman firmly pushed the suspect to his knees and placed
that is easily verifiable. It him in handcuffs.
explains what actually 2. My sister ate the last piece of pizza.
happened. 3. It takes 30 minutes to walk from my home to school.
Opinion It is what someone feels, 1. The aggressive manner by which the policeman arrested the
believes or thinks, and is not suspect is an example of brutality that characterizes our police force.
necessarily the truth. It 2. My sister is a selfish person because she ate the last piece of pizza
represents a perception about and did not share it with me.
something (it varies from one 3. Living near the school is better because we don’t have to spend
person to another) much for transportation.
When looking at an opinion, be aware of bias or the personal views of the person presenting it to influence the others.
Critical thinking is the careful, reflective, rational and systematic approach to questions of very
general interest. It means understanding philosophy and refraining from merely giving claims but through
careful thought, one reasons through argumentations by distinguishing facts, opinions or personal feelings.
For Maboloc and Pascua (2008) critical thinking is a lifelong process of self-assessment that further
consists of:
Defining, analyzing and devising solutions,
Arriving at reasonable and informed conclusions
Applying understanding and knowledge to new and different problems
Willingness to say, “I don’t know.”
The attributes of a critical thinker include;
Looks for evidence to support assumption and beliefs
Adjusts opinions
Looks for proof
Examines problem
Rejects irrelevant and incorrect information
o Inductive Reasoning, based from observations (partial idea) in order to make generalizations. This
is often applied in prediction, forecasting or behavior.
o Deductive Reasoning, conclusion comes first, followed by main points, and the last will be the
supporting data, facts, examples, and evidences. Take for instance:
All philosophers are wise. (Major premise)
Confucius is a philosopher. (Minor premise)
Therefore, Confucius is wise. (Conclusion)
Task 2:
Directions:
1. Write a 2-3 paragraph editorial about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic, in a short bond
paper.
2. You may use the following guide for your editorial:
Decide what your position is on the issue.
Give your opinion as to why you have selected this position on the issue.
State the facts, evidence and data (if available) to back up your position.
State the opposing position.
Provide the facts that support the opposing position/opinion.
Dispute, challenge and question the opposing opinions, backed up with facts.
Criteria:
Content - 15
Neatness - 5
Structure/ Organization - 5
Total: 25 points
Task 3:
Directions: Complete the statements below. (15pts)
This module describes the human person as an embodied spirit. Where the spirit unites with the
body; a person is capable of exploring, experiencing, achieving various feats. But the human body
also has its limitations. Despite this, the nature of the human person has the ability to go beyond or transcend
on these limitations. With these understanding and knowledge, you will have an opportunity to develop your
strengths based on the nature of your limitations and rise above these challenges.
Man, refer to the entire human race. Human, refers to man as a species- Homo sapiens or modern
human beings. St. Thomas, the Philosopher who believed that the human person’s nature as an embodied
spirit enables us to engage in meaningful experiences and makes transcendence possible. He was also
regarded of Christianizing the philosophy of Aristotle.
Transcendence is a state of being or existence that is above and beyond physical needs and realities. It
comes from the Latin prefix trans-, which means “beyond”, and scandare, which means “to climb”.
Limitations of Transcendence may not occur to everyone, does not come at a specified period,
varies across all people, and may coincide with physical limitations of the body. Factors that impose
limits include the body, environment, demographics, and society and hinders a person from reaching
transcendence.
Possibilities for Transcendence include: developing a positive outlook in life, working towards
reaching a goal and learning from experience.
In aiming for transcendence, it is important to consider the feasibility of your goals, the work you would
need to put in it, the challenges you will face, and other factors that may come in play.
Many of us would experience emerging from deep within and felt a sense of being in tune with
the mystery of our own being and with the mystery that transcends us. Consider the following examples;
a. Forgiveness
When we forgive, we are freed from our anger and bitterness because of the actions or words of another.
On the other hand, the hardness of our heart is reinforced by whole series of rational arguments.
b. The Beauty of Nature
There is perfection in every single flower, for a hug, for every sunrise and sunset, to eat together as a
family, are our miracles. These experiences touch us deeply and the human heart is spontaneously lifted.
c. Vulnerability
To work in the office or study in school, we need to acknowledge the help of other people in our lives.
Moments of poverty and dependence on others are not a sign of weakness but being true with ourselves.
d. Failure
Our failures force us to confront our weakness and limitations. Such acceptance of our failures leads us to
hope, trust and forgiveness that all can be brought into good.
e. Loneliness
Our loneliness can be rooted from our sense of vulnerability and fear of death. It is our choice to live, be
happy, be free from dependence and accept a life of solitude and companionship have a part.
f. Love
To love is to experience richness, positivity and transcendence. To love is to live a life full of risks, fears,
pain, sacrifice and giving up things we want for the sake of the one we love.
LESSON 3: Evaluate Own Limitations and the Possibilities
for their Transcendence
Indian thought recognizes the complimentary thought of all systems of belief. Hinduism is neither
rooted in any single doctrine, nor does it claim a monopoly on truth or wisdom.
Hinduism is neither rooted in any single doctrine, nor does it claim a monopoly on truth or
wisdom. Buddhism preaches tolerance of all sincere viewpoints and includes many of these within its own
spiritual teachings. Christians believe that that power of change cannot be done by human beings alone, but
is achieved with cooperation with God. There is an infinite gap between humanity and God, which God
alone can bridge through His power.
For St. Augustine, physically we are free, yet morally bound to obey the Law of God, “Humanity
must do well and avoid evil. We are responsible to our neighbors as we are to our own actions”.
Task 1:
Directions: Look around you. Observe how each person in the community (especially the front
liners) manages against new cases of the COVID-19. Put yourself in the position of those who are
experiencing such limitations. Identify ways on how you may overcome those challenges. (10pts)
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Task 2:
Directions: Read the excerpt on “How a Healthy Dosage of Self-Transcendence can Overcome
COVID-19”, by Paul Wong, and answer the questions that follow.
Task 3:
Directions: Use the Letter-Number Code to answer what is asked below.
What word that means a state of existence above and beyond the limits of material experience?
____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
(20) (18) (1) (14) (19) (3) (5) (14) (4) (5) (14) (3) (5)
Task 4:
Directions: Read each item carefully. Encircle the letter of the correct.
1. How does the human body play a role in transcendence?
A. The body has its limitations. C. The body functions against transcendence.
B. The body controls what we do. D. None of these
2. The following are factors that limits transcendence EXCEPT
A. demography B. financial source C. environment D. human body
3. Which of the following are possibilities for transcendence?
A. develop a positive outlook in life C. learn from experience
B. work towards reaching the goal D. All of these
4. How should one aim for transcendence? One considers ___________.
A. the challenges to encounter. C. the work you put to it.
B. the feasibility of one’s goal. D. all of these
5. When you are able to recognize your own limitations and possibilities,
which of these things should you remember?
A. Challenges are learning opportunities
B. Recognize that your goal is more important than your fears.
C. both A and B
D. None of these
Module 4: The Human Person in the Environment
Objectives:
a. identify the disorder in the environment and suggest ways to manage it;
b. acknowledge that care for the environment contributes to health, wellbeing, and sustainable development;
c. demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards the environment; and
d. appreciate the beauty of nature.
This module conveys the interplay of the bond between man and nature from the different
viewpoints of philosophers. These philosophical concepts will answer concerns about the
environment and will encourage each person to act responsibly as stewards of nature because every action
has significant effects on the environment. And by observing prudence and frugality in utilizing natural
resources, you can make a difference in sustaining the environment for the next generation.
An environment may be any external setting that people live in. Because of this, humanity has a
very unique relationship with the environment and with nature, wherein we all live and benefit from each
other.
Environmental Philosophy is a branch of Philosophy that is concerned with the natural
environment and humanity’s place in it. Without the environment around us, we will not be able to meet our
needs in order to survive, and eventually we may cease to exist. It’s our responsibility to take care of the
environment, so that the future generation will also enjoy the beauty of nature, and the fruits and other
essential needs that we are enjoying today.
Environmental Aesthetics refers to the philosophical view of maintaining order in the environment,
which contributes to the natural beauty of the surroundings, and the well-being of the people. In order for us
to do this, we have to be mindful of these two important concepts:
Prudence- the ability to have good judgment that allows avoidance of dangers and risks and,
Frugality- the act of using money or other resources wisely and practically.
As stewards of nature, it is also important for us to take good care of the environment, since it
promotes health and well-being, and sustainable development.
Health and Well-Being- the environment is a good source for maintaining our health and wellness.
Examples of which are: some medicinal plants have properties that help remove pathogens in our
body; fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins and minerals; and lastly, aesthetic properties
make an excellent venue for exercises and activities.
Sustainable Development- in order for the next generation to enjoy the beauty, and benefits of the
environment, we need to be able to seek for ways to sustain it. Since we know that the environment
is the primary source of raw resources, which is used to make all types of food and materials, we
should be able to take good care of the resources that are within our disposal, and not abuse them.
Moreover, with appropriate techniques, the environment can reproduce and regenerate resources that
have been harvested or lost. That is why, it is important that we must not abuse the resources that we
are enjoying, so that we can give enough time for the environment to regenerate and reproduce. How
can we do this? Through conservation and by following the 4Rs--- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and
Recover; we can prevent disorder in the environment, which may be evidenced by lack of resources
or displacement of things. Furthermore, we can also live up to our role of being stewards and
caretakers of nature and the environment.
Task 1:
Directions: Think of ways in which you could show prudence and frugality to the environment.
Values School Home
Prudence
ways
Frugality
Task 2:
Directions: