LESSON 1: The Meaning and Method of Doing Philosophy

Objectives: After going through this module, you are expected to understand the meaning and
process of doing philosophy, to:

1. Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view

2. Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life
3. Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic perspective

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. It is a
science and an art. Philosophy tries to answer important questions by coming up with answers
about real things and asking "why?"

Philosophers- are people who engage in philosophy.

Pythagoras (570 BCE to 495 BCE)- A mathematician and scientist, he was credited with
formulating the Pythagorean theorem.

Heraclitus (535 BCe to 475 BCE)- He proposed that everything that exists is based on a higher
order or plan which he called logos.

Democritus (460 BCE to 370 BCE)- He devoted himself to the study of the causes of natural
phenomena.
Diogenes of Sinope (412 BCE to 323 BCE)- He was a known advocate of living a simple and
virtuous life.

Epicurus (341 BCE to 270 BCE)- He believed that philosophy could enable man to live a life of
happiness.

Socrates (470 BCE to 399 BCE)- He was considered the foremost philosophers of ancient times.
He was credited with formulating the Socratic method- means of examining a topic
by devising a series of questions that let the learner examine and analyze his
knowledge and views regarding the topic.5

Plato (427 BCE to 347 BCE)- A student of Socrates, he wrote down his mentor’s teaching and
incorporated some of his own ideas into them. Plato’s most significant ideas
included his Theory of Forms, which proposes that everything that exist is based
on an idea or template than can only be perceived in the mind. Plato is also known
for his dialectic- a method of inquiry where two opposing ideas are discussed in an
attempt to arrive at new knowledge. Plato’s lasting contribution to learning was
his founding of the Academy, an institution of higher learning.

Aristotle (384 BCE to 322 BCE)- He attended the Academy, and was the prominent student of
Plato. For him, all ideas and views are based on perception and our reality is based
on what we can sense and perceive. His studies in logic led to the formulation of a
formal process of analyzing reasoning which give rise to deductive reasoning-the
process by which specific statements are analysed to reach a conclusion or
generalization.

LESSON 1.1 The Difference Between Holistic

Perspective from a Partial Point of View

 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.

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.

LESSON 1.2 The Value of Doing Philosophy in Obtaining a

Broad Perspective on Life
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 understands the human person
from a philosophical perspective.
LESSON 1.3 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.

 REFERENCES

BOOK RESOURCES

Abella, R., (2016). Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person. C & E Publishing, Inc.

Valmores, C,. (2020). Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person Alternative Delivery
Mode Quarter 1 – Module 1: The Meaning and method of doing Philosophy First Edition,
2020,Department of Education

ONLINE RESOURCES

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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
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