Lesson 1

Understanding Reality in a Bigger Picture

In our existence, we’ve asked several questions = Questions are asked because we’re
looking for answers = We are looking for answers because we have a desire to know
(Questions lead to questions)

Plato (one of the best philosophers who ever lived) claimed that philosophy begins in
WONDER
- the beginning
- stimulates us to venture into philosophy
- Our wondering is directed toward analogy and the relationship of things
- We are wondering about a more enduring questions (questions that gives us a drive
to know the answer)

PHILOSOPHY

● when we ponder in a philosophical question, we are engaged in a philosophical

reflection
● always contains a bigger problem
● allows us the freedom to ask even those questions that others believe to already
have a definite answer
● does not dictate conclusive or final answers to philosophical questions
● goes beyond practice questions of fact and of what is practical
● challenges over assumptions and preconceived notions
● are open to examination, further questioning and enquiry
● can’t be answered by appealing to only scientific investigation (step by step process /
evidence) or sense experience
● are questions about meaning, truth, value, knowledge and reality
● do not have ready and definite answers
● questions that matter to us for they reflect our desire to understand or atleast make
sense of our experience

WESTERN PHILOSOPHY

Greek Philosophers: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle (prominent names of Western tradition)
- introduced intricate ideas concerning the rational capabilities of man, and how these
capabilities can be used and developed

The recognition that a human person is a thinking being fundamentally supports the idea that
we all have the freedom to explore the world.

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SOCRATES

- was short, thick-set, and ugly; clothes were poor, which showed that he cared little or
nothing for external appearances (was not a materialistic person)
- his philosophy emanated from his way of life, a life that was not concerned about
wealth and worldly goods
- SOCRATIC ELENCHUS: His way of doing philosophy was by making dialogues with
various people, Thus, he would spend most of his time in the marketplace and talk to
people from different walks of life
- His concern was to discuss with them profound ideas, such as justice, virtues,
morality, life, and death. The philosophy of Socrates was focused on getting at the
answers to the questions that are important and relevant in everyone's life
- Consequently, he helped many people examine how they lived and understood their
lives because, for him, “An unexamined life is not worth living”

PLATO

- one of Socrates’ students

- ALLEGORY OF THE CAVE: explains the two worlds of Plato, the real world and the
unreal. ex. digital world = unreal world, actual world = real world
- What appears on social media is only a picture or a copy of the real; hence, unreal.
What is real then is the one who controls and decides to post something about
myriad of things on social media
- Plato’s way of doing philosophy sought to solve the question of the real and unreal.
In other words, it seeks the truth

ARISTOTLE

- student of Plato
- For Aristotle, the forms can be achieved through senses. Thus, he maintained that
things can be known and proven using the senses and the faculty of reason

Aristotle put forward the notion that the forms have two categories:
● Substance: can subsist on its own
● Accidents: need another thing to exist

Example: as a human person, you are composed of body and mind. Having these two as
your substance, it is expected from you to use your intellectual and physical capabilities to
the fullest. What you become by using your capacity would be the accident of your being;
either you become a priest, doctor, politician or fireman. But your substance, that is, being a
human person with rational and physical capacity, remains the same.

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 - Aristotle introduced his ideas about empirical evidence or things that can be achieved
and proven by using the senses (need to experience things literally using senses and
experiences)

“Nothing is in the intellect that was not first in the senses.” Thus, by using one’s senses, one
can gain knowledge - St. Thomas Aquinas

Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle believed that all human beings are endowed with reason
- This rational capacity facilitates a person to discover their true potential

As students, you dream of becoming a better version of yourself and a successful human person
someday. You know for a fact that if you use your intelligence and capacity to learn new things, it will
eventually bring you somewhere in the world.

EASTERN PHILOSOPHY

- are centred on finding the answer to the question “who and what am i?”
- focused on searching for the meaning of being human
- The goal of their respective philosophical enterprises is not only to understand
human nature, but most importantly, to practise how to truly live as a human person
- For them, philosophy and religion are intimately connected

PILOSOPO

- has a negative meaning in our society. It usually connotes poor reasoning or faulty
reasoning
- Contrary to the real meaning of philosophy which is love of wisdom
- erroneous kind of reasoning is called fallacy
- They are studied because to have skill in argumentation, one also has to be mindful
of arguments that are meant to deceive
- The “Pilosopo” in this sense is indeed a danger to philosophy

The solution to philosophical questions is to ask them.

The search for wisdom only begins the moment we ask questions.

IMPORTANCE OF PHILOSOPHY

- People can clarify what they are thinking

- We can be stimulated to think of ultimate questions
- Philosophy promises us better understanding of ourselves
- It enables us to think carefully and clearly about important issues

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 - It sharpens our analytical abilities, enabling to identify and evaluate the strengths and
weaknesses in any position
- It hones our ability to construct and articulate logical arguments of our own

Lesson 2
The Value of Philosophical Reflection

SOCRATIC LEGACY

- According to Socrates, philosophical reflection is necessary in the life of every person

- Socratic method is the series of questioning and answering

VIRTUE IS KNOWLEDGE OF “GOOD AND BAD”

- Virtue is knowledge because to truly know what is good necessarily leads to actual
doing of what is good
- A person who truly understands what is good chooses to do what is good
- One who pretends to know what is good does not choose what is good. Ignorance is
revealed in actions.
- Philosophical reflection enlightens us and makes us a better person

Lesson 3
Doxa & Episteme: The Journey to truth

OPINION
- A personal claim, belief, or a personal stance on a particular subject matter
- Based on personal experience = relative
- Sometimes based on facts
- Usually changes through time
- A statement about an attitude or personal belief
- Cannot be proven or certain

TRUTH
- Neither an opinion nor a fact
- Universal, undisputed, verified through facts, transcendent
- Will always be true no matter what a person thinks and speaks
- Does not change
- Remains no matter how convincing an opinion is

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FACT
- A statement about an actual thing that exists and can be proven true or false,
observed, or measured

KNOWLEDGE (EPISTEME in Greek)

- Facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education

OPINION (DOXA in Greek)

- A view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on facts or
knowledge

EPISTEMOLOGY
- Branch of philosophy concerned with the theory of knowledge
- Studies the nature of knowledge, justification, and the rationality of belief
- Devoted specifically to the problem of knowledge
- Every person has a set of beliefs or opinions, entitled to their own opinion
- We expect people to respect our beliefs
- Opinions would not count as knowledge unless they pass a test of verification or
confirmation
- Rational beings are held responsible for their thoughts in the same way that they are
for their actions

SYLLOGISM
- A type of reasoning developed by Aristotle
- A deductive argument of a certain form where a conclusion is inferred from two
premise:
- Major Premise: a very general statement
- Minor Premise: gets more specific
- Based on the two statements, a conclusion is drawn

The premises serves as explanation as to why the the conclusion is valid and acceptable

INDUBITABILITY
- Cannot be doubted; patently evident or certain; questionable
- Statements that are false, doubtful, or uncertain cannot be used as basis for
knowledge
- Clear and distinct ideas alone can become the foundation of all knowledge

Rene Descartes
- Father of Modern Philosophy

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Reality as Phenomenon

REALITY
- The things that appear to us in this world
- The objects we try to figure out
- The state of things as they actually exist

PHENOMENON
- Situation that is observed to exist or happen
- The object of a person’s perception
- What the senses or the mind notice

How Science and Philosophy proceed to treat Phenomenon?

SCIENCE
- observation through experiments and calculation are the data used to arrive at
conclusion
- Specific phenomenon to be understood is isolated to yield valuable information
- Narrows its analysis in order to know something

PHILOSOPHY
- uses phenomenon or raw experience to form basis for truth
- Phenomenon is studied, not by isolating it from others but by examining the relations
it has with other phenomena
- Broadens its analysis to arrive at wisdom and truth

EMPIRICISTS
- Sense experience is the starting point for all our knowledge

RATIONALISTS
- Reason is the ultimate starting point for all knowledge

RATIONALISM = functions on three key principles that work to find the truth

- Deduction (the application of concrete principle to draw a conclusion) (ex.

Mathematical principles)

- Innate ideas (the concept that we’re born with fundamental truths or experiences left
over from another life that we’re born with. These ideas can also come from God.
Can explain why some people possess significantly more talent in some things than
others who have exactly the same exposure to them.)

- Reason (uses logic to determine a conclusion. logic can use multiple methods to
learn the truth, and the emphasis is on finding the truth, not on the method)

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EMPIRICISM = uses words with key principles to use scepticism in its school of thought
that reject principles of rationalism

- Sense of experience (believe that our ideas come solely from sense of experience.
These ideas are either simple or complex and make use of the five senses [touch,
taste, smell, sight, and sound]

- Innate ideas (empiricists reject the notion of innate ideas. A popular term associated
with this came from John Locke, who believed that the mind was a blank slate or
tabula rasa)

- Induction (most crucial to principal to empiricism, similar to how crucial reason is to

rationalists. [the belief that very little can be proven conclusively, especially without
experience])

Conclusion

Rationalism and Empiricism are both terms used in philosophy. Both terms are under the
term epistemology, which is a branch of philosophy

Lesson 4
Philosophical Methods

SOCRATIC METHOD
- Socrates, the teacher of Plato
- A process of asking open-ended questions that are committed to finding the truth
- Usually takes the form of a dialogue in which people discuss and analyze a specific
subject matter
- It is like a cross-examination, It is also a strategy of teaching any subject matter
between a teacher and a student. (Zack, 2010)
- “An unexamined life is not worth living” - Socrates urges us to examine ourselves,
including our beliefs and assumptions in life

DIALECTICAL METHOD
- ‘Dialects’ is derived from the Greek word dialego, which mean to debate or discuss
- Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel & Karl Marx - Modern Philosophers who developed
the Dialectical Method
- Reality is in constant conflict
- Formula (thesis vs antithesis = synthesis)
- Thesis = a claim (may be a hypothesis, speculation, belief, or certain reality

- Antithesis = a thesis that negates or opposes the given thesis

- Synthesis = the result of the conflict of the thesis and antithesis (becomes a new thesis that
will be opposed by another antithesis, which will result in another synthesis)

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 - Not concerned about winning or losing but about seeking new ideas that arise from a
conflict
- Method in searching for the truth or discovering a new idea

PHENOMENOLOGICAL METHOD

Lesson 5 - ☆
The Human Person in the Environment

Importance of Environmental Care

Environmental care is not just a responsibility but a necessity for ensuring a healthy and
sustainable future. By taking care of the environment, we ensure that these resources
remain available and safe for future generations. Moreover, a healthy environment directly
contributes to our well-being. Clean air and water reduce the risk of diseases, while green
spaces promote mental health and relaxation.

Environmental Care and Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Environmental care is a
cornerstone of sustainable development. When we responsibly manage natural resources,
reduce waste, and minimize pollution, we pave the way for sustainable growth and
development.

For instance, sustainable agricultural practices that conserve soil and water help in
maintaining food security. Similarly, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power
reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, decreasing pollution and mitigating climate change.

Actions we can take

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimize waste by reducing consumption, reusing items, and
recycling materials.

Conserve Water: Use water wisely and avoid wastage. Fix leaks and use water-saving
fixtures.

Energy Efficiency: Opt for energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Turn off lights and
devices when not in use.

Support Green Initiatives: Participate in or support programs that focus on tree planting,
clean-up drives, and conservation projects.

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Nature’s wrath is indeed very destructive. However, humans can do something to mitigate
nature’s destructive force. This follows that humans should do their share to preserve the
environment so that Mother Nature could protect and sustain them.

As we continue to explore the essence of the human person, it is essential to include how
we interact with the natural environment. After all, Mother Nature could greatly influence the
quality of human life.

ANTHROPOCENTRISM AND DEEP ECOLOGY

Anthropocentrism - stems from the Judaeo-Christian tradition, which maintains that humans
are the chief stewards of God’s creation, while non-human beings have no intrinsic value
since they are only valuable depending on their utility to human beings. (responsibility natin
nature bc we are chief stewards of God’s Creation)

This concept has a long standing influence on how human beings treat the natural
environment. For years, humans have exploited mother nature and left traces of destruction
all over the world.

One of the radical responses to Anthropocentrism is the notion of Deep Ecology

- Deep Ecology is a new ecological philosophy (ecosophy) that considers humanity an

integral part of nature. The ideology stresses the interdependence of nature, human,
and non-human, as well as the environment of its natural processes.

- Arne Naess, A Norwegian philosopher coined the term in 1973.

- For him, ecological science is concerned only with facts (di natuloy)

- Deep Ecology - human beings need ecological wisdom. By concentrating on deep

knowledge, deep questioning, and deep involvement, Deep Ecology seeks to
establish an integrated structure where each gives rise to and supports the other.

- Society needs to find a middle ground between Anthropocentrism and Deep Ecology.
In as much as human beings need to use (ang bilis ni sir mag switch nf slide)

ENLIGHTENED ANTHROPOCENTRISM

Maintains that human beings have a moral duty to set limits in the utilization of nature’s good
in order to protect the needs of the future generation.

Anthropocentrism - is governed by four principles that define human being’s relationship with
the natural environment. (Fernandez, 2019)

- 1st, human beings most recognise their moral obligation to the present generation of
human beings in relation to their utilization of environmental goods.

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 - 2nd, the present generation must consider the well-being of future generations and
be aware that the stability and health of future generations are directly affected by the
decisions that the present generation makes concerning the environment.
- 3rd, people must understand and consider the full value of the various ecological
services provided by the ecosystem.
- Finally, people must recognize that nature has an aesthetic value.

Enlightened Anthropocentrism - entails morals and deliberation and sustainable actions that
are grounded on the fundamental human inclinations for preservation.
- Thus, humans should conserve and protect the environment because protecting the
environment is also an act of protecting themselves.

THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND HUMANS BEINGS ATTAINMENT OF

PEACE

The well-being of the natural environment is crucial to human attainment of peace. It is

evident that when other nature unleashes her fury, many people are affected in a variety of
negative ways.

To live peacefully, people should also leave mother nature in peace so that there will be
peaceful coexistence between them.

- human beings regard their lives as part of nature; hence, they have endeavoured to
be in harmony with it rather than to have mastery over it.
- Nature has human-like characteristics and can also reciprocate the kind of treatment
they have towards it. The natural environment follows the law of reciprocity whereby
any good deed done to it is justly and equally compensated (Fernandez, 2019).

THE HUMAN PERSON AND CLIMATE JUSTICE

According to Simon Caney (2020), there is overwhelming evidence that human activities are
changing the climate system. The emission of greenhouse gases results in increased
temperature, rising sea levels, and severe weather events (such as storm surges).

this climate changes raise several issues of justice, such as

a. how to assess the impacts of climate change
b. what climate responsibilities current generations have to future generations
c. how political actors ought to take into account the risks and uncertainties involved in
climate projections, and
d. who takes responsibilities in addressing climate change

As rational beings, human beings should do the things that can bring welfare to their fellow
human beings about climate justice.

As moral agents, it is their responsibility to decide what is right even if their behavior and
decisions are influenced by the culture of global corporations (Gallinero, et al., 2018)

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 Lesson 6
Human being’s approaches and influences towards environment

Understanding the Virtue of Prudence

Prudence is the ability to govern and discipline oneself through the use of reason. In relation
to the environment, prudence involves making thoughtful decisions that benefit not only
ourselves but also the planet. Being prudent means considering the long-term effects of our
actions on the environment and taking steps to minimize harm. This virtue encourages us to
think before we act, ensuring that our actions do not deplete resources or cause irreversible
damage to ecosystems.

For instance, a prudent individual might choose to use public transportation instead of
driving a car to reduce carbon emissions. They might also opt for products with minimal
packaging to reduce waste. By making these small, yet significant, choices, we contribute to
the health and sustainability of our environment.

Embracing Frugality for Sustainability

Frugality is the virtue of being economical with resources and avoiding waste. In the context
of environmental care, frugality means using resources efficiently and finding ways to reduce
consumption. This doesn't mean living a life of deprivation, but rather making conscious
choices that lead to sustainable living. Frugality is about getting the most out of what we
have without overexploiting our natural resources.

Applying Prudence and Frugality in Daily Life

Energy Conservation: Be prudent by turning off lights and unplugging electronic devices
when not in use. Use energy-efficient appliances and consider renewable energy sources
like solar or wind power.

Waste Reduction: Practice frugality by recycling, composting organic waste, and reusing
items whenever possible. Avoid single-use plastics and support products made from
recycled materials.

Mindful Consumption: Make prudent choices by buying only what you need and avoiding
impulse purchases. Choose products that are durable and have a lower environmental
impact.

Water Conservation: Save water by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, and using
water-efficient fixtures. Collect rainwater for gardening and other non-potable uses.

By being prudent, we ensure that our actions today do not compromise the ability of future
generations to meet their needs.By being frugal, we use resources wisely and minimize waste.

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Understanding Prudence

Prudence is the intellectual virtue that enables us to discern the appropriate course of action
in any given situation. It involves careful deliberation and the ability to foresee the potential
consequences of different choices. Prudence requires us to consider not only immediate
benefits but also long-term repercussions, thus promoting a holistic approach to
decision-making.

Prudence and Ethical Choices

Prudence also plays a crucial role in making ethical decisions. It requires us to reflect on the
moral implications of our actions and to choose the course that aligns with ethical principles.

APPROACHES TO THE ENVIRONMENT

Instrumental Approach
- Human being affirms the protection of the environment as long as it possesses value
are important for human beings
- They take care of the environment because it is a medium in establishing their
society and civilization
- Our problem with this approach is that when a human being can no longer recognize
the value of the environment, it ceases to be a value.

Axiological Approach
- Human being recognizes the intrinsic value of the environment
- This demands then to protect and to take care of it
- Beauty can be seen as the external expression of such intrinsic view
- Need a greater use of imagination and reflection on the part of human being for then
to experience the intrinsic value of approach

Anthropological Approach
- The primary concern of human being is to unveil their being as human or what being
human ought to be
- The focus of establishing relationship with the environment itself but their “being”
- Such approach considers environment as an object without any consciousness of its
own
- It can be manipulated and controlled for human being’s disposal

Utilitarianism
- This approach focuses on the consequences of human action whether is it wrong or
right
- Our action is ethically right when it produces greater happiness for the greater
number of people, otherwise the action is ethically wrong
- Human being uses such few to utilize and manipulate natural environment for human
development

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Natural Law Ethics
- There is goodness in human nature to do good which is rooted in the goodness of
God; the God who created everything according to His divine plan
- This goodness of God in human beings can be seen and manifested through the
expression of human intellect and reason
- We respect nature because God created it for a divine purpose

Value Ethics Perspective

- The act of caring and respecting becomes our second nature
- This extends to non-humans especially for the environment where they live and
realize their being

Sacredness of Environment
- The recognition of the sacredness of the environment is based on the creation of all
things
- The environment as part of the creation poses an affirmation of the Creator, who is
the uncaused and caused, who caused everything that exists
- Natural environment symbolises a possible encounter with the divine
- The environment shall always have an inherent relation with the Creator

THE INFLUENCE AND EFFECTS OF HUMAN ACTIVITY TOWARD THE

ENVIRONMENT

The Spirit of Stewardship

- Human being is part of Creation. They are not the author of their existence
- Their action becomes reflexive to their own self realization. What human being does
to the environment, it has a great influence and effect on their existence
- Human action does not only determine the kind of environment they want to live in,
but also it determines their existence in the environment. Their action becomes
reflexive to their own self-realization
- As steward, human being has to take care of the environment, and not to destroy it;
as steward they are responsible for their well-being and harmony in the environment,
and not to subdue it as an enemy

Human Being as the Summit of Creation

- As the summit of creation and image of the divine Creator, they have moral
responsibility to take care and respect the environment. They participate in the divine
Creators creative acts in the environment. In this context, they recognize the
“otherness” of the environment

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 Lesson 7
Freedom of the Human Person

People want to exercise their freedom. The classic problem of freedom is whether there is
freedom or not.

Determinism - rejects the idea of freedom because according to this theory, human
behaviour is determined by many factors, such as history, socio-economic context, and
physiological makeup

Freedom
- essential in a human person
- is a vital human existence
- aside from reason, what distinguishes human beings from animals is freedom
- human beings have the capacity to choose, to free from and to be free for
- The will of humanity is an instrument of free choice. it is within the power of everyone
to be good or bad, worthy of worthless

Jean-Paul Sartre
‘‘Man is condemned to be free”

The concept of freedom is ontological

- Focuses on the study of being
- Freedom is the very being of the human person (as being-for-itself), and “to be free”
does not mean “to obtain what one has wished” but rather “by oneself to determine
oneself to wish” (Sartre, 1965)
- Means that a person cannot escape from freedom, he cannot choose to be free
because not choosing is even a choice
- Not doing anything is choosing to do something, and that is doing anything

The only thing that the person cannot be free is not being free.
Whatever you do, you are free. However, being free also means being responsible. We
should never forget the concept of responsibility when talking about freedom.

The Essence of Freedom

Freedom is a fundamental human right that allows individuals to make choices without
coercion. It is the ability to act or change without constraint, leading to personal growth and
the realization of one's potential. However, this freedom comes with the responsibility to
make informed and thoughtful decisions. When we exercise our freedom, we must consider
the potential impact of our choices on ourselves and others.

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Case Study: The Story of Sarah

Let’s consider the story of Sarah, a high school student passionate about both sports and academics.
She was faced with a tough decision: should she dedicate more time to training for the upcoming
basketball championship or focus on preparing for her final exams? Sarah's choice to prioritize her
studies over sports led to outstanding academic results, opening doors to scholarships and future
opportunities. However, she also missed the chance to compete in the championship, which was a
significant event for her team.

Sarah’s story illustrates that while we have the freedom to make choices, these choices come with
consequences that we must be prepared to accept. Her decision to focus on academics was a
trade-off, sacrificing her immediate passion for sports for long-term academic benefits.

Lesson 8
Responsibility & Consequences

Responsibility
- For Sartre, when there is freedom, there is responsibility (The absolute responsibility
of the person is freedom itself)
- Sartre defines responsibility as the “consciousness (of) being the incontestable
author of an event or an object (Sartre, 1993) (When a person is free, the person is
also responsible. Whatever the person chooses, they are the author of that choice.)
- Being the author of one’s choice

Responsibility for Aristotle

A human being is rational (based on facts or reason not by emotions)

- Reason is a divine characteristic
- Humans have the spark of the divine
- If there were no intellect, there would be no will
- Our will is an instrument of free choice. Reason, will, and action drives each other.

Reason can legislate (control), but only through will can its legislation be translated into
action.

The will of humanity is an instrument of free choice. It is within the power of everyone to be
good or bad, worthy or worthless.
- This is borne out by:
- Our inner awareness of an aptitude to do right or wrong
- The common testimony of all human beings
- The rewards and punishments of rulers
- The general employment of praise and blame
Moral acts, which are always particular acts, are in our power and we are responsible for
them. Character or habit is no excuse for immoral conduct.

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Responsibility for St. Thomas of Aquinas

Love is Freedom

For love is in consonance with humanity’s free nature, for law commands and complete; love
only calls and invites, St. Thomas emphasises the freedom of humanity but chooses love in
governing humanity’s life

Since God is love, then loves is the guiding principle of humanity toward self-perception and
happiness his ultimate destiny

Responsibility for Jean Jacques Rousseau

Social Contract

He is the most famous and influential philosophers of the French enlightenment in the 18th
century. In his book “The Social Contract”, he elaborated his theory of human nature.

Human beings must form a community or civil community to protect themselves from one
another, because the nature of human beings is to wage war against each other, and since
by nature, humanity tends to self-preservation, then it follows that they must come to a free
mutual agreement to protect themselves.

Freedom and Consequences

Because of freedom, the consequences of our actions are inevitable.

One must always be ready to face what lies ahead, which means they have to be
responsible for their choices.

The freedom of the human is a gift because it makes us what we are, but it is also a burden
because it makes us anxious for not escaping freedom and responsibility.

Conclusion

Freedom is crucial in a human person and remains vital in human life.

Freedom always goes with responsibility.

- No matter how free the person is, they must be responsible for their own freedom.

A true person who consciously chooses their actions will face the consequences.

As a human being when one violates the rules as a matter of free choice, they cannot
escape the responsibility of the consequences.

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Individual freedom involves the world and freedom of other individuals, and that leads us the
idea of

Lesson 9
Human’s existence of intersubjectivity

Intersubjectivity
- deals with the human person as a subject in relation to another.
- you will be introduced to some philosophers who emphasised the ideas of the
“subject” as a being who recognizes the other.
- The “other” here refers to the other person, such as a neighbor, stranger, or simply
another subject than the self.
- however, the other does not only pertain to a human being. it could refer to
other beings, inanimate or animate such as animals, plants, or the
environment.

Paul Ricoeur
- Man is this plural and collective unity i which the unity destination and the differences
of destinies are to be understood through each other (Ricoeur, BASTA YEAR NYA)
- if one stretches out the idea of the self or self-hood, one cannot exclude the idea of
the other.
- oneself implies such anb ostensible event that one cannot be considered without the
other, oneself has its title as a self because of the other.
- this thought is not a comparison between the self and the other

Texts as the concept of intersubjectivity

- he said that the world now become discoverable, not behind the test but in
front of the text, then the work unfolds, discovers, and reveals
- He continues that for one to understand is to understand oneself in front of a
text. in other words, the text is necessary for the development of the self and
paves the way to discover the world

Self
- Ricoeur’s idea of the self brought Descartes’ famous dictum “I think, therefore, I am”
- Rene Descartes is a philosopher who lived during the scientific revolution, the era of
rapid advances in the science
- he is best known for his “Methodic doubt” and the concept of the “Cogito”
- man can doubt everything except the self. using doubt as a standpoint, one
can attain knowledge and certainty
- When talking about the self, “i think, therefor, I am” eans that man is a
thinking being, and that a thinking being exists
- if one knows the self well, understands the self, then the act of reaching out
for others is not a farfetched reality (Ricoeur, 1994)
- to realize (D KO NATAPOS ANDAMI NUN)

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Martin Buber
- the content and relation of there two worlds is the theme of I and Thou, The other
person, the Thous is shown to be a reality - that is - it is given to me, but it is not
bounded by me
- Buber differentiates the “I and It” and the “I and Thou”
- the I-It relationship pound to the existence (AYOKO NAAAAA)

I-Thou
- The I-Thou relationship presupposes that each participant is concerned for the other,
and each person turns fully and equally towards the other with openness and ethical
engagement
- Buber maintains the importance is the relationship of person to person
- the existence is heightened by the act of dialogue, leading to be relation of total
presentness
- The philosophy of dialogue pours much concern on wholeness, decision,
presentness, and uniqueness. These boil down to the question of the authenticity of
the self or authentic existence. For Buber, one becomes a person by engaging or
entering into a relationship with a Thou

Emmanuel Levinas
- to approach the Other in conversation is to welcome his expression in which at each
instant he overflows the idea a thought would carry away from it. Therefore, it is to
receive from the Other belong the capacity of the I, which means exactly: to have the
idea of infinity, but this also means: to be taught (Emmanuel Levinas, 1979)
- For levinas, “Ethics is the first philosophy because it is only by acknowledging the
command in the “face” of the other that we can account for the sensitivity to the
normative distinctions that structure intentional content
- Thus, the human person is intentionally directed to the world, and in the face
of the other, he/she doesn't final superiority over the other
- Ethics calls for a vivid and wide scope of responsibility towards the other

Idealistic Transcendental Ego as Man’s Ultimate Goal

- one should not focus on the question of being’s essence, but rather which
responsibility has it awoken to

Who is the “Other”

- “OTHER” is not limited to the other person
- the other does not only mean the alterity of the self or as the other person but also
those who are weak and vulnerable whose existence is interconnected with the
environment
- The self’s task is no longer centred on the development of the self, because the
other, in one way or another, affirms the selfless self. it cannot be emphasized
enough that the self may still want to attain its perdestion, but not at the other’s
expense

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 Lesson 10
Human Being as Being-in-Dialogue

Self-consciousness and Dialogue

- one important and inherent aspect of human person as thinking and acting being is
self-consciousness
- for this aspect to become more complete, it must recognize itself through another
self-consciousness
- Emerges when communicating each other in a covatibe situation or in dialogue
- Gabriel Marcel’s idea: in establishing relation with another person,
self-consciousness becomes more aware of itself
- The continuous dialogue between “i’s” self-consciousness and the other’s
consciousness that percades in the dialogue
- this summons each self consciousness to treat one another not as an object but as
subject, as a Thou and not as it (Buber)
- Moreover, Marcel believes that the absence of freedom in communicative
manifestation, objectification follows

Selfhood and Dialogue

- Human being’s selfhood is its individuality, self-being, self-realization and well-being
- it does not show itself when one decides to break himself from communicative
manifestation of their being
- Karl Jaspers says: Selfhood only emerges itself in and though dialogical situation,
Dialogue fosters individuality, self-identity and self being of each person in the
dialogical situation

Freedom and Dialogue: Unfolding of the Self

- Freedom is a human aspect that they become conscious of themselves
- However, freedom affects something thing upon human being if it is expressed in a
dialogical context
- The true expression of freedom occurs when it is expressed both for one’s self-being
but for the other’s self-being. This freedom is never passive. it summons human
being to action and this action presupposes relationship
- R. Tagore claims: HUman freedom can only find its true meaning in relation to the
freedom of another human being

Truth and Dialogue: Making Present

- truth about one’s self-being is always relationalm, and it is unveiled through
dialogical situation or communicative manifestation
- It is experience (ACHUCHUUUU)

Lesson 11
Human Being as Political Animal

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Aristotle
- “Man is by nature a political animal”
- living in a society organized intelligently, such as a city, state or nations, is what
makes us human
- anybody who lives outside the “city-state” is either a beast or a god

Thomas Hobbes
- He argued that people were naturally wicked and could not be trusted to govern.
Human are naturally selfish and violent
- “Leviathan” - is a strong ruler who can give people direction
- Fear of others in the state of nature prompts people to form governments through a
social contract
- Social Contract - an agreement between individuals held together by the common
interest
- ”Morality consists in the set of rules, governing how people are to treat another, that
rational people will agree to accept, for their mutual benefit, on the condition that
others follow those rules as well.”

Lesson 13
The Phenomenon of Life and Death

Death
- A topic that does not get the interest of many people
- Connotes an inner feeling of fear, pain, grief, sadness, anxiety, and sympathy
- a part of the human person’s journey
- the possibility of man, a “not yet” which will be

“Death is a mirror of life. To look at death is to see life itself.”

The Meaning of Life

Mottos in life do not provide a concrete meaning of what life is. They provide clues, insights,
and suggestions about what one must do to attain a meaningful life.

Inauthentic Attitude towards Death

- our knowledge and awareness of death is not of our own death but the death of
others
- we do not want to talk about it, we do not want to face it
- however, evading our own death by not having it squarely, by not looking at it in its
eyes, but talking about it from a distant third person point of view is an inauthentic
attitude towards death
- our notions of death are no our own; they are impersonal and cultural\they have no
depth because they are not corne out of out own reflections about death

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 - they are a third person point of view rather than a deep-seated personal point of view
- this is inathauntic attitude towards death

Confronting Death
- according to Heidegger, death is a possibility of not being able to be there in the
world
- it is a possibility of the impossibility of life because we do not know what will happen
when we die
- it is a possibility to which each of us is thrown into
- whether we like it or not, all of us will die, sooner or later, we will die; there is no
escape

Characteristics of Death

a human person’s death, according to Heidegger, has five characteristics, namely:

● One’s own most
● Non-relational
● Cannot be outstripped
● Certain
● Definite

Death of Authentic Existence

- being aware of the fact that my death is my own and my own alone, that my death is
something i have to face myself, leads me to the realization that my existence is my
own existence
- since my existence is my own existence as revealed through my awareness of my
own death,
- I have to live my life the way i want to live it (Authentic existence)
- and not according to what others want me to live it (Inauthentic existence)
- my awareness of my own death makes me aware of the fact that my life is my own
life and that it is my responsibility to live it according to my plans and not according to
the wishes of the “they”

Attitude towards death

Stephen Cave: Stories We tell about Death

- “we do not know what lies beyond death”
- ”we resort to various ways of dealing with the terror of death”
- stories we tell about death according to Stephen Cave:
- the story of magical elixir
- the story of resurrection
- the story of the immortality of the soul
- the story of legacy
- they have no scientific basis but we believe ibn then because we are afraid of death

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Know Thyself
- ignorance gives rise the fear of death
- if ignorance is the cause of fear of death then wisdom it its antidote; thus, according
to Socrated: “Know Thyself”
- life Socrates, Buddha believes that fear of death is caused by one’s ignorance of the
true nature of the self, but unlike Socrates who believes in the immortality of the soul,
Buddha believes in no-self

Lesson 14
achuachucahucahu

Human Being as Dasein

- Dasein “literary means beaing-in-the-world
- a human person as a daseibn means he orn she is in the world and
being-in-the-rpwld means (KAUGFDUS)
Dasein as a Being in Time
- a human person has past, present, and future, which is characterized as facticity,
falleness, and existentiality
- facticity refer to the fivens of his and her existence
- fallenness is entrapment in the world of the “they, “the world of convention, tradition,
doctrine, and conformity”
- Existentiality includes all the projects and possibilities that a person intends to
accomplish its life

Impending Death
- “Impending” is not something that one expects life expecting a family member to go
home from abroad, or a friend visiting tour house, or waiting for tour girlfriend to
arrive at your rendezvous
- it is not something that happens to man
- impending is something distinct only to the individual man
- “Death” is something of an objective experience, We may have an idea of what death
is, but we do not know what it is like
- this death is own most
- Dasein is not (Dasein) whenever it has realized its potential for its being
- heidegger understands death as the ability of Existence to die at any moment
- Existence means that any moment could be its own

History, Contect and Existence

- life has a historical character, for it is time-bound. The kinds of life in different
generations are very difficult from each other. That is why people cannot help but
compare the experiences that they have had. people born in their ear would always
prefer to die tomorrow or later or now AHAHAHAHAHHAHA (AMBILIS KASI NI SIR)

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