Quarter 1-

Week 1
DOING PHILOSOPHY
- One of key elements in many educational reforms is diversity, difference and choice or other proposals
that establish separate curricular routes for different groups or individuals.
- Diversity is the difference that makes each person unique.
- E.g. biology, ethnicity and culture, family life, beliefs, geography, and religion.
- Educational challenge in the 21st century entails how to deal appropriately with cultural and racial
multiplicity and that one is not engage of harassment in any form.
PHILOSOPHY
- Etymology, the word “philosophy” comes from two Greek words, philo meaning “to love”, and Sophia,
meaning “wisdom”. – Philosophy originally meant “love of wisdom” and in a broad sense wisdom is still
the goal of philosophy.
- Applied it to the study that uses human reason to investigate the ultimate cause, reasons and principles
which govern things.

- is a science that studies beings in their ultimate causes, reasons, and principles through the
aid of human reason alone.
- ESSENCE: the search for answer of life question
- Philosophy originally studies or discipline that uses human reason to investigate the ultimate causes,
reasons, and principles which governs all things. – There are four things to be considered…

4 THINGS TO BE CONSIDER IN PHILOSOPHY

1. SCIENCE
- Because the investigation is systematic, it follows certain steps or it employs certain
procedures.
- An organized body of knowledge just like any other sciences.
2. NATURAL LIGHT OF REASON
- Philosophy doesn’t used any laboratory instruments nor any investigation tools otherwise it becomes
theology.
- Instead, Philosopher uses it natural capacity to think or simply human reason alone or so-called
unaided reason
3. STUDY OF ALL THINGS
- Distinction of philosophy from other sciences. All other sciences concern themselves with the particular
objects of investigation.
- For example, an anthropology study human being in relation with the society. Sociologist study society,
its forms, structures and functions. Botanist focus its attention to plants.
- Philosopher studies human beings, society, religion, language, god and plants among other concerns.
The reason is that philosophy is not one dimensional. A philosopher does not limit themselves to a
particular object of inquiry.
4. FIRST CAUSE OR HIGHER PRINCIPLES
- A principle is from which someone proceed in any manner.
A. PRINCIPLE OF IDENTITY
 “Whatever is, is. Whatever is not, is not. Everything is, what it is. Everything in its on being, and
not being is, not being.”
 B. PRINCIPLE OF CONTRADICTION
 it is impossible for a thing to be and not to be at the same time and at the same respect.
C. PRINCIPLE OF EXCLUDED MIDDLE
 thing used either is or is not. Everything must be either be or not be. Between being and not being there is
no middle ground possible.
D. PRINCIPLE OF SUFFICIENT REASON
 nothing exists without insufficient reason for its being and existence.
 In attaining wisdom, there is a need for empty. Emptying can be intellectual.
 For instance, a Taoist consider an empty cup that can be useful than the full one. This means simplicity
and humility.
 Emptying can be spiritual. For Christian, philosophy, poverty in spirit means compassion.
 Emptying can be physical. The Buddhist refrain from misused of senses they emphasizing a unified hoe.
 Without the virtue of emptying students can only learn partial philosophy that is knowledge based without
becoming holistic. Ex: Acquiring wisdom through various dimension of being human including the
psychological, emotional, spiritual and moral aspect.

What makes philosophy unique?

 During ancient time in Greek before the emersion of philosophy as disciplined, any investigation regarding
the nature of things would be labeled as nature in the English language. Back then there is no distinction
between science, philosophy and religion. Thus, any investigation regarding the nature of things in
general falls under poesies. In this context, according to Warner philosophy emerges something
revolutionary since their methodological explanation about the nature of universe would be set aside in
favor of more coherent and rational one. Before philosophy, the ancient Greek were so engrossed with
their myths about their gods and goddesses so such an extent that in order to please the god or
goddesses and grant their wishes they would offer some token whenever they need some favor.
 Correspondingly, it was also assumed that there must be an order in universe and that the universe must
be an orderly system known as the cosmos governs by laws. Thales is the first man in the history to
veer a way from methodological tradition and began to view things in different angle.
The Pre- Socratics
 1st group of philosophers
 Their importance should not be underestimated
 Many popular ideas today are its roots.
 It has been a long journey in the beginning of the philosophy in Mellitus.
 Mellitus is a fishing village that is a center of trade in ancient Greece, an ideal place to emerge
philosophy. It became the melting path of idea from other culture.
 The story of philosophy started in triangulate of three Milesians namely THALES, ANAXIMENES,
ANAXIMANDER.
MILESIANS:
 THALES (water)- popular among the three being the father of western philosophy and rewarded as
one of the seven sage, a wise man of ancient Greek.
 ANAXIMANDER (fire)- a student of Thales
 ANAXIMENES (air)- was a student of Anaximander
PROMINENT PHILOSOPHERS
1. Pythagoras
- Leader of religious cult known as the Pythagoreans
- Among the pre-Socratics he was different because he treated philosophy in a different way, a way
of life.
- For him philosophy and religion are connected and merge into one.
2. Heraclitus
- Known for mystical nature of philosophy. Specially his idea on changed.
- He believes that the only thing that is permanent is this world is changed.
3. Democritus
- Known for antiquity as the loafing philosopher. Because of his emphasis in the value of cheerfulness
as one of the founders of the atomic theory
4. Diogenes of Sinope
- A great sonic philosopher best known for holding lantern claiming that he was searching for an honest
man.
5. Epicurus
- Believed that in the basis of racial materialism, naturalistic account of evolution from the formation of
the world to the engagement of human into the society.
6. Socrates
- A philosopher from Athens who is credited as one of the philosophers of the western ethical tradition.
7. Plato
- Founder of the Platonist School of thought and the Academy- the first institution of higher learning
in the Western World.
8. Aristotle
- Taught by Plato, he was the founder of Lyceum, the Peripatetic School of philosophy and the
Aristotelian tradition.
 BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY
1. Metaphysics
 Deals with questions regarding reality and existence.
 An extension of the fundamental necessary drive of every human being to know what is real to our
everyday attempts to understand the world in terms of appearance and reality we try to make things
comprehensible by simplifying or reducing the mass of things to fewer things we called reality.
 comes from two Greek work “meta” means beyond or after; and “physika” which means physical or nature
hence, etymologically speaking metaphysics is the study of things beyond physical; that is the concepts
or things that cannot be experienced. Such as the concepts of God, Freedom and Soul.

2. Ethics
 The branch which deals with moral questions and dilemmas.
 How do we tell good from evil?
 Explore the nature of moral virtue and evaluates human actions.
 Moral judgments, philosophical ethics attempts to provide fundamental ethical ideas. Religion was often
motivated individuals to obey moral code of society.
 comes from the Greek word “ethos” which means custom or habit, which includes the morality of human
actions, how human persons ought to act, and the search for definition of a right conduct and a good life.
Note the ethics is not the same with morality because ethics denotes the theory of right actions and the
greater good while morality indicates practice that is the rightness or wrongness of a human actions.
3. Epistemology
 Discusses the nature of knowledge and knowing.
 Explains how we know, what we claim to know, how we can find out, what we wish to know
 Addresses varied problems which lies the reliability, extent and kinds of knowledge, through language
and scientific knowledge.
 comes from the two Greek words “episteme” means knowledge and “logos” means study which is
formally defines as the study of the nature and scope of knowledge and justified beliefs. Specifically, it
analysis the nature of knowledge and how it relates to similar notions such as truth, belief and
justification.
4. Logic
 The branch of philosophy which deals with the correct reasoning.
 Reasoning is the concern of the logicians.
 comes from the Greek word “logos” is the study of science of correct thinking, the study of the principles
and criteria of valid argument it attempts to distinguish sound or good reasoning from unsound or bad
reasoning.
5. Aesthetics
 Deals with beauty and what makes things “beautiful”.
6. Political Philosophy
 Studies governments and deals with questions of justice, power and the rights and obligations of citizens.
7. Philosophy of the Human Person
 Understands the human person from a philosophical perspective –integrating and synthesizing the
different branches of philosophy and other fields of study to know the truth about the human person.
Week 2
ANALYTICAL PHILOSOPHY
2 Fundamental tasks:
1. Analysis on definition of our Fundamental concept
- First, we need to recognize that this is not a disagreement in fact. Our disagreement is not based on
how facts actually stand. There is no quarrel about facts. But what is contentious here is a verbal
disagreement for the use of the phrase “coming first”.
- We need to recognize that this is not a disagreement in fact.
Ex: ”Coming first”- Reproductive standpoint
2. Clear and resolute criticism of our beliefs
 - Second, task of analytic philosophy, according to Broad, is to examine and criticized our beliefs and
assumptions very often involve our beliefs and conceived notions about many things around us. There
are many beliefs which are often based on our prejudices.
- Is to examine and criticize our beliefs and assumptions in our everyday life.
- It is important to subject our beliefs and biases to constant criticisms to be able to test whether or not
they are worth holding on to.
- Let us try to look at the other side of the coin and try to understand them.

SPECULATIVE PHILOSOPHY
- Also called as metaphysical philosophy
- tries to find an underlying explanation or general principle that could explain reality in its entirety.
Example of metaphysical concepts are being, existence, purpose, universals, property, relation,
causality, space, time, and event.
- As Broad put, it aims to reach some general conclusions as to the nature of the universe; and as to our
position and prospects in it. It is an attempt to think synoptically of all the facts – the results might be
trivial but the process will remind us of the extreme complexity of the world.
- Following this context, the attempt of the pre-Socratic philosophers to explain reality is an example of
this process.
- No matter how crude this method where what is important is the attempt of the pre-Socratic
philosophers to give coherent explanation of this kind of reality is an example of this process of
speculative approach. Abstraction – the process of extracting a unifying explanation from the
multiplicity of things around philosophers. By trying to abstract of particular thing that exists, they try to
offer a coherent explanation about the nature of reality and its underlying substance.
EXAMPLE CONCEPT:
 Being
 Existence
 Purpose
 Universals
 Property
 Relation
 Causality
 Space
 Time
 Event
REDUCTIONIST PHILOSOPHY
- Refers to understanding complex ideas by reducing them to their parts or individual constituents.
- It holds the notion of a classical Newtonian assumption that a complex system is nothing but just a sum
of its parts that everything in it can be reduced to individual properties
- In science, reductionist philosophy and methods are considered the basis for many areas in modern
science such as physics, chemistry, and biology.

HOLISTIC PHILOSOPHY
- Works on the assumption that not all properties in a given system can be broken down by its
component parts alone, but rather the system as a whole entity decides how the individual parts
behave. Holism is the idea that something can be more than the sum of its parts: more specifically, it
usually refers to the concept of reality.
- One must understand reality as a whole.
 - came from the fric word holos which means “all”,”whole” or “total”.
- Holism was summed up by Aristotle in Metaphysics in which he stated that, “The whole is more than
the sum of its parts.”
- The term holism was introduced into the language by South frican Jan Smuts Atomism – contends that
everything can be broken down into smaller parts
- The fundamental assumption underpinning the holistic perspective is that the properties of the parts
contribute to the understanding of the whole. However, the properties of the parts can only be fully
understood through the dynamics of the whole.
- The primary focus of holism is the relationship between the parts or its interconnectedness and
interactions.
- Holism in philosophy refers to any kind of doctrine that gives priority to the whole over its parts.

TYPES:
1. Epistemological Holism
 what you get when you apply to language the theory of holism. Also called
confirmation holism.
 claims a scientific theory cannot be tested individually, since testing a single
theory would always depend on other established theories and hypotheses.
 EX: Theory-laden approach (dependent on theory) a notion that evidence alone
is insufficient to assert which kind of philosophy is correct
2. Semantic Holism
 the idea behind semantic holism is that every word has meaning only in relation
to other words, sentences, or the language in which it is used.
 It is a doctrine in the Philosophy of Language which suggests that a certain part
of language, a term or a complete sentence, can only be understood through its
relations to a larger segment of language or possibly the entire language.

Why Become a Philosopher? On attaining a comprehensive outlook in life

 One key element in many educational reforms is diversity, difference, and choice or other proposals that
establish separate curricular routes for different groups or individuals. Diversity is the difference that
makes each person unique. Sometimes, we have difficulty in accepting others because they are different
from us. Such behavior may cause us to limit a person’s opportunities or can make the person feel
rejected or resentful.

Loob: Holistic and Interior Dimensions

Kagandahang loob, kabutihang loob, and kalooban are terms that show sharing one’s self to others.
Loob puts one in touch with his fellow beings. Great Philippine values, in fact, are essentially
interpersonal. The use of intermediaries or go-between, the values of loyalty, hospitality, pakikisama,
and respect to authority are such values that relate to person.

Filipino Philosophy of Time

Moreover, the Filipino whether Ilokano (Ti tao kasla kulintaba, no agtayab, ngumato, bumaba), or
Kapampangan (Bie keti ang yatu, nung burin a) (A human being is like a bird who flies up and goes
down) – proves that he believes in the gulong ng palad (literally, “wheel of fortune) and hence looks at
life as a series of ups and downs. This philosophy of life makes the Filipino an unmitigated optimist.

Bahala na
 The Filipino subconsciously accepts the bahala na attitude as a part of life. Bahala na literally means to
leave everything to God who is Bathala in the vernacular.

Filipino Thought and Values

It is believed, however, that the Philippine values and system, in line with Filipino philosophy, are in
direct need to be used as positive motivation. Reciprocating debts of gratitude between coordinates
and subordinates holds the whole group together- super ordinates and subordinate (utang na loob).

Holistic Thinking
Refers to a perspective that considers large scale patterns in system.
Often described as looking at the “big picture”, when describing and analyzing a solution or problem.

Partial Thinking
Focuses on specific aspects of a situation.
Important component of Analytical thinking, as an individual focuses on certain areas or aspects of a
problem in order to understand it.
Adopting holistic view enables a person to view a problem more objectively and come-up with better
decisions or solutions. A holistic view also means that one does not confine one understands of world
to one’s own perspective of others.

Blind Men and the Elephant – A Poem by John Godfrey Saxe

Here is John Godfrey Saxe’s (1816-1887) version of Blind Men and the Elephant:
It was six men of Indostan,
To learning much inclined,
Who went to see the Elephant
(Though all of them were blind),
That each by observation
Might satisfy his mind.
The First approach’d the Elephant,
And happening to fall
Against his broad and sturdy side,
At once began to bawl:
“God bless me! But the Elephant
Is very like a wall!”
The Second, feeling of the tusk,
Cried, -“Ho! What have we here
So very round and smooth and sharp?
To me ‘tis mighty clear,
This wonder of an Elephant
Is very like a spear!“
The Third approach’d the animal,
And happening to take
The squirming trunk within his hands,
Thus boldly up and spake:
“I see,” -quoth he- “the Elephant
Is very like a snake!”

The Fourth reached out an eager hand,

And felt about the knee:
“What most this wondrous beast is like
Is mighty plain,” -quoth he,-
“’Tis clear enough the Elephant
Is very like a tree!”
The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear,
Said- “E’en the blindest man
Can tell what this resembles most;
Deny the fact who can,
This marvel of an Elephant
Is very like a fan!”

The Sixth no sooner had begun

About the beast to grope,
Then, seizing on the swinging tail
That fell within his scope,
“I see,” -quoth he,- “the Elephant
Is very like a rope!”
And so these men of Indostan
Disputed loud and long,
Each in his own opinion
Exceeding stiff and strong,
Though each was partly in the right,
And all were in the wrong!

MORAL,
So, oft in theological wars
The disputants, I ween,
Rail on in utter ignorance
Of what each other mean;
And prate about an Elephant
Not one of them has seen!
The story of the elephant and the blind men can be analogy of everyday experiences. Recall an
experience where you had disagreement with friends or family over something. Was the disagreement
resolved? If yes, how? If not, how can a more holistic perspective help in the resolution?
 Week 3
Is there an absolute truth? What are the differences?
In today’s society, we encounter a lot of information from various sources such as the media
and our interactions with our friends, family, and members of the community.
Philosophizing
Means to think or express oneself in a philosophical manner. It considers or discusses a
(matter) from a philosophical standpoint. In phenomenology, truth is based on the person’s
consciousness; while in existentialism, it is accepted that truth is not absolute; and in logic,
truth is based on reasoning and critical thinking.
Philosophers often grapple with the concept of truth. Knowledge must be truthful to gain
validity and acceptance.
For example, when we answer a “True or False” test, we judge if the statements we read are
true or false.
Preposition – usually stated as short statement or sentences. Statement about the world and
reality.
What is TRUTH and Why is it Important?
Knowledge is the clear awareness and understanding of something. It is the product of
questions that allow for clear answers provided by the facts. Our knowledge is comprised of
ideas and beliefs that we know to be true.
One important aspect of knowledge –it is based on reality.
Science considers truth as something observable and empirical.
A claim can be proven by verification and experimentation.
How do we know if something is TRUTH?
Ancient Greek Philosophers approached the problem of truth by looking at the nature of
knowledge and how we know what we know.
Example:
I am alive.
I have a body.
I can breathe.
Am I alive?
Do I have a body?
Can I breathe?
TO
I am alive!
I have a body!
I can breathe!
BASIS OF TRUTH
*one perspective on truth
- A believe is true if it can justify or proven through the use of one sense.
*getting consensus or having people agree on a common belief
- A believed that a statement is true if it is based on facts

How can Philosophy Guide us in Distinguishing TRUTH from OPINION?

OPINION
- Statement goes beyond providing facts.
- Provide conclusion regarding certain situation
- A basis in making arguments convincing people that a certain claim is a fact
CONCLUSION
- A judgment based on certain facts
BELIEFS
- Expressed conviction that are not easily explain by facts
EXPLANATIONS
- Assume a statement is a truth
Arguments
- Series of statement that has a reason to convince a reader/listener that a claim is truthful
BIAS
- Personal views of a person
FALLACIES
- An argument often takes the form of statement that are either facts

In the current language, to give one’s opinion is to give one’s “way of thinking”, in other
words, assume the very subjective part of one’s words.
How can philosophy guide us in distinguishing truth from opinion?
It takes me 30 minutes to walk from my home to school.
Living near the school is better because we don’t have to spend much for transportation.
My sister ate the last piece of pizza pie.
My sister is a selfish person because she ate the last piece of pizza pie and did not share it
with me.
The policeman firmly pushed the suspects to his knees and placed him in handcuffs.
The aggressive manner by which the policeman arrested the suspect is an example of the
brutality that characterizes our police force.

Analyzing these statements, you will be able to identify statements that are similar. Let us
rearrange them again.

What should we consider when looking at arguments or opinions?

The number of arguments may be based on faulty reasoning called fallacies.
Arguments
- often take the form of statements that are either claims of facts and are phrase in such a way
that they seem reasonable.
Bias or the personal views of the person presenting it.
How can an Understanding of the Difference between TRUTH & OPINION lead us to Wisdom?-
Understanding of opinions and facts and the means to distinguish one from the other can
further improve our understanding and appreciation of varied views and ideas.
An individual cannot live his or her life just agreeing with everybody he or she meets. 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 faced with a problem.
Philosophy helps us determine ideas that are truthful and acceptable which we can use to form
our own views regarding certain matters.

Week 4

HUMAN PERSON AS AN EMBODIED SPIRIT

Lesson 3 The Human Person as an

Embodied Spirit
The human person is an important
subject in Philosophy and an
understanding of the
nature and condition of the person is
one of the foremost goals of the
discipline.
philosophers have long pondered
human nature, what it means to be
human, and what
sets us apart from other beings and
things in existence.
We often ask ourselves, "What
makes us special?" Pondering our
human nature allows
us to determine the special traits that
make us humans unique as a species.
Further
reflection on our nature as humans
will also help us figure out what
makes us special as
individuals and how this uniqueness
is shared with our fellow human
beings.
Lesson 3 The Human Person as an
Embodied Spirit
The human person is an important
subject in Philosophy and an
understanding of the
nature and condition of the person is
one of the foremost goals of the
discipline.
philosophers have long pondered
human nature, what it means to be
human, and what
sets us apart from other beings and
things in existence.
We often ask ourselves, "What
makes us special?" Pondering our
human nature allows
us to determine the special traits that
make us humans unique as a species.
Further
reflection on our nature as humans
will also help us figure out what
makes us special as
individuals and how this uniqueness
is shared with our fellow human
beings.
Lesson 3 The Human Person as an
Embodied Spirit
The human person is an important
subject in Philosophy and an
understanding of the
nature and condition of the person is
one of the foremost goals of the
discipline.
philosophers have long pondered
human nature, what it means to be
human, and what
sets us apart from other beings and
things in existence.
We often ask ourselves, "What
makes us special?" Pondering our
human nature allows
us to determine the special traits that
make us humans unique as a species.
Further
reflection on our nature as humans
will also help us figure out what
makes us special as
individuals and how this uniqueness
is shared with our fellow human
beings.
Lesson 3 The Human Person as an
Embodied Spirit
The human person is an important
subject in Philosophy and an
understanding of the
nature and condition of the person is
one of the foremost goals of the
discipline.
philosophers have long pondered
human nature, what it means to be
human, and what
sets us apart from other beings and
things in existence.
We often ask ourselves, "What
makes us special?" Pondering our
human nature allows
us to determine the special traits that
make us humans unique as a species.
Further
reflection on our nature as humans
will also help us figure out what
makes us special as
individuals and how this uniqueness
is shared with our fellow human
beings.
The human person is an important subject in Philosophy and an understanding of the nature and
condition of the person is one of the foremost goals of the discipline. philosophers have long
pondered human nature, what it means to be human, and what sets us apart from other beings and
things in existence. We often ask ourselves, "What makes us special?" Pondering our human nature
allows us to determine the special traits that make us humans unique as a species. Further reflection
on our nature as humans will also help us figure out what makes us special as individuals and how
this uniqueness is shared with our fellow human beings.

As an embodied spirit, provides us numerous opportunities to explore everything around us

and even within us. Though we enjoy a number of advantages compared to other beings, still there
are a number of things we naturally cannot do.
• Human existence is embodied existence.
• Many things related to our existence as persons are related to bodies –age, sex, race,
relationships, etc.

WHAT IS THE HUMAN PERSON?

The most basic definition of human being relates to the nature of human as animals. Philosopher
however, believe that the human being is not just a mere animal. There is something in human
individual that set him/her apart from other beings. This special trait makes the human a distinct
individual person.
 MAN - Refer to the entire human race. Include humanity, mankind and humankind.
 HUMAN - Refer to man as species. Include homo sapien, sapien, or modern human being.
 HUMAN BEING - Used to distinguish man from other animals.
  PERSON - Refers to a human being granted recognition of certain rights, protection, responsibilities,
and dignity, above all. Philosophers refer human person as the totality of an individual possessing
awareness, self-determination and the capacity to interact within others and within himself.
 PERSONHOOD - Refers to the state of being a person.
 HUMAN NATURE - Refers to the characteristics that distinguish humans from all other creatures.
These traits are assuming to arise independent of the influence of the culture and society. Examples:
Characteristics involve thinking, feeling and acting. These traits are considered to form the essence of
humanity. Without them an individual may not consider as a human person.

So how do we know that we are human persons? Let us first compare ourselves to the
following:
ROCK, DOG, LAMP
Based on a purely physical comparison, we can confidently state that we
share no physical similarities with a rock and a lamp as they are non-living things
composed of inorganic materials.
Looking at the dog, however, you may see a number of shared traits or features.
Humans and animals are living beings and thus share many attributes. We both have
eyes, ears, a nose, a mouth, a body — though these are shaped in different ways.
Being a living, breathing, functioning organism is a characteristic that we share with
other organisms that occupy this planet. Though living is an essential feature of being
human, it cannot be the defining feature that sets us apart and makes us human
persons.
Based on a purely physical comparison, we can confidently state that we
share no physical similarities with a rock and a lamp as they are non-living things
composed of inorganic materials.
Looking at the dog, however, you may see a number of shared traits or features.
Humans and animals are living beings and thus share many attributes. We both have
eyes, ears, a nose, a mouth, a body — though these are shaped in different ways.
Being a living, breathing, functioning organism is a characteristic that we share with
other organisms that occupy this planet. Though living is an essential feature of being
human, it cannot be the defining feature that sets us apart and makes us human
persons.
Based on a purely physical comparison, we can confidently state that we
share no physical similarities with a rock and a lamp as they are non-living things
composed of inorganic materials.
Looking at the dog, however, you may see a number of shared traits or features.
Humans and animals are living beings and thus share many attributes. We both have
eyes, ears, a nose, a mouth, a body — though these are shaped in different ways.
Being a living, breathing, functioning organism is a characteristic that we share with
other organisms that occupy this planet. Though living is an essential feature of being
human, it cannot be the defining feature that sets us apart and makes us human
persons.
Based on a purely physical comparison, we can confidently state that we share no physical
similarities with a rock and a lamp as they are non-living things composed of inorganic materials.
Looking at the dog, however, you may see a number of shared traits or features. Humans and
animals are living beings and thus share many attributes. We both have eyes, ears, a nose, a mouth,
a body — though these are shaped in different ways. Being a living, breathing, functioning organism
is a characteristic that we share with other organisms that occupy this planet. Though living is an
essential feature of being human, it cannot be the defining feature that sets us apart and makes us
human persons.
We need to look deeper within ourselves and figure out what really sets us apart from other living
things. So, how do you differ from the dog? Look at the dog a little more closely and try and exercise
your imagination.

Let us say that we make this dog your pet. Think back on how you treat your pets• Oftentimes we
treat our pets as if they are similar to us. The following are ways pet owners treat animals as
people:
 You put clothes on your pet.
 You give your pet toys to play with.
 You make it live in your house.
 You teach it to behave properly around other people.
 You give it birthday parties and invite other people to attend and celebrate.

By doing these things, do you make your pet a human person? The answer is, of course no.
Despite the actions and intentions of people who really love animals, animals are fundamentally
different from us humans. Though we share a number of similarities with other members of the animal
kingdom, there are certain things that we possess -- traits and capabilities—that are not found in
other organisms
TRAITS:

1. SELF- AWARENESS
- Refers to the person having a clear perception of oneself, including his or her thoughts,
emotions, identity, and actions.
- The human person is defined by a deeper awareness which is driven by rationality or human
thought. A person knows that he or she is living an experience and an active participant in this
experience. A human person knows that he or she is living an experience and is an active
participant in this experience.
- We do not experience life as an audience watching a movie on a tv, we are stars on our own
movies, acting or sharing our story of our own making.
- This awareness give rise to the notion of the self which philosopher describe as the person
who is actively aware that he/she is perceiving and experience reality.
- This awareness of the self also enables us persons to experience an “inner world” that is
defined by our personal thoughts and ideas

2. INTERIORITY
- Focus on one’s inner life and identity
- Enables a person to exercise creativity. Allow us to imagine skies, differentiate colors, draw
fantastic animals, landscape, create new music and think lyrics to a song.
- Creativity means can create with in himself/herself what is not yet existing outside.
- We can daydream, get lost in our thoughts, imagine, fantasize, and reflect show that we are
able to reach within ourselves and experience

3. SELF-DETERMINATION
 - The capability of persons to make choices and decisions based on their own preferences,
monitor and regulate their actions, and be goal –oriented and self –directed.
- We are persons because we act and we are aware of our actions.
Example:
Try to raise your hand.
Are you able to do it?
Who makes you raise your right hands?
 You may argue that you are instructed to do so. You alone decide to comply with the instruction
given to raise your right hand and it is you alone who make your arm move to raise your right
hand.

4. FREEWILL
- Enables a person to do actions whenever they want and make various alternatives.
- The existence of freewill enables a person to act willfully control his/her actions and recognized
himself/herself as the source of action.
Example:
A boy named Carlo playing in the living room of their house while his mother is in the kitchen.
Suddenly, the boy accidentally bumps into a table, causing a vase to fall. Upon hearing the sound of
something crashing to the floor, Carlo’s mother immediately goes into the living room and sees him
standing near the broken vase. Carlo’s mother asks him, “Did you break the vase?” What do you
think his answer will be?
 I broke the vase, Mama.
 I bumped into the table and the vase fell, Mama.
 No. I did not break the vase, Mama.
Carlo exercises self-determination in determining which response to give. Carlo can choose to
admit breaking the vase, or he can choose to deny that he broke the vase.

5. CONSEQUENCE is the result or effect of an action or condition.

- As persons, we are aware that each action we perform has a consequence.

Example: You decided not to go home at six o’clock in the evening but instead spend time with your
friends. Back home, a delivery truck arrives at 6:30 PM carrying a package for your relative. But since
no one is home, the delivery man is unable to give the package to your family. What is the
consequence in this situation? What is the cause of the consequence?
In Carlo’s case:
 Carlo plays in the room.
 Carlo bumps into the table.
 Vase falls to the floor and breaks.
 Mother goes into living room to investigate.
 Mother asks him if he broke the vase.
 Carlo responds
Persons exercise self-determined actions but often encounter unintended consequences of their
actions.
Now try and complete the sequence.
What do you think will happen if
Carlo admits to
breaking the vase? What will happen
if he does not admit to breaking the
vase?
Carlo may not have intended to
break the vase, but he now has the
free will to choose
how he will respond to his mother's
question. This brings us to another
element of
human action, which is morality or
the goodness or badness of an act. As
an observer
in this situation, how will you judge
Carlo if he admits to breaking the
vase? You may
consider him a good boy because he
is honest. You may also describe him
as a brave
boy because he faces the risk of
being scolded by his mother for
breaking the vase.
If Carlo denies breaking the vase,
what will be your reaction? Surely
you will say that he
is lying, and that he is being a bad
boy. Put yourself in Carlo's shoes
and imagine
yourself lying to your mother. This
act will result in feelings of guilt or
nervousness
because we are aware of the fact that
we are lying and what we are doing
is wrong.
Imagine that Carlo's mother figures
out that he is •lying, what will be her
reaction?
Human action is such an important
aspect of the person that many
philosophers
consider human action as a way to
reveal a person's true nature. For
example, we may
find a person attractive, but if he or
she acts in a rude or offensive
manner, our initial
favorable impression may change.
Human acts complete the person, as
it is through his
or her actions that his or her inner
self is revealed to others, and it is
through action that
a person is able to explore and fulfill
his or her potential. Now, let us try
and say these
statements
What do you think will happen if Carlo admits to breaking the vase?
What will happen if he does not admit to breaking the vase?

- Carlo may not have intended to break the vase, but he now has the free will to choose how he
will respond to his mother’s question.
This situation will bring us to another element of action which is morality.

6. MORALITY refers to the goodness or badness of an act.

As an observer in this situation, how will you judge Carlo if he admits to breaking the vase? As
 an observer in this situation, how will you judge Carlo if he does not admit to breaking the
vase?
 Human action is such an important aspect of the person that many philosophers consider human
action as a way to reveal a person’s true nature.
 Human acts complete the person, as it is through his or her actions that his or her inner self is
revealed to others, and it is through action that a person is able to explore and fulfill his or her
potential.

Now, let us try and say these

statements.
I am a person.
My actions are my own and are
made freely.
I know that lam the cause of my
actions.
I know that my actions have
consequences.
If you believe these statements apply
to you, then you are now closer to a
fuller
realization of yourself as a person.
Now, let us try and say these statements.
 I am a person.
 My actions are my own and are made freely.
  I know that lam the cause of my actions.
 I know that my actions have consequences.

If you believe these statements apply to you, then you are now closer to a fuller
realization of yourself as a person.

7. EXTERNALITY
8. he capability to
9. reach out and interact with
others and the world.
- the capability to reach out and interact with others and the world.
- the concept of the self and the capability of the person to relate to other persons that he or she
encounters. The realization that we are not alone and that there are other persons around us
enables us to reach out and establish meaningful relationships with others.
- Philosophers consider man a social being, and that a person never exists in isolation. We may
be able to experience interiority — we imagine and think for ourselves — but we also share
these thoughts with other persons. Man has a natural tendency to seek out fellow human
beings, and the relationships established by this interaction is a vital component for survival.
EXAMPLE: Imagine waking up one morning and finding that all the people in your community
have disappeared. Your family, friends, and all other persons are gone without a trace. Can you
imagine living in a place or a world where there are no people? Will you be able to provide for your
needs now that you are alone? How will you get your food and other things needed for survival?
Do you see yourself living normally now that you have no one to talk to — no family and friends to
interact with?

Our interactions with others define

our existence as persons. We grow
and develop not
only through our thoughts and
actions, but also through the
influence of other people in
our lives, and the individuals we
meet and interact with
- Our interactions with others define our existence as persons. We grow and develop not only
through our thoughts and actions, but also through the influence of other people in our lives,
and the individuals we meet and interact with

8. DIGNITY
- the innate right to be valued and respected.
- Philosophers consider all humans as having an inherent worth or value. Philosophers,
however, do not equate value or worth with any quantifiable measure such as a price. Each
person is worth the same as another person in the sense that every person is priceless,
unique, unrepeatable, and irreplaceable. We do not value another person in the same way that
we assign values to things such as cars or houses. Putting a price on a person diminishes
human dignity since we tend to value some people more while we may diminish the worth of
others. This is why we consider the statement "You're worthless!" an insult, since it attacks the
very notion of a person having value or worth.
- The value of a human person is also proven by the fact that no person is dispensable or
interchangeable. Each person is his or her own being and there is no one in world who is
exactly like him or her. The other people in our lives are also irreplaceable. Imagine being told
that you will have to leave your family and live with strangers. The relationship between you
and the "new" people in your life will not be as meaningful as the one you had with your
original family. If you were told that you will be moving to another school, one of the first
concerns you may have is that you will be leaving your friends behind. This is the reason why
any form of separation from the people we love and value is a difficult and painful experience.
- Human dignity is rooted in the nature of the human being. This means that a human
person has dignity simply because of the fact that he or she is human. Dignity is not defined by
outside forces or characteristics such as intelligence, ability, skills, or attractiveness.
- Human person has dignity because of the fact that he or she is a human.
- Human dignity also drives us to seek what is good.
- Doing good actions promotes dignity of the human person.

What is in our human nature that enables us to become persons?

Philosophers point to another unseen aspect of the human person which, along with the body,
defines us as persons. This intangible element is the spirit which enables us to exercise thought,
possess awareness, interiority, and the capacity to reach out to the outside world and other persons.
How are the body and the spirit related?
Philosophers considered the human person as defined by the union of the body and the spirit.
The human person is an embodied spirit. Not only are the body and spirit united, but they are also
integrated with each other.

Week 5
Evaluate Own Limitations & the Possibilities for Their Transcendence
Based on the preceding section, let us evaluate our human limitations and how we can
also transcend them. Many of us would experience any of the following; for emerging from
deep within and felt a sense of being in tune with the mystery of our own being, and with the
mystery of life that transcends us.
Limitations of the Human Person as an Embodied Spirit
1. FACTICITY: refers to the things in our life that are already given.
2. SPATIAL –TEMPORAL BEING: as temporal beings, our most obvious limitation is our
finitude –our finite quality or state.
3. THE BODY AS INTERMEDIARY: means acting as mediator (Merriam Webster).

LIMITATIONS CAN LEAD TO POSSIBILITIES.

‣ Transcendence –Is the ability to change, be dynamic, and continually redefining one’s self
which works with our facticity to create change.
‣ Is the existence that is present beyond normal or physical level e.g. spirit or soul

How do limitations lead to transcendence?

Facticity: at times we use our facticity as an excuse for our difficulties and failures.
Ex: “if you are born poor its not your mistake, but if you die poor its your mistake”
 We are free to define who we are and who we are to be.

Spatial –temporal Being: we are more concerned with the past and/or future that is why we never
appreciate the present.
-When you live in the past you die in the present. We are limited in space which refers to
special and time which is refer to temporary.
 Why do we want to hastily achieve or have something which is not yet?
 Why do we hold on or lament on something which is no longer?
- Our spatial –temporal character is an invitation to make the most of our lives. We cannot be at
the place where we want to be at an instant.
- It is the people closest to us that we most often neglect.
- We often appreciate the value of things when it is no longer present.
- And it’s our spatial –temporal character is an invitation to value the people and things around
us.

The Body as Intermediary: having a body may prevent us from disclosing what we really want to
express. In most case, words are not enough.
 This is a challenge for us to be more creative in expressing ourselves.
- Let your actions be louder than your voice.

EVALUATE OWN LIMITATIONS & THE POSSIBILITIES FOR THEIR TRANSCENDENCE

- Forgiveness
 When we forgive, we are freed from our anger and bitterness because of the
actions and/or words of another.
 On the other hand, the hardness of our heart is reinforced by whole series of
rational argument

- The Beauty of Nature

  There is perfection in every single flower; this is what the three philosophies
believed. For a hug, for every sunrise and sunset, to eat together as family, are
our miracles. These kinds of experiences can be truly moments of grace.
 They touch us deeply and the human heart is spontaneously lifted. During this
experience we need to offer praises.
- Vulnerability
 To be invulnerable is somehow inhuman. To be vulnerable is to be human.
Supermen or superheroes are hiding from their humanity. The experience that
we are contingent, that we are dependent for our existence on another is
frightening.
 To work in the office or study in school, without acknowledging the help of others,
is to live without meaning and direction.
- FAILURE
 Our failures force us to confront our weaknesses and limitations. When a
relationship fails, when a student fails a subject, when our immediate desires are
not met, we are confronted with the possibility of our immediate desires are not
met, we are confronted with the possibility of our plans, and yet, we are forced to
surrender to a mystery or look upon a bigger world.
 Our failure force us to confront our weaknesses and limitations. Such acceptance
of failures makes us hope and trust that all can be brought into good. Even, if we
have sinned, as Augustine had, there is hope and forgiveness.
- LONELINESS
 Our loneliness can be rooted from our sense of vulnerability and fear of death.
This experience is common. However, it is our choice to live in an impossible
world where we are always” happy” or to accept a life where solitude and
companionship have a part.
 With our loneliness we realized that our dependence on other people or gadgets
is a possessiveness that we can be free from.

- LOVE
 To love is to experience richness, positivity, and transcendence. Whether in
times of ecstatic moments or struggles, the love for a friend, between family
members or a significant person, can open in us something in the other which
takes us beyond ourselves.
 Life is full of risks, fears and commitment, pain and sacrificing and giving up
things we want for the sake of the one we love.
-
 Week 6
HUMAN PERSON IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Have you ever wondered about the changes happening in our environment? What have
you noticed about the weather and your surroundings? Which of the following
statements regarding its state are true for you and your community?
• Our community is now dirtier and more disorderly compared to the past few years.
• We evacuate our homes more frequently due to natural calamities.
• We experience more flooding in our community.
• Typhoons are stronger and there is more rain during the rainy seasons.
• It is hotter now than it usually was during the summer months.
 Scientists also monitor the changes in our environment. Their studies show that our
world is changing not for the better but for the worse, and humanity is responsible for
this.
 But why are these things happening to our world?
How do our actions lead to negative effects on the environment? Should we even
worry about these changes at all, or is it safe for us to go about our business as we
usually do?
To quote the English poet John Donne, “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece
of the continent, a part of the main.” This means that as human persons, we interact not only with
our fellow human beings but also with the other living and non –living thing elements in our
environment.

Try to put yourself in the following situations. Have you ever participated in a mountain trek?
Imagine yourself on top of a mountain looking down at the land below. Have you ever taken a trip
to the beach? Recall the moment when you stood on the shore watching the sunset. Have you
ever laid down on a grassy field and gazed at the sky? How did you feel during these instances?
Did you feel at peace with yourself and the world? Did you feel that you were part of something
much larger than yourself? Did you feel that you were one with nature?
- Humankind is part of the world, and we significantly affect our environment in the same
way that changes in our environment affect us.

ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY
- This means that as human person, we interact not only with our fellow human beings, but also
with other living and non-living elements in our environment.
- humankind is a part of the world, and we significantly affect our environment in the same way
that changes in our environment affect us
- Environment philosophy is the discipline that studies the moral relationship of human beings
with the environment and its non-human contents.
- Environmental philosophers tackle issues such as humanity's role in the natural world, the
interaction between nature and human activities, and humanity's response to environmental
challenges.
- Philosophers believe that the person has a special relationship with nature. Unlike other
organisms that are merely part of ecosystems and exist to perform certain biological
roles, the person has the ability to change the environment to suit his or her purposes.
The early history of humankind shows that wherever humans came together to form
communities, the landscape and the environment changed. Forests gave way to
farmlands, mountains were mined for minerals and metals, and rivers and lakes were
 transformed to yield more resources for mankind. The pattern continues to this day
- It is in an orderly environment where human persons thrive best. Disorder can give rise to
several problems and challenges for humankind. This is most evident after any natural disaster
such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and severe typhoons which result in great damage to
property, injuries, and even loss of lives. Normal activities are disrupted in cities and
communities. As a rational being, the person is not only capable of transforming the world, but
also of understanding the laws which govern nature. It can be said that the world is a text
which the person can read and understand in order to live a better life. Because of this ability
to access nature, the role of the person in relation to it can take on different forms. He or she
may opt to treat the environment as an object, as a source of raw materials to be used in any
way he or she pleases. A person may also view the environment as something that envelopes
and surrounds him or her, and thus they have a special and unique relationship with it. The
raw state of the environment can be likened to a blank canvas that needs to be painted on.
Persons have the unique ability of cultivating nature, bringing it closer to their intended ends.
This means that persons can help the environment become greater than what it originally is if
they take the task.
- As a rational being, the person is not only capable of transforming the world, but also of
understanding the laws which govern nature. It can be said that the world is a text which the
person can read and understand in order to live a better life. Because of this ability to access
nature, the rule of a person is relation where it can take in different form.
He may treat it as:
1. A source of raw materials to be used in any way he pleases
2. As something that envelops and surround him, and thus have a unique relationship
with it. This means that persons can help environment become greater than what it
originally is.

THREE MAJOR VIEWS:

1. ANTHROPOCENTRISM
- focuses on the significant role of humankind in the world and considers nature as the means
by which humans are able to meet their needs and survive. This view believes that humans
are the most important species on the planet and they are free to transform nature and use its
resources.
- Look around and you can see evidence of humans transforming the environment to suit their
needs. Landscapes were reshaped so schools, buildings, and other structures can be built on
them. Farmers till vast tracts of land to grow crops, loggers clear forests for lumber, and mining
companies dig up land and even level mountains to access minerals and metals.
2. BIOCENTRISM
- believes that humans are not the only significant species on the planet, and that all other
organisms have inherent value and should be protected. This view advocates ethical treatment
of animals. In fact, our government has passed laws that recognize rights of animals to be
treated kindly, such as R.A. 8485 or "The Animal Welfare Act of 1998".
3. ECOCENTRISM
- places great value on ecosystems and biological communities. This view believes that
humankind is a part of a greater biological system or community and that we have a significant
role as stewards or guardians of nature. This view promotes the idea that order and balance in
nature brings about stability and beauty.
- Several philosophical views on the environment, such as "Deep Ecology" and the "Gaia
Hypothesis", emphasize the important role of the interaction between the living and nonliving
 components of the environment. Biologists believe that all biological organisms interact with
each other and that each organism occupies a significant niche within an ecosystem .
- The influence of humanity on the environment can be best understood if we consider the
individual person as a dynamic source of change within his particular environment.
- Look around your classroom and reflect on the state of your surroundings. Do you consider
your classroom clean and orderly? Will you be able to conduct your activities if your classroom
is messy and disorganized? As a responsible student and member of the school community,
how should you respond to this situation? We benefit greatly from a clean and orderly
environment. Clean and orderly surroundings contribute to safety, well-being.

ENVIRONMENTAL AESTHETICS
- one philosophical view that believes maintaining order in the environment will bring out the
natural beauty of the surroundings and contribute to the well-being of the people and other
organisms living in it. The appreciation of natural beauty brings about concern for the
environment and helps people relate more effectively with nature.
- The appreciation of natural beauty brings about concern for the environment and helps people
relate more effectively with nature.
- It cannot be denied, however, that disorder exists in our environment. Disorder can be brought
about by sudden changes in nature. For instance, natural calamities such as typhoons,
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides bring about destruction in our surroundings.
- These have a great effect on human communities as these disrupt normal activities and result
to damages to property and loss of lives. On the other hand, human activities can also bring
about disorder in our environment. The human factor can be clearly seen in environmental
problems such as pollution, environmental degradation, the depletion of natural resources,
global warming, and climate change. Human actions that contribute to environmental problems
include littering and improper use of resources. Communities that do not practice proper waste
disposal often have dirty surroundings, with garbage littered on the streets. The accumulating
garbage causes flooding and becomes a health hazard because it spreads dirt and disease.
Factories often release harmful smoke and fumes into the air, while others dump their waste
into nearby bodies of water. These harmful actions contribute to disorder in our environment

ENVIRONMENTALISM
- This perspective advocates to address the growing environmental problems. It has become an
important issue in international politics as governments and international organizations have
devoted efforts to discuss environmental issues and formulate plans to address them (Kyoto
Protocol in 1997, where various nations committed t reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in
order to curb global warming; and the celebration of Earth Day, first instituted in 1970, a global
effort to raise awareness of issues and inspire action among communities).
- Philosophy has a significant role in the development of environmental awareness and action.
Several ideas and perspectives regarding environmental action have emerged. One important
philosophical view from environmentalism is :
o environmental ethics
 This is a moral approach that analyzes the relationship between humans
and the environment. It also discusses environmental problems caused by
human activities and social issues that impact the environment.
  serves as a basis for reflecting on how our actions show our regard for
nature. We often complain about the trash scattered around our
community, but what steps have we taken to be an example of cleanliness
and order in our homes and communities?
 guides us in upholding the welfare of the environment and everything in it.
As persons, it is our responsibility to start with our own actions and how
they affect our immediate environment. Have you ever taken the initiative
to tidy up your room or help clean your house? Starting in your own home
is an important step towards becoming a more responsible steward of
nature.
- Apart from individual action, environmentalism also encourages governments, institutions,
organizations, and corporations to commit to responsible action for the environment. Many of
the major environmental problems we experience, such as pollution, deforestation, and the
loss of natural resources are caused by the mining and logging companies, factories,
business, and even governments. An important part of environmentalism is collective action
spearheaded by environmental call attention to environmental problems and environmental
abuse

 What can I do to uphold environmentalism and care for nature? Recognizing the urgent need for
humanity to address the challenges in our environment, philosophers urge action to directly
address environmental problems. Environmentalist views have given rise to varied perspectives
regarding the best means for humanity to take action and uphold its mission as stewards of
nature.
 One Of the major concepts that drive environmentalism is sustainability or sustainable
development. This concept focuses on reconciling human activities and economic development
with the protection of the environment. One of the major ideas of sustainability is that we must
make wise decisions regarding the use of natural resources to ensure that there is still enough
left for future use.
 You might have been told to finish all of your food whenever your parents see that you have
leftovers on your plate. Have you ever wondered what happens to unconsumed food? Imagine,
in a single day, how many people throughout the world have leftovers. If we put these together, it
might be as tall as a mountain. According to a 2011 report by the World Food Programme, about
one-third of the total food supply is wasted throughout the world. In 2008, a study of the
Philippine Rice Research Institute estimates that every Filipino waste about 3.2 kilograms of rice
every year. That food could have fed other people but sadly it often goes to waste. This fact
highlights one important idea related to sustainability: that the misuse of resources often means
that other people do not get to benefit from it

SUSTAINABILITY
- relies on three important principles: environmental integrity, economic efficiency, and equity

a. Environmental integrity refers to maintaining the state of the environment. This means that
human activities should not unduly disrupt the ecosystems and human communities located in
the area. Care should be taken that the surrounding landscape is not drastically impacted by
human activities.
b. Economic efficiency refers to prudence in decision-making regarding the use of resources to
ensure that there is minimum to zero waste.
c. Equity demands that we use our natural resources in such a manner that these are conserved
so that the next generation will be able to use them.
d. Prudence is the ability to regulate one's actions and behavior.
e. Frugality is being thrifty with the use of one's resources.
 The values of prudence and frugality can guide us in our own personal use of
resources.
 Reflect on how you have been using resources at home and in school. How can
you apply prudence and frugality in implementing changes to become a wiser
and more considerate consumer? How will these values guide you in addressing
environmental problems in your home, school, and community? As human
persons, it is our responsibility to treat with respect not only our fellow humans,
but also everything in our world. Upholding environmentalism and sustainability
will enable us to take the first steps in addressing environmental issues and
contribute to solving the greater environmental challenge of climate change.