CRITICAL THINKING

INNOVATIVE THINKING
EMPATHY
RESILIENCE
TEAMWORK
COMMUNICATION

1
INTRODUCTION

“it is not enough to have a good mind. The main thing is to use it well.” –Rene Descartes

The study of this subject is an initiation to the activity and process of philosophical reflection
as a search for a synoptic vision of life. At the end of the course, you should be able to reflect on their
daily experiences from a holistic point of view, acquire critical and analytical thinking skills and should
be able to apply this critical and analytical thinking skills to the affairs of daily life and becometruthful,
environment-friendly and service-oriented. Actively committed to the development of a more humane
society and articulate their own philosophy of life.

Intended Learning Outcomes (Learning Competencies)

Intended Learning Outcomes 1: Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view
Intended Learning Outcomes 2: Recognize human activities that emanated from deliberate reflection
Intended Learning Outcomes 3: Realize the value of doing Philosophy in obtaining a broad
perspective on life
Intended Learning Outcomes 4: Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic
perspective

TOPIC 1: 1: The Meaning and Method of Doing Philosophy

The word philosophy comes from two Greek words: philos (love) and sophia (wisdom). The ancient
Greeks used this term to refer to “love of wisdom” and they soon applied it to the study or discipline that
uses human reason to investigate the ultimate causes, reasons, and principles which govern all things.

Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental questions about existence, knowledge,
values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy in simple words is a way of thinking about the world, the
universe, and society. It works by asking very basic questions about the nature of human thought, the
nature of the universe, and the connections between them. The ideas in philosophy are often general
and abstract.

Philosophy is the study of humans and the world by thinking and asking questions. Itis a science
and an art. Philosophy tries to answer important questions by coming up with answers about real things
and asking "why?"
 Activity 1: WHO ARE THEY?

Do you know of some Greek Philosophers? Philosophers- are people

who engage in philosophy.

Quotable quotes
Direction: Identify whose famous philosophical line are the words/phrase. Answer on the space
provided.

1. “I know that I do not know”

2. “Water is the first cause, from which all matters come”

3. “Air is the first cause from which all else comes”

4. “Physical realm or matter, is only a shadow or image or the real realm- form”

5. “Forms do not exist independently of things- every form is the form of a

thing
 TOPIC 2: The Difference Between Holistic Perspective from a
Partial Point of View

We have already discussed the meaning of Philosophy from our previous lesson. Now,
let us proceed to another topic.

• Holistic thinking refers to a perspective that considers large-scale patterns in

systems. A holistic perspective requires an individual to have an open mindset and
ability to get the general sense or impression regarding a situation.

• Partial thinking focuses on specific aspects of a situation. The partial view is an

important component of analytical thinking, as an individual focuses on certain
areas or aspects of a problem in order to understand it.

The term "holistic thinking" refers to a big picture mentality in which a person recognizes the
interconnectedness of various elements that form larger systems, patterns and objects. Thinking holistically
is the opposite of analyzing something, which involves breaking down a larger system into its details.

Holistic medicine is a prominent example of holistic thinking. A medical professional who believes
in holistic care considers the relationship between the mind, body and spirit. For example, holistic doctors
don't just provide patients with medications. Instead, they look at ways to improve life balance and
eradicate health problems from their root source, such as high stress or bad nutrition.

In philosophy, point of view describes the perception of an event or phenomenon and how exactly
it is viewed. Point of view often is shaped by an individual's beliefs or experiences. Though partial thinking is
useful, philosophy utilizes holistic thinking in making sense of problems and issues related to the human
experience.

People tend to apply an analytical perspective when looking at problems or situations. A holistic
view gives rise to a more appreciative perspective about life, as we are able to look at life in its totality.
 Activity 2: What do I need to know?

Direction: Give a brief answer to the following question. Write your answer on
the space provided below.

1. Give a situation where you are adopted a holistic view in looking at a

problem or situation.
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2. How can having a holistic view help us become better individuals.

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 TOPIC 3: The Value of Doing Philosophy in Obtaining a
Broad Perspective on Life

Why do we philosophize? We all have the potential to philosophize since we have the
tendency to wonder and doubt. A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly and adequately
present his or her ideas.

Doing philosophy can be applied in day-to-day activities and life perspectives. Because it involves
an evaluative process, doing philosophy allows a person to make better decisions and act accordingly to
situations with the help of various philosophical skills. On life perspectives, philosophy enables reflective
thinking which greatly influences a person’s view of life, challenges, and relationships

In doing philosophy, a holistic perspective on the subject is always required. Failure to do so or

only using a partial point of view may lead to illogical or incorrect conclusions. Plato traced man’s need
to philosophize to his sense of wonder. Whenever we are confronted with an experience, we always
wonder how it came about.

French philosopher Rene Descartes traced the need to philosophize to doubt. In life, we will be
faced with several ideas and arguments which present themselves as “truths”. A critical and questioning
perspective is necessary to determine if indeed these ideas or views are correct or true.

Swiss-German philosopher Karl Jaspers saw the need to philosophize because of experience. These
experiences limit situation, philosophy provides us a means to understand adverse or challenging
conditions, and to rise above them and gain new knowledge and perspective. The need to philosophize is
driven by the love for wisdom. To love wisdom is to have an insatiable desire for truth.

Philosophy itself is a distinct area of knowledge with its own goals, concerns, and ways of doing
things.

The following are the branches of philosophy that deals

with a particular aspect of life or phenomena.

Aesthetics is the branch of Philosophy which deals with beauty and what makes things
“beautiful”.
Logic is branch of philosophy which deals with correct reasoning.
Epistemology discusses the nature of knowledge and knowing.
Ethics is the branch which deals with moral questions and dilemmas.
Political Philosophy studies governments and deals with questions of justice, power and the
rights and obligations of citizens.
Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy which deals with questions regarding reality and
existence.
Philosophy of the Human Person-is an area in philosophy that understand the human
person from a philosophical perspective.
 Activity 3: Name it!

Direction: Based on the picture below. Identify the branches of

Philosophy. Write your answer on the space provided.
 TOPIC 4: Doing a Philosophical Reflection on a Situation
from Holistic Perspective

➢ Reflection requires a person to be willing to examine one’s thoughts, feelings, and action and to
learn more about one’s life and experiences.

➢ Human self-reflection is the capacity of humans to exercise introspection and to attempt to learn
more about their fundamental nature and essence.

➢ Philosophy has an important place in our daily lives. Engaging in philosophical reflection leads to
the development of beneficial skills that individuals can apply in everyday situations.

Reflection is vital in ensuring that our actions and decisions are well thought out and are done with
due regard for their implications and consequences on ourselves, others, and our surroundings.

When we reflect, we can judge whether our actions or decisions are reasonable or not. Doing
Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis and interpretation of concepts, definitions,
arguments, and problems.

Doing Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision making. The ability to analyze a
problem or dilemma, identify the significant aspects, and come up with alternative solutions is an
important skill learned through philosophy.

In the process of doing philosophy, it is critical to have a holistic point of view-the perception of
looking at all aspects of a situation first before making a conclusion. Wisdom as it refers to a person’s ability
to apply knowledge to daily life particularly in making sound choices and judgment is the intended product
of philosophizing. Finally, knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self-development.
 Activity 1: Work thy Act!

Direction: Complete the table below. Write your answer on the space provided.

REFERENCES

Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min. (2016). Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person.
Philosophy meaning. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy)
Holistic thinking. https://www.reference.com/world-view/holistic-thinking-71825abaad1c20ca
Partial point of view. https://study.com/academy/answer/what-is-partial-point-of-view.html
Self-reflection. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-reflection
The difference between holistic and partial thinking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yTVInz1eOg
https://www.slideshare.net/arielgilbuena7/intro-to-the-philosophy-of-the-human-person-
chapter-1-the-process-of-doing-philosophy
https://www.reference.com/world-view/holistic-thinking-71825abaad1c20ca
https://study.com/academy/answer/what-is-partial-point-of-view.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBTnhWEWf38
https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+philosophy&oq=what+is+philo&aqs=chrome.1.6
9i57j0l7.8372j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy
https://study.com/academy/lesson/big-picture-vs-detail-oriented-thinking.html
https://thefearlesshustle.com/5-ways-to-stay-positive-through-life/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristotle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socrates
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicurus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato