Grade

11/12
Introduction to the Philosophy of
the Human Person
Quarter 1 - Module 1
Doing Philosophy

NAME:

Grade & Section:

Rosales National High School

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 Le
Lesson
o1n Philosophy: An Overview

What This Module is About

This lesson talks about the early beginnings of philosophy in ancient Greece. As a
discipline of loving wisdom, it aims at teaching you to be more analytical, critical, and
interpretive about your life and the world. Philosophy also advocates holistic thinking
because it is an all-inclusive perspective than partial thinking. In this module, you will be able
to realize that the art of questioning is central to the study of philosophy. Topics discussed
here include the meaning of philosophy, holistic and partial thinking, the value of questioning
and the importance of philosophy

Lesson 1: Philosophy: An Overview

Lesson 2: The Role of Reflection in Philosophy

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view. (PPT11/12-Ia-1.1)

2. Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life
(PPT11/12-Ib-1.3)
3. Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic perspective.
(PPT11/12-Ic-1.4)

Welcome to the first lesson of this module. At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

1. Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view. (PPT11/12-Ia-1.1)

Multiple Choice. Select the letter of the correct answer from among the given choices.

1. Why is Greece considered as the birthplace of philosophy?

a. It was the center of religious activities.
b. It played a significant role in ancient trade.
c. It advocated for the life of reason and rational thought.
d. It led to the birth of democracy
2. How important is Pythagoras to philosophy?
a. He coined the word philosophy first c. He wrote the book Politics
b. He founded logic d. He was the first philosopher
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 3. Which supports the idea that philosophy aims at developing good judgment?
a. The art of questioning c. First cause
b. Big picture d. love of wisdom
4. Tony is interested in the nature of reality and existence. Which branch of philosophy
should he be reading about?
a. Aesthetics c. Metaphysics
b. Epistemology d. Ethics
5. Aristotle’s line “the whole is more than the sum of its parts” suggests
a. Parts are all interrelated c. Partial thinking is better than
holistic
b. Only one factor matters d. Reflection is vital to man’s life
6. Ethics is a branch of philosophy which deals with correct judgment. Which scenario
depicts this?
a. The President corrupted 1 million pesos c. Amanda lied to her parents
b. A boy returned lost wallet d. John did not study for his exam
7. What is the meaning of the ancient Greek word Sophia?
a. Question c. Love
b. Wisdom d. Reflection
8. When Filipinos celebrate fiestas for the sake of religion, this is an example of:
a. Partial thinking c. Reflection
b. Holistic thinking d. Holism
9. Why philosophy is considered the science of first causes?
a. It studies wisdom c. It promotes good life
b. It searches for meaning d. It seeks to know the very source
10. Which type of thinking advocates looking at the “big picture” when analyzing s
situation or a circumstance?
a. Philosophy c. Holistic thinking
b. Aesthetic d. Logic

Where did Philosophy originate?

Philosophy traces its roots in Ancient Greece in the 6th Century BCE. Traditions had it
that the word Philosophy was first coined by Pythagoras, a Greek mathematician. He used
this term to classify three classes of people who attended the ancient Olympic Games as
lovers of gain, lovers of honor; and lovers of knowledge or wisdom (Caraan 2016, 2). He
favored the third class for not being driven by profit nor honor. Instead, they sought ways to
arrive at the truth. He then called these people as philosophers. Among the ancient Greeks,
philosophers became pioneers in history, biology, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and
even physics.
What is Philosophy?
Many philosophers could not agree on the exact definition of the word philosophy.
Despite its varying definitions and lack of general agreement to it, it does not mean that the
term cannot be defined and characterized. Here are some popular definition of philosophy:
a. Etymological definition

The word philosophy is derived from philosophia which is a combination of the Greek
terms philos (love) and Sophia (wisdom). Thus, philosophy means love of wisdom.”
Philosophers, therefore, are the people who are “lovers of wisdom” (Amanze, et. Al.,
2010)

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 b. Technical definition

Philosophy can be best defined as the science of the first causes (Maritain,
2005). It seeks to know and clarify the very source of which all the chain of causes
ultimately all go back to it.
Philosophy is also a science since it utilizes reason and logic in an attempt to
understand reality and answer fundamental questions concerning knowledge, life,
morality, and human nature.
What are the branches of Philosophy?

Metaphysics Study of Existence What's out there?

Epistemology Study of Knowledge How do I know about it?

Ethics Study of Action What should I do?

Politics Study of Force What actions are permissible?

Aesthetics Study of Art What can life be like?

Source:http://www.importanceofphilosophy.com/FiveBranchesMain.html

Philosophy can be divided into four major branches namely:

a. Metaphysics

Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that deals with the examination of existence
(Landauer and Rowlands 2001, para. 1). It answers queries like “What is the
meaning of life? What is the purpose of life? Does God exist?”

b. Epistemology

Epistemology studies the process of attaining knowledge. It answers the question,

‘How do we know?”. Among the biggest concerns of epistemology are the origin and
the verification or the confirmation of knowledge. It is also concerned with how the
human person’s mind is associated with reality; and whether these relationships are
valid or invalid (Landauer and Rowlands 2001, para. 1).
.
c. Ethics

Ethics is a branch of philosophy dealing with correct judgment. It answers the

question, “What I ought to do?” It is the study of right or wrong in human actions
(Landauer and Rowlands 2001, para. 1). It is concerned about human conduct. It
deals with norms or standards of right and wrong applicable to human behavior.

d. Aesthetics

Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy that delves into art (Landauer and Rowlands
2001, para. 1). The study includes what art is and the purpose behind it . The
philosopher is concerned with the analysis of aesthetic experience and the idea of
what is beautiful. It attempts to answer questions like “is art subjective?”

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How is holistic different from partial thinking?

In life, it is wise to adopt an all-inclusive perspective or view, which emphasizes on

the idea that every part of a system has a mutual relationship. The interrelationship among
things was first conceived by Aristotle. It can be best summarized by the line, “The whole is
more than the sum of its parts.” This means that all parts are all related to each other and
that it cannot be understood independently without considering the other factors (Gallinero
and Estaris 2017, 25). This view of taking all things as part of a system is espoused in the
philosophical doctrine of Holism.

Adhering to the doctrine of Holism, holistic thinking advocates looking at the “big
picture” when analyzing situation or problem. This would require one to be open-minded to
get the general sense or impression regarding an event. In this regard, therefore, all aspects
in a given situation must be considered. On the contrary, partial thinking adheres focusing on
one factor in analyzing a situation or a problem to understand it. This kind of view is very
limiting in nature.

Philosophy prefers holistic thinking to partial thinking. Developing a holistic

perspective is essential to man since his life is not influenced or governed by a single factor
only. It allows him to see the totality of life while putting him in a different vantage point when
looking at things. It also teaches critical thinking and cultivates a sense of understanding in
dealing with others.

As changes are inevitable, one must cultivate open-mindedness to many possibilities.

In the same light, one must remember that every action one does create a ripple effect that
will influence many aspects of his life.

Why does philosophy value questioning?

In philosophy, almost all questions are valid since they aim at understanding the
world better. Any question that is genuinely felt and allows further exploration can be a
philosophical one. In a general sense, questions are more important than the answers in the
realm of philosophy.
For Plato, “Philosophy begins in wonder” (Abella 2016, 7). This means that one
begins to embark on his philosophical journey through a life of questioning and searching the
truth. Thus, philosophy starts with a feeling of curiosity and puzzlement. And it is man’s role
to be in search of answers.
The habit of questioning can activate the mind to think and find solutions to different
problems. Questions can help improve the body of knowledge since they can either
challenge existing information or refine it. This is the reason why philosophy will endure
because the act of questioning is eternal (Dy, 2005).

Why we Need Philosophy?

Philosophy plays an important role in one’s life. Students who learn philosophy get a
great many benefits from doing so. Here some practical uses that one can get if he ventures
in this undertaking:
1. Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis and interpretation of concepts
definitions, arguments, and problems.

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2. Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision making.
3. A philosopher is a wise communicator who can clear and adequately present his or her
ideas.
4. Wisdom is one intended product of philosophizing, and this refers to a person’s ability to
apply knowledge to daily life, particularly in making sound choices and judgment.
5. Finally, knowledge of philosophy can contribute to self-development.

Activity: Your Turn! Activate the philosopher in you by formulating your philosophical
questions to each branch of philosophy.

Branch of Philosophy Philosophical Question

Metaphysics
Epistemology
Ethics
Aesthetics

Scoring Rubric. Using the provided rubric, ask someone to score your answer.

CATEGORY 5 3 1
Content The content is The content is The topic is
relevant, relevant, and irrelevant,
complete and substantial yet unsubstantial and
substantial incomplete incomplete
Readability of Text All texts are Some texts are Most of the texts
readable and readable and are not readable
legibly written not legibly and not legibly
written written
Spelling and No errors in 2-3 errors in More than 5
Grammar grammar and grammar and errors in
spelling spelling grammar and
spelling

Lesson
The Role of Reflection in
2 Philosophy

Previously, we learned the historical development, meaning, and importance of

philosophy. The Greeks pioneered in making philosophy a systematic study of wisdom.
Philosophers therefore are regarded as lovers of wisdom. They have an insatiable desire for
truth. Through philosophy, we can learn to be more discerning and critical to issues,
information, and knowledge presented to us. In this lesson, you will understand the value of
philosophical reflection in our daily life. It will also include reflecting on concrete experiences
in a philosophical way based on a holistic point of view.

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At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

1. Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life

(PPT11/12-Ib-1.3)
2. Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic perspective.
(PPT11/12-Ic-1.4)

What is reflective practice?

Human activities encompass all events, actions, or happening that people do or

cause to happen. One activity is philosophizing. It is man’s default to inquire beyond what
can’t grasp. Since our childhood days, we have been asking the “whys” to better understand
our perception of the world.

Reflective practice refers to a man’s personal study to his rich human experiences in
his quest of personal development. As the famous line of Terry Pratchett says, “We live and
learn, or, perhaps more importantly we learn and live.” Deliberate reflection paves the way
for personal development and, in the professional aspect, allows for continuous update of
skills and knowledge (Schön, 1986; Bolton, 2010, Paterson & Chapman, 2013).

Proponents of reflective thinking believe that the provenance of such practice started
with Buddhist teachings and the meditations of Emperor Marcus Aurelius’, a stoic
philosopher. The renowned American philosopher John Dewey, also made notable
contributions in reflective practice in his studies on experience, interaction, and reflection.

The value of reflective practice can never be underestimated. It is very useful in

various professions. Professionals can use this to assess their own performance and to
deeply weigh their emotions, responses, and actions. It also enhances better communication
and helps in coming up with informed and balanced decisions. Reflective practice is helpful
in the fields of education, management, health care, and leadership.

It is important to remember that Socrates once said that “The unexamined life is not
worth living.” He urged people to examine and reflect upon their lives by breaking away from
their daily routine. For him, reflection is what produces great thoughts, ideas, and actions.
Only when people become reflective, thoughtful, and philosophical, that the true meaning of
life can de idealized.

Why do we engage in reflection?

Reflection means our willingness to process our own thoughts, feelings, and actions
in order to learn more about our life and experiences (Abella 2016, 11). We can reflect upon
any particular subject from the moment we wake-up until the rest of the day. There are
endless opportunities to reflect in our day-to-day life.

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 A simple act of buying a new cellphone can put us in a reflective mood if we are
consciously allowing ourselves to reflect before making a purchase. For example, when
buying a new unit, our initial queries would include: “Is this the latest model?” Do I look
fashionable in this color? However if we apply reflective practice, we can re-consider our
purchase by asking some deeper questions like: ‘Is there a need to buy a new cellphone? “Is
this a good and practical buy?” “Will it make my life more convenient?”

The example above illustrates that any mundane undertaking will be transformed into
a meaningful act if you incorporate reflection. Buying a new cellphone is much easier when
confronted with simple questions only. But reflecting first before making a purchase will allow
us to consider our motivation as well as its possible consequences. Making wiser decisions
and improving our spending habits are just few of the practical advantages when aided by
reflection.
Abella (2016, 11-12) shared several benefits if one makes reflection as an integral
part of his life. Making it a habit to self-reflect on a daily basis will:

1. Enable us to set our goals and put us in the path of thinking of ways to achieve
them.
2. Ensure that our actions and decisions are well thought out and done in
consideration of how it affects ourselves, others, and our surroundings.
3. Help us understand a better self-concept or self-image.
4. Allow us to exercise a good judgment in practical matters.
5. Provide us positive ways to cope with life challenges.

How to reflect on a concrete experience?

The concept of studying the lived experience of humans was pioneered by the
German philosophers Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger. This philosophical discipline
came to be known as phenomenology. This approach studies the conscious experience of
the individual from a subjective (first-person) point of view.

Following the scientific method of reflection espoused by phenomenology, we can say that
philosophy does not consider myths, hearsays, and pure imaginations. Instead,
understanding experiential events in life can be attained by following these steps (Gallinero
and Estaris 2017, 21):

1. Identify the problem or any experience. Recall what happened.

2. Organize and evaluate your data. Gather all facts before making judgments.

3. Propose your own hypothesis by analyzing and interpreting your gathered data.

4. Start applying your hypothesis by creating a plan on what to do if the same

experience happens again.

How did philosophy impact the world?

Every person has set of beliefs and values. It is everybody’s right to hold dearly all
the things he considers important. Although there is subjectivity in this, it is imperative that
we constantly evaluate our long-held beliefs and values.

This is where the value of doing philosophy comes into play. Philosophy is essential
to man’s existence. It nourishes his mind and soul in as much as what food does to the body.
Without feeding the mind and soul, it would be difficult for man to be satisfied in his
existence.
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 The practical value of philosophy was seen in the progress of human development.
The practice of truth seeking is inter-generational as the ideas of the early philosophers
encourage the generations that followed to do the same. People studying philosophy studied
the ideas of their predecessors. They learned about the predominant ideas of the time and
how it affected their world view.

The practicality of philosophy has been handed to us over the years. At present
time, the discipline had stimulated several reforms in various sectors in our society. The act
of questioning continues to bring life-impacting benefits to us. For as long as people will
continue to seek truth through asking questions, they can always have the potential to be
better persons and make the world a better place to live in.

Activity: My Unforgettable Experience `

Create a Critical Incident Journal of particular event that occurred in your life. Reflect on
your thoughts and reactions in that incident. Articulate how it made an impact in your life.

Answer

What happened?

Why did it happen?

What can be done?

What were my learnings?

Scoring: Using the provided rubric, ask someone to score your answer.

I. Modified True or False Write True if the statement is correct. If false, change the
underlined word or group of words to make the whole statement correct.

___________ 1. The etymological definition of the word Philosophy means the love
ofwisdom.
___________ 2. One must study Metaphysics if one wants to study about the concept of
beauty and arts.
___________ 3. According to ancient records, Indiais considered to be the birthplace of
philosophy.
___________ 4. Partial thinking requires one to open-minded in order to be able to see the
big picture in order to understand the entire situation.
___________ 5. Doing reflection is essential because it makes our actions and decisions
well thought out and done in consideration of how it affects ourselves, others, and our
surroundings.
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 II. Matching Type Match Column A with the correct answer on Column B.

1. Metaphysics a. The study of correct judgment

2. Epistemology b. It concerns about the appreciation of art and beauty
3. Ethics c. It studies about the process of attaining knowledge
4. Aesthetics d. It focuses on the nature of reality and its existence
5. Phenomenology e. It involves studying the lived or conscious experience of
man

References
Books

Abella, Roberto. .Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person. Quezon City: C & E
Publishing, Inc., 2016, 10-14.

Caraan, Aleli. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person. Makati City: DIWA
Learning Systems Inc., 2016, 2.

Winston Gallinero and Richard Juanito Estaris. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human
Person. Malabon: Mutya Publishing House, Inc., 2017, 6-9, 21-29.
ROSALES NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Don Antonio Village, Rosales, Pangasinan
INSTRUCTION: Detach and submit this Worksheet together with the activity sheets.
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 WORKSHEET
Name: INTRODUCTION TO THE
Subject: PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN
Grade/Section:
PERSON
Subj. Teacher: Week: 1

I. FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Test/Activity Score
A. Pre-Test
B. Post Test

II. SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

A. MULTIPLE CHOICE. Directions: Choose the letter that corresponds to your answer from the statements
below. Write your answers on other sheet of paper.
_____1. It is an activity that requires a person to examine his or her thoughts, feelings and actions and
learn from experience.
A. reflection C. wondering
B. questioning D. reasoning
______2.What is the meaning of the ancient Greek word Philos?
A.Question C. Love
B.Wisdom D. Reflection
_____3. In our daily lives we encounter events, situations, or issues that we need to ponder and think
deeply. This activity which requires a person to examine his or her thoughts, feelings and actions
and learn from experience is related to the concept of:
A. philosophical reasoning C. philosophical wondering
B. philosophical questioning D. philosophical reflection
_____4.Imagine that you are in Boracay walking with Thales. He is convincing you that the only reality is
water. Would you believe in him?
A. No, because I had my own belief.
B. Yes, because Thales belongs to the school of monists which believes that only one kind of stuff
exists.
C. Either yes or no, I will have my own investigation that is based on the data and reason
presented.
D. Neither yes nor no until it is proven true.
_____5.Identify which statement describes the difference between holism and partial thinking.
A. Holism is a perspective that looks at the “big picture” while partial thinking focuses on the
specific aspect of the situation.
B. Holism is a perspective that looks at the specific aspects of the situation while partial thinking
looks at the big picture.
C. Holism requires us to focus on a certain aspect of the problem while partial thinking requires
us to have an open mindset.
D. All of the above
B. Direction: Complete the table below. Write your answer on the box. (10 points)

ACTIONS WHAT MUST BE DONE BEFORE THE ACTION

1. Buying new clothes
2. Choosing friends
3. Eating food
4. Deciding where to study for
college
5. Attending classes in the
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 afternoon
6. Going to school
7. Visiting a friend
8. Joining an organization in school
9. Playing on a computer/mobile
game
10. Buying a new gadget

C. Direction: Choose a topic below and formulate up to 9 questions. Classify these questions using the table
below:
a. “Covid-19 pandemic”
b. “New Normal” culture
Simple/silly Serious Questions Deep Questions
Questions
1. 4. 7.
2. 5. 8.
3. 6. 9.

III. REFLECTIVE ASSESSMENT

1. What concepts or skills did you learn well?

2. What concepts or skills was difficult to understand?

3. What activities did you enjoy the most?

4. What activity was hard to execute?

5. Did you ask help from your teacher? (Yes or No).

If Yes, did you immediately receive the needed assistance?
Was the given assistance helpful for you to understand better the lesson?

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