SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Introduction to the
Philosophy of the
Human Person
Quarter 1- Module 4
Method of Philosophizing

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1- Module 2: Method of Philosophizing
First Edition, 2020
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i
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Introduction to the
 Philosophy of the
Human Person
Quarter 1- Module 4
Method of Philosophizing

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

ii
iii

OVERVIEW
Hello dear learners! Welcome to this module on Introduction to the Philosophy of the
Human Person. This module will help you demonstrates various ways of doing philosophy
and evaluate opinions. To understand the meaning and process of doing philosophy of the
human person as an embodied being in the world and the environment as a means towards
a holistic understanding of life. It contains activities that will help you reflects on a concrete
experience in a philosophical way and demonstrates various ways of doing philosophy and
evaluate opinion. The module is self – instructional and allows you to learn in your own
space, at your own pace. So, relax and enjoy learning.

To the teacher:

This lesson assume that the teacher has already introduced to his/ her learners’
knowledge about philosophy and its importance as discipline and a means of understanding
life.
The primary goal of this module is to help learners engaged in some simple activities
in order to have necessary skills and understanding and reflects on a concrete experience in
a philosophical way.

To the Learners:

At the end of this module, you will be able to reflect on your daily experiences from a
holistic point of view and acquires critical and analytical thinking skills so that you can apply
this critical and analytical thinking skills 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.

In order to achieve the objectives of this module, it is necessary to have completed all
the module for you to fully understand the activities and discussions.

Specifically, this module consists of the following lessons:

• Lesson 2.2 – Realize that the methods of philosophy lead to wisdom and
truth
• Lesson 2.3 –Evaluate truth from opinions in different situations using the
methods of philosophizing

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 Lesso Methods of
n Philosophy
Lead to Wisdom and
2.2 Truth
The methods of philosophy will help to learn the process of doing philosophy in a
systematic way. On the other hand, philosophizing is to think or express oneself in a
philosophical manner.

Although philosophy is an organized body of knowledge, the subject matter of

philosophy is questions, which have three major characteristics;

1. Philosophical questions have answers but the answers remain in dispute.

2. Philosophical questions cannot be settled by science, common sense, or faith.
3. Philosophical questions are of perennial intellectual interest to human beings.

The methodology or method that philosophers use to address philosophical question

is critical thinking.

Critical Thinking is the careful, reflective, rational and systematic approach to

questions of very general interest.

Critical thinking means understanding if philosophy and refraining from merely giving
claims but through careful thought, one reasons through to argumentation.

The scientific method also leads to wisdom and truth because it uses an
evidencebased approach to come up with its conclusion. In this method, all truths are
supported by facts that can easily be tested or proven again through experiments, logical
reasoning, or observation

WHAT I KNOW?
Direction: Give a brief answer to the following question. Write your answer on the
space provided.
1. How will you determine the truth from an opinion?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

2
 _______________________________________________________

WHAT’S IN?
An understanding of opinions and facts and the mean to distinguish one from the
other can further improve our understanding and appreciation of varied views and ideas.

The ability to determine truth goes hand in hand with the holistic perspective and
enables us to make wiser decisions, especially in choosing then ideas and views which we
find acceptable.

A critical mind aided by philosophy can help us from our own personal point of view
that can guide us in making decisions and actions when we faced with a problem.

Philosophy can help us determine ideas that are truthful and acceptable, which we
can use to form our own views regarding certain matters

For Maboloc and Pascua (2008) critical thinking is a lifelong process of

selfassessment 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 opinion
Looks for proof
Examines the problem
Rejects irrelevant and innocent information

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 Lesson
Evaluate Truth from Opinions
2.3 in Different Situations Using
the Methods of Philosophizing

A method of philosophizing is a process of determining the truth or drawing

conclusions from a statement using various philosophical methods, such :
asSocratic, dialectic, scientific, and historical.

When you evaluate information, it is very important to distinguish between fact and
opinion. How do we know if something is true?

Philosophers emphasize the importance of belief as a basis for determining truth. It is

said that there are instances when we have to unlearn something so that we may learn anew.
Philosophers questioned what they knew and even analyzed their methods of knowing in
order to understand themselves and the world much better.

The discussion on truth is part of philosophical studies on knowledge where

philosophers explore the nature of knowledge and the ways of knowing.

There are several views regarding truth. Philosophers emphasize the importance of
belief as a basis for determining truth. But what kind of belief is truthful? How do we know that
what we believe is true?

Ancient Greek philosophers approached the problem of truth by looking at the nature
of knowledge and how we know what we know. We assume that everything we know about
this world is true. But philosophers who pondered upon the origins of knowledge doubted
everything that there is to know about themselves and the world. In doing so, they were able
to better understand the means by which humans gain knowledge and determine the truth
about everything. It is said that there are instances when we have to unlearn something so
that we may learn anew. Philosophers questioned what they knew and even analyzed their
methods of knowing in order to understand themselves and the world much better.

Let’s embark on our own investigation on the nature of knowledge. Let’s start by
stating the very obvious things we know about ourselves.

I am alive

I have a body

I can breathe

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 Do you believe that these statements apply to you? “But of course!” you will say. But
remember, as philosophers, we do not assume that every statement is true. Doubt has very
important purpose in philosophy as it drives our desire to discover truth. In philosophy,
systematic doubt is employed to help determine the truth. This means that every statement,
claim, evidence, and experience is scrutinized and analyzed. Nothing is taken as true unless
there is sufficient reason and evidence to prove that it is indeed true. Let’s assume therefore,
that the truthfulness of these statements have yet to be determined.

Using doubt as our starting point, let’s revise the statement to make them easier to
scrutinize and analyze. Let’s rewrite the statements as questions so we can review and
examine them further.

Am I alive?

Do I have a body?

Can I breathe?

Now, how will you figure out the answers to these questions? The obvious answer
would be to examine yourself to determine if indeed you are alive, that you have a body, and
you can breathe. Do you have a pulse? Can you feel your heartbeat? Do you have hands,
arms, legs, feet, and a head? Try to take a deep breath, and then exhale. Were you able to
do it? If you answered “yes” to all these questions, then you can conclude with certainty that
the previous statements about yourself are true. You can say:

I am alive!

I have a body!

I can breathe!

This one perspective on truth-that a belief is true if it can be justified or proven

through the use of one’s senses.

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 WHAT’S NEW
Direction: Complete the table below. Apply systematic doubt in analyzing the
statement. Write your answer on the box provided.
I can play basketball
I can fry an egg
I understand the lesson.

WHAT IS IT

Both the Socratic and dialectic method are based on a

discussion between two or more people who may carry differing
views but wish to pursue the truth by seeking an agreement with
one another. Meanwhile, the scientific method is a process of
determining truth or knowledge through experimentation,
inductive and deductive reasoning, and hypothesis or theory testing.

The scientific method, also called empirical method, is a process of determining truth
or knowledge through experimentation, inductive and deductive reasoning, and hypothesis or
theory testing

Logic is the truth based on reasoning and critical thinking. It includes analysis and
construction of arguments. It serves as path to freedom from half-truths and deception.

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 TYPES OF REASONING
DEDUCTIVE REASONING INDUCTIVE REASONING

http://images.slideplayer.com/28/9351128/slides/slide_2.jpg

Deductive Reasoning
In this type of reasoning, conclusion comes first, followed by main points, and the last
will be the supporting data, facts, examples, and evidences. General idea comes first before
the specific or particular idea.

Inductive Reasoning
In this type of reasoning, supporting data, facts, examples, and evidences come first
followed by the main points and conclusion will be the last part. This is the vice versa of the
deductive reasoning because particular idea comes first before the general idea.

Five Criteria of Truth

Rafael Ferberi in his book Key Concepts in Philosophy identified five criteria of
truth.
i. The first criterion of truth is coherence. A proposition/statement is
true if it coheres with other propositions. Coherence means at least
consistency. Consistency connotes non-contradictions with another thing.
For example:
The World Health Organizations (WHO) declares the COVID-19 is a pandemic.

All countries of the world agree that this phenomenon is a pandemic. No one
contradicts or disagrees with the pronouncements of the International Agency.
Therefore, the statement is true and a fact.

ii. Evidence as a further criterion of truth. Propositions/statements

about empirical data can also be regarded as true, because empirical data are
evident. This data is proven through experimentation and observation.

For example:
7
 The Bicol Region is the Southern Region of Luzon. It is composed of six Provinces
namely; Albay, Catanduanes, Camarine Norte, Camarines Sur, Mabate and
Sorsogon.

As per the map of the Philippines, it is evident that it is divided into regions, and
Bicol is Region V is located in the southern part and composed of provinces.
Therefore, the statement is true and a fact.

iii. The agreement of a group of people is the theme of the consensus

theory of truth. According to this theory, a proposition is true if it can secure
the agreement of all participants.

For example:
Social Amelioration Program (SAP) is a cash emergency subsidy program (ESP) for
18 million Filipino families whose lives are greatly affected by the ECQ
The program is mandated by the new law, the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act,
which was signed by the President last March 25, 2020. This law is agreed upon by
all the members of the cabinet, the law-makers and the Inter Agency Task Force duly
singed by the President and made known to all the constituents of the Philippines.
Therefore, the statement is true and a fact.

iv. A further potential criterion is the pragmatic theory of truth. The

criterion of the pragmatic concept of truth, then, is utility. This theory believes
that a thing is true if it is useful.

For example:
Sipag at Tiyaga ang mga susi sa tagumpay. (Diligence and Perseverance are the
keys to success).

This dictum is very familiar to all Filipinos especially those who started from
scratches but earned much for a living. And many find it useful in achieving a status
in life. Therefore, the statement is true and a fact.

v. Finally, satisfactory and enjoying the ultimate approval of all

researchers and constantly following the scientific method. The
agreement of all researchers suggests and uses consensus as the criterion of
truth.

For example:
Herbal medicine is the use of medicinal plants for prevention and treatment of
diseases.

According to research, herbal medicine is an alternative way in prevention and

treatment of diseases. For this reason, many people are actually using this kind of
medicine to cure diseases. Therefore, the statement is true and a fact.

In order to validate if a statement contains TRUTH it must satisfy the questions

below: 8
a. Is the statement coherent and does not contradict?
 b. Is the statement verifiable with evidence?
c. Is the statement has consensus with a group?
d. Is the statement useful?
e. Is the statement agrees with researches?
After identifying the five criteria of truth, let us have a glimpse on the idea of
opinion.
According to Blaise Pascal iiin his book, The Thoughts on Religion, posits that
the power of opinion is viewed to be "the queen of the world". Opinion is construed
and seen as collective of feelings, passions and biases. Looking at the definition of
Pascal, opinion is based on one’s perspective. It is full of personal biases and
therefore cannot be proven with factual evidence, unlike that of truth.

Below are examples of bias-words. These words are clue-words in determining

a statement is true or an opinion.

EXAMPLES OF BIAS-WORDS
think guess
probably believe
fun best
exciting sad
miserable favorite
sweet point of view
perspective understand
To illustrate more the distinction between TRUTH and OPINION based on
definition above, below is a comparative presentation:
TRUTH OPINION
It is objective It is subjective
It is evidence based It is circumstantial based
It is reality based It is emotional based
It presents unbiased words It presents bias word

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 WHAT I HAVE LEARNED?
Direction. Fill in the blanks. Choose your answer from the box and write your
answer on the space provided
Doubt Truth Senses
Consensus Bias Opinion
.

 Philosophy is concerned with determining the concept of _________________. Truth

lies at the heart of any inquiry.
 In philosophy, systematic __________________ is employed to help determine the
truth. This means that every statement, claim, evidence, and experience is scrutinized
and analyzed.
 There are various philosophical views regarding truth. One perspective is that a belief
is true if it can be justified or proven through the use of
one’s_______________________, a belief or statement is true if it is based on facts.
Another way of determining what is true is getting a _______________________or
having people agree on a common belief. Philosophers also believe that claims and
belief should also be subjected to tests to determine truth.
 Opinions are statements which not only give facts but also provide conclusions or
perspective regarding certain situations.
 Arguments often take the form of statements that are either claims of facts and are
phrased in such a way that they seem reasonable. Hence, some arguments may
contain fallacies which means they are products of faulty reasoning.
 __________________ or the personal views of the person presenting it affect the way
he or she sees reality.

REFERENCES:
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Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min. (2016). Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human
Person.
Philosophical_methodology https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophical_methodology
Truth-philosophy-and-logic https://www.britannica.com/topic/truth-philosophy-and-
logic https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth Bias https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bias
Methods-of-philosophy
https://www.powtoon.com/online-presentation/fBoYdDSqWuT/realize-the-methods-
ofphilosophy-that-lead-to-wis/?mode=movie Opinion
https://www.the-philosophy.com/opinion-philosophical-definitions
https://examples.yourdictionary.com/opinion-examples.html
https://study.com/academy/lesson/facts-vs-opinions-examples-games-activities.html
http://www.ufh.ac.za/library/InfoLit/fact.html
https://study.com/academy/lesson/facts-vs-opinions-examples-games-activities.html
https://hickslibrary.weebly.com/librarians-blog/facts-vs-opinions
https://gillemanalo.wordpress.com
http://images.slideplayer.com/28/9351128/slides/slide_2.jpg
https://www.slideshare.net/arielgilbuena7/
https://www.teachstarter.com/au/teaching-resource-collection/fact-and-opinion/
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/prek-12-subject-area/test-preparation/Typeof-
Resource/Rubrics

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