Philosophy 101 This perspective has led to the development of a

more scientific, theory-based approach in philosophy and a

more individualistic, self-oriented approach in analyzing
the human condition.
Philosophy, defined

Etymology: Comes from the two (2) Greek words: Philos

which means love; and Sophia which means wisdom. (love Distinguish Sophists vs. Philosophos / Philosophers
of wisdom)
Sophists (Focused on Philosophos (Focused on
I. A belief or system of beliefs accepted as Arguments) Teaching)
authoritative by some group or school. Syn:
doctrine, philosophical system, school of From Reviewer:
thought - Group that - Resistant to
influenced Sophists
II. The rational investigation of questions about learning in
existence and knowledge and ethics. Greece,
- Arguments and
through
discussions
III. Any personal belief about how to live or how discussion and
should be based
to deal with a situation. “Self- indulgence was argument
on sound
his only philosophy” reasoning
- Were excellent
public speakers
Definitions from the reviewer
- Man doesn’t
I. Study of the fundamental nature of need to know
knowledge, reality, and existence about
II. Originated in ancient Greece of Western everything, but
Philosophical ethics one must
III. Uncoering the truth through continue to
argumentation and theory, uses reason inquire and seek
rather than faith. to understand
and learn about
the human
condition.
They were teachers who (Lovers of wisdom)- They
Note of these other definitions: travelled throughout believed that teaching is
Greece and taught people more than training
who wished to learn. people to win arguments.
Learning during that
Philosophy time was done through Teaching and learning
 As an analysis of frameworks discussion and
 As an examination of knowledge should be an opportunity to
 As a discipline
argument and the learn the truth of all things
Sophists were excellent in this world, and all
public speakers who wisdom should strive to
As an analysis As an As a discipline trained their students to
of frameworks examination of achieve truth aside from
win each argument they knowledge. One of their
knowledge participated in. leaders was Pythagoras.
Focuses on how Analyzes the Has its own
individuals frameworks and goals, concerns
think about the sciences and and methods
world other areas
Most notable ancient Greek philosophers – 9 (P – H – D –
Has branches D – A – E – S – P – A)
Seeks to Examines the that deal with
address internal fundamental certain aspects
and external purpose of of life and other
questions scientific study phenomenon 1. Pythagoras 6. Socrates
2. Heraclitus 7. Plato
Clarifies, 3. Democritus 8. Aristotle
examines, and 4. Diogenes of 9. Archimedes
evaluates the Sinope
basis of 5. Epicurus
frameworks

Pythagoras (570 BCE to 495 BCE) – Pythagorean

theorem
What developments brought about the
 A mathematician and scientist, He was credited
emergence of Western Philosophy?
with the formulation of the Pythagorean
Western Philosophy is primarily concerned with theorem. His work earned him many followers.,
uncovering truth through systematic argumentation and he established a community of learners who
and theory. There is a greater emphasis on the use of were devoted to the study of religion and
reason rather than faith, and an increased focus on man as philosophy
an individual.
Heraclitus (535 BCE to 475 BCE) – “logos”
  He proposed that everything that exists is based Plato (427 BCE- 347 BCE) – (Student of Socrates;
on a higher order or plan which he called Teachings considered foundation of western Philosophy;
“logos”. For him change is a permanent aspect Theory of Forms; Dialectic Method of Inquiry)
of the human condition, and he was credited
with the saying “No man ever steps on the same  A student of Socrates, he wrote his teacher’s
river twice”. writings and incorporated some of his own ideas
into them. His teachings and writings were
considered the foundation of western philosophy.
His most significant ideas included his Theory of
Democritus (460 BCE to 370 BCE) – “atoms” Forms,
 He devoted himself to studying the cause of
o which proposes that everything that
natural phenomena. He was among the first to
exists is based on an idea or template
propose that matter is composed of tiny
that can only be perceived in the mind;
particles called atoms.
these nonphysical ideas are eternal and
unchanging.

Diogenes of Sinope (412 BCE to 323 BCE) – (Vocal  He also focused his studies on the ideal society
critic of Plato and Aristotle; developed Cynicism and and proposed an ideal model of government and
Stoicism) society which is ruled by wisdom and reason. He
is also known for his Dialectic- a method of
 He was a known advocate of a simple and
inquiry where two opposing ideas are discussed
virtuous life. For Diogenes, one should not only
in an attempt to arrive at a new knowledge.
talk of virtue but should show it in words and
actions. His emphasis on austerity and simplicity
often went to the extreme, and he was said to
have lived like a beggar. Aristotle (384 BCE to 322 BCE) – (opposed Plato’s
theory of forms; reality vis-à-vis sense and perception;
 He was also known as a vocal critic of well- views influenced physical sciences)
known philosophers Plato and Aristotle. His
 He attended the Academy and was a prominent
teachings and views were later developed by his
student of Plato. He, however disagreed with
followers and influenced the development of
Plato’s theory of forms and took a different view
several schools of philosophy such as Cynicism
in interpreting reality.
and Stoicism.

 For him, all ideas and views are based on

perception and our reality is based on what we
Epicurus (341 BCE to 270 BCE) – (Epicureanism – can sense and perceive. This view greatly
wisdom & simple living = life free from fear and pain) influenced the study of the physical sciences.
 He believed that Philosophy could enable man
to live a life of happiness.
Archimedes (287 BCE to 212 BCE) – (leading scientist in
 His views gave rise to Epicureanism- a school of ancient times; led the rise to modern calculus; Use of
philosophy which believes that wisdom and mathematics to analyze natural phenomena; Archimedes
simple living will result to a life free from fear screw)
and pain.
 He gained renown for the practical aspects of his
philosophical inquiries and was considered a
leading scientist in ancient times.
Socrates (470 BCE- to 399 BCE) – (Socratic Method;
philosophy = life of virtue; great contributions on the field  A mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor,
of ethics) and astronomer. His inquiries into mathematics
led to earlier developments which gave rise to
 He was considered the foremost philosopher of
modern calculus.
ancient times. He made great contributions to the
field of ethics. He was a known critic of
intellectuals during his time., But he himself did
 He pioneered the use of mathematics to analyze
not claim to be wise. And merely considered
natural phenomena. He is credited for several
himself a “midwife” that helped inquiring minds
inventions such as the Archimedes screw, a
achieve wisdom.
devise for raising water, and a method for
determining volume using displacement.
 He also believed that philosophy could enable a
man to live a life of virtue. He was credited with
formulating the Socratic Method- a means of
examining a topic by devising a series of Framework, defined – Purpose: To make a reflection
questions that let the learner examine and analyze based on philosophy
his knowledge and views regarding the topic.
- a way of thinking about the world and is composed
of the views and beliefs of a person. Whenever a
person encounters a problem or question in life, he or
she often goes back to his or her own framework in
order to make sense of the problem.
 o Concrete Reality – pertains to the realm
- Whenever we are confronted by a question of morality of things that are tangible or can be
or correctness, we go back to our own personal beliefs experienced by the senses
regarding integrity and spirituality. o Abstract Reality - pertains to those that
exist in the realm of the human
- A framework is a conceptual map consisting of our concepts. The realm of ens rationis or
views and beliefs which affects the way we view the the being or reasons not of ens reale
world (Abella 2016). (e.g., concepts of love, success or
freedom)

Ontology
Internal Questions External Questions
(correctness and values) (questions the frameworks  Branch of Metaphysics that
per se) focuses on the classification
Questions dealing with our Seek to question the very of existing things.
own correctness and frameworks upon which
values which can be people base their own
addressed using our own beliefs and views. II. Questions of Certainty
personal frameworks.
- Refers to the perfect knowledge that is free from error
or doubt.
- Certainty – perfect knowledge that is free from error
or doubt.
Western Philosophy vs. Eastern Philosophy o Many Philosophers believe that it is
impossible to be perfectly certain about
Western Similarities Eastern existence and the human condition
Philosophy Philosophy o Although we cannot be perfectly
certain about all things, philosophers
Scientific Focuses on Provides a use methods and approaches to reach
viewpoint significant general view conclusions with a certain degree of
focuses on questions and and seeks to certainty
concepts and reality and apply
methods existence wisdom.
Central Concepts of Certainty
Centered on the (Collectivism
a. Truth
individual. Seeks to find )
(Individualism) b. Knowledge – means by which man is able
meaning
to know
in life Emphasizes
Has a more family and Note of the following Concepts (R-E-S-E)
secular (non- society
religious) view. closely a. Rationalism – theory on knowledge which
related to believes that knowledge is a priori
religion. knowledge or knowledge based on pure
reasoning without the benefit of any
experience.
-end-
b. Empericism – Theory on knowledge which
considers knowledge to be posteriori
knowledge or knowledge gained from
DOING PHILOSOPHY experience.

Q: What are some of the major questions that c. Skepticism – theory that questions the
Philosophers ponder upon? (Ce – Ca – R – E) certainty of established doctrines of truths. It
questions the certainty of established
1. Reality
doctrines or truths and believes that mind
2. Questions of Certainty
has limits in perceiving and understanding
3. Questions of Causality / Causation
reality.
4. Questions of Ethics

I. Reality, defined
d. Epistemology – branch of Philosophy which
deals with the nature and extent of
- refers to the state of existence of things independent
knowledge
of human consciousness.

Metaphysics, defined (NOTE: Not a branch of

Physics or Physical Sciences) III. Question of Causality – or the cause and events
of phenomena.
- Branch of Philosophy which addresses questions
o Branch of Philosophy that studies
regarding reality.
causalities
Two Kinds of Reality under Metaphysics o Teleology – Branch of Philosophy that
deals with questions of purpose.

Questions related to the Concept of Causality

 a. Origin
b. Purpose 6. Occam’s Razor – It is a problem solving device
used in analyzing possible explanations regarding
Central concept related to Causality a phenomenon. This principle states that among
possible explanations, the one which has the
a. Agency
least assumptions is the most acceptable.
b. Choice

Perspectives related to Causality 7. Formal Logic – it is a systematic analysis of the

validity of arguments and statements. Logic
a. Determinism often entails the use of Syllogisms or logical
b. Destiny arguments presented as a series of related
statements.
IV. Questions of Ethics – deals with the standards of
right and wrong which define human behavior. 8. Thought experiment and allegory – These are
o Ethics – as a field of study, discusses imagined scenarios used to illustrate a certain
and define concepts and principles problem or describe a theory.
which are meant to govern reasoning ad
action. Famous thought experiments in Philosophy
includes: (F-S-P)
Central Concepts related to Ethics:
a. Right or Wrong 1. “Floating man”- which discusses the
b. The “greater good” relationship between perception and the
c. Duty human mind
d. Obligation 2. “Ship of Theseus”- which illustrates
e. Virtue problems with the concept of an object’s
identity
3. “Prisoner’s dillemma”- which explores how
Ethics or Moral Philosophy – Branch of an individual’s objectives and motivations
Philosophy that seeks to apply and analyze these affect his willingness to cooperate
concepts in various situations, context, and
cultures and recommends guidelines that will A famous allegory in philosophy is the Allegory
govern the decisions and actions of the people. of the Cave, used by Plato to describe his theory
of forms and his ideas on how our perception
affects knowledge.
What are the methods and tools Philosophers use in the
conduct of their study? (S-A-D F-A-T-S-O)
What are the Practical uses of Philosophy in our lives?
1. Systematic 5. Axioms (G-A-P-S)
doubt 6. Occam’s Razor
2. Argument 7. Formal Logic 1. Philosophy requires a person to engage in
3. Dialectic 8. Thought analysis and interpretation of concepts,
4. Socratic Method experiment and definition, arguments, and problems.
allegory
2. Problem-solving and decision making are
important aspects in life which can benefit from a
knowledge of philosophy
Definitions

1. Systematic Doubt – Skeptical attitude in looking 3. A Philosopher is also a good communicator who
on ideas, events, or things. Each aspect of the can clearly and adequately present his or her
topic in question is analyzed to determine its ideas.
validity or truthfulness.
4. Knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self-
2. Argument – Philosophers engage in discussion development.
and debate on their ideas.
-end-
3. Dialectic – Varied and differing ideas and
perspectives are analyzed and from the
information gathered, new ideas and views are
formulated. It is a method of examining and DETERMINING TRUTH
discussing opposing ideas in order to find the
truth. How do we use Philosophy to figure out what is true?

Philosphers often grapple with the concept of

4. Socratic Method – Analyzing a topic by
TRUTH. Truth lies at the heart of any inquiry. Knowledge
formulating a series of questions designed to
mut be truthful to gain validity and acceptance.
analyze its various aspects and examine and
clarify a person’s view on it. Concepts about truth (8)

5. Axioms – refers to assumptions which are taken 1. Justified true belief - This concept states that
for granted in a philosophical discussion. It something is true because you believe it to be
provides a foundation and direction in true, and that there is justification for such
philosophical studies. belief. A belief may be justified by using one’s
 perception and senses by appealing to authority verification.
or using reasoning.

2. Correspondence theory - States that something is

true if it corresponds to reality or the actual state Note:
of affairs. This theory assumes a direct
In determining the truth of any statement or
relationship between an idea and reality and that
claim, we must be familiar with how ideas are presented.
a statement can be taken as fact.
Ideas and claims are often presented in the form of
arguments, and arguments are phrased in such a way that
3. Coherence theory - proposes that something is
they are reasonable.
true if it makes sense when placed in a certain
situation or context. However, a number of arguments are based on
faulty reasoning. These kinds of arguments are called
fallacies. Some of these fallacies may be intentional, as the
4. Relativism- is a philosophical concept which person making the claim is desperate to convince you to
contends that there are no absolute truths. An accept his or her argument.
idea or principle is only true within a particular
context, and thus it is possible for alternative
truths to exist in various contexts or situations.
Fallacies, defined
5. Constructivism theory- knowledge is shaped by
- Arguments based on faulty reasoning. Some of these
social forces and influenced by culture and
fallacies may be intentional, as the person making the
history. What is true, or what a person believes is
claim is desperate to convince you to accept his or her
true is shaped by his society and culture.
argument.

6. Consensus theory- views knowledge as based on

agreement, and that something is true if almost Kinds of Fallacies (9) - (A – Appeal (F-E-P-T) – B – C – F
everyone agrees that it is true. Certain beliefs, (ComDi))
traditions and practices are often the product of
consensus as they may be imposed by influential 1. Ad Hominem
groups or institutions such as governments or 2. Appeal to Force
religious organizations. 3. Appeal to Emotion
4. Appeal to the Popular
7. Pragmatic theory- something is true if we put it 5. Appeal to Tradition
into practice or is useful in real life. It also 6. Begging the Question
believes that ideas should be continually tested to 7. Cause-and-effect
confirm their validity. 8. Fallacy of Composition
9. Fallacy of Division
Summary
Fallacy Characteristics Example
Theory Something is We can
true if… determine Ad Hominem Attacking a ”of course he
truth by... person in making believes the
Correspondence It corresponds Determining if the argument government is
to reality the idea has a instead of the flawed. He’s a
basis in reality argument itself rebel and a
or is factual communist!”

Coherence It makes sense Looking for Appeal to Using the threat “If this peace
when placed in consistency force of force or an agreement will
a certain when placed in undesirable event not be signed
context or a certain to advance an by the
situation context argument. government,
then we will
Constructivist It is shaped by Looking at the have no
society, background recourse but to
culture, and influences and go to war.”
history events and
determine how
these shapes Appeal to Using emotion ”All these
ideas and truth emotion such as pity or charges are
sympathy baseless; this is
Consensus Almost Looking at the just plain
everyone decisions and harassment-
believes it to be views of can’t you see
true recognized how this is
authorities affecting my
family?
Pragmatic We can put it Subjecting the
into practice in idea to testing Appeal to the The idea is “Every boy
real life and popular presented as your age
 acceptable already has a Bias, defined
because a lot of girlfriend, you
people use it should go and - Tendencies or influences which affect the views of the
find one!!” people.

Appeal to The idea is ”Marriage - Vs. Fallacy –

tradition acceptable should be
because it has between man o NOTE: Fallacies per se is faulty
been true for a and woman. It reasoning whereas, A bias is merely a
long time has been for a tendency and does not necessarily
long time in mean erroneous reasoning.
this country”

Begging the Assuming the ”I have the

Question thing or idea to right to free Kinds of Biases (6) (4Cs – F – H)
be proven is true; speech,
Bias Characteristics Examples
also known as therefore, you
“circular cannot stop me Correspondence Tendency to “These soldiers
argument” from talking.” bias or judge a person’s who fought in
attribution effect personality by the war are all
his or her blood thirsty
Better definition: actions, without murderers”
- Used to regards for
create an external factor
argument in or influences
which the
conclusion is
assumed Confirmation Tendency to “How can i
true through Bias look for and accept his view
the premises readily accepted that there is no
of the claim. information God? I am a
which fits with Christian!”
one’s own
Cause-and- Assuming a ”Ever since you beliefs or views
effect “cause-and- bought the and to reject
effect” sweater, ideas or views
relationship everything has that go against
between unrelated been going it
events wrong in your
life. You should
get rid of it.. Framing Focusing on a “Preliminary
certain aspect evidence have
of a problem still not pointed
Fallacy of Assuming that ”These cases of while ignoring out the actual
Composition what is true for a robberies in this other aspects cause of the
part is true for district have plane crash, but
the whole convinced me investigators are
that the city has currently
become a den focusing on the
of thieves and possibility of
criminals.” pilot error”

Fallacy of Assuming that ”You come Hindsight The tendency to “Magellan’s

Division what is true for from a family see past events assault on
the whole is true of doctors and as predictable, Mactan Island
for the parts intellectuals! or to ascribe a was a foolhardy
Surely you can pattern to venture, made
do better in this historical events by an
course!” overconfident
careless man
who
underestimated
Note: the valor of the
native Filipinos”
One should also know the difference between
fact and an opinion. Facts are generally established truth,
Conflict of A person or “As the daughter
easily verified, and do not change from one situation to
Interest group of is of the accused, I
another. Opinions on the other hand, are more subjective
connected to or believe I have
and may express certain views and beliefs. has a vested the right to
interest the express my
When looking at opinions, be aware of bias or
issue being opinion on the
personal view of the person presenting it. Biases are not discussed issue of his
necessarily errors in reasoning, but refer to tendencies or alleged corrupt
influences which affect the views of the people. practices”
 Cultural bias Analyzing an “ I do not agree
event or issue with this
based on one’s Western practice Note: The development of Culture is considered man’s
cultural of placing aged most significant achievement which sets apart the evolution
standards parents in of humanity from other species on this planet.
retirements
homes. We
Filipinos take
care of our II. Psychological Perspective - places emphasis on human
family behavior and thought processes in analyzing human
members”” nature.

Significant mental faculties and capabilities of

man: ( P – R – I – I )
-end- a. Psyche – human mind
 Conscious mind – awareness
 Unconscious mind –
repressed emotions, thoughts,
and desires.
THE HUMAN PERSON
b. Rationality – state of being reasonable
How does Philosophy view the nature of Man? c. Intelligence – ability to perceive
information, store and apply
Man is an important subject in Philosophy and an d. Introspection – self – reflection
understanding of the nature and condition of man is the
foremost goal of the discipline.

III. Economic Perspective - focuses on man’s ability to engage

in productive activities in an effort to meet his wants
Note of the following Concepts: and needs.
o “Economic man” (homo economicus)
1. Man – is a general term which is commonly used
to refer to the entire human race. o Driven by rationality and self-interest
o Other terms: “humanity”, “mankind”,
and “humankind” IV. Theological perspective - considers man as God’s creation.

o Man is created in His image and given

immortal spirit
2. Human – refers to man as a species – homo o His ultimate destiny is part of the
sapiens or modern human beings divine plan.
3. Person – much more complex term which refers
to human beings granted recognition of certain
rights, protections, and responsibilities.
How does Philosophy define the Human Person?

The question of humanity is just one of the many issues

Concepts of Man and Human Nature (4 Perspectives) – (P- tackled by Philosophy. Philosophers also ponder upon the
E-T-B) – think of Blaise concept of the human person and what makes him or her a
distinct entity.
1. Biological
2. Psychological Note of the following concepts:
3. Economic
4. Theological a. Human person – refers to the individual, and
all the attributes that set him aprt from other
human beings

I. Biological Perspective – considers man as part of the Significant concepts of a human

natural world and a product of evolution. person: (S-I-P)
i. Self
Distinct Physical Additional traits and
features (of man) capabilities such as ii. Identity
capacity to iii. Personhood

b. Awareness of self – most unique trait of

- bipedalism, - planning and
- highly developed intentional action humans
hands - innovation and c. Sentience – the ability to feel and
- smaller jaws and creativity experience. It is the ability perceive the
teeth, and - communication surroundings and react to stimulus such as
- larger, more through language and pain.
developed brains writing
- technology; and
- symbolic interaction
as evidenced by Three (3) Views as to the Nature of Self (The self as…
religion and art I-E-ID)
1. The self as innate – this view holds that the self is an The Christian Doctrine holds that the spirit is created by
essential part of the human being, and self-awareness God, and that it is embodied in the human being.
is natural and innate.
o Religious views consider the concept of The spirit is also an essential element for the salvation of
self as synonymous to the spirit or soul. mankind, as the departed spirits will be raised from the
dead during the end of times and shall receive judgment
2. The self as emergent – this view holds that awareness from God.
is gained through interaction with the world and other Various Ideas on the Nature of the Spirit
human beings.
Plato (Soul is composed Aristotle (soul is
3. The self as integrated and developing - this view holds of three parts) integrated into the human
that the self is an essentially composed of varied body)
elements that change over time.
Plato believed that the Aristotle regarded the soul
human spirit or soul is as integrated into the
The Concept of self is closely tied with the ideas of composed of three (3) human body.
Identity and Personhood parts: (L-E-T)
The soul is part of the
1.
Logos (the mind man’s essence which
or reason) enable him to achieve his
2. Thymos ultimate purpose.
Identity Personhood (emotion)
3. Eros (desire)
Is defined, as the distinct Is the recognition of a The Mind-Body Problem
personality of an individual human being as a distinct - considers the question of how the mental and
entity
nonphysical are able to interact with the physical
body, and to what extent one influences each other.
Personal identity is
composed of a person’s
unique physical Physicalism – believes that physical process determine the
characteristics, mental state of mind
attributes, experiences,
memories, ideas, and views. Idealism – holds the mental process and thoughts are the
only reality
Personal identity is said to
persist through time though Monism – argues that the human being is composed of
certain aspects of it may elements which are neither physical nor mental.
change.
Dualism – believes the distinctiveness of the physical and
mental nature of man.

Ideas from famous Philosophers regarding the Nature of

Philosophical discussion on person has led to varied the Spirit (4)
notions which justify the recognition of personhood.

1. The person as an “autonomous being”

2. The person as an “unified individual” 1. Avicenna – argues that self-awareness and
3. The person in relation to others. consciousness exist even if the body is deprived of its
senses.

2. Rene Descartes – proposed that the mind and body

-end- exist as two (2) separate entities which interact with
Philosophy and Spirituality one another.

What is the Spirit? 3. St. Thomas Aquinas – believed that the soul is the
first actuality of the body. For there to be a body, there
Note of the ff. concepts: should be first a soul.

a. Spirit – immortal, noncorporeal essence of man 4. St. Augustine – considered the soul to be the driving
force which governs the body and defines the human
b. Embodiment – discussions on the nature of person.
human consciousness

c. Embodied cognition – man is able to perceive How does the spirit define the nature of the man ?
and experience reality through his body.
Three (3) views – T – D – P
d. Enactivism Theory – states that cognition arises
1. Trichotomic View – holds that man is composed of
through the interaction between an organism and
three (3) essential parts: body, soul, and spirit.
its environment.

Note: The soul is defined as the component which gives

man life and will, while the spirit enables man to
establish a connection with God.
2. Dichotomic View – gives no distinction between the 4. “God as the prime mover..”
spirit and soul and view man as being composed of
body and spirit. St. Thomas Aquinas dubbed “God as the prime
mover”, “the first cause of existence”, and the “source
3. Psychometric Unity View – asserts that man is of a of being” of reality and the universe.
single or unitary constitution, and that the body and
spirit are inseparable and integrated.
5. The Principle of Sufficient Reason (Gottfried Leibnez)
Added in the Reviewer
All facts and events must have an explanation. The
4. Catholic Doctrine – Human person is the union of existence of the universe, therefore, must have an
body and soul that enables him to know and love God. explanation and the only sufficient explanation is the
existence of God.

If the spirit exist, does God exist?

6. Kalam Cosmological Argument
God is acknowledged as the Supreme Being
which governs all existence, and the center of faith and
Everything that has a beginning has a cause.
devotion of a religion.
The universe has a beginning.
Therefore, the universe has a cause.

7. Moral Argument (by William Sorley) – holds that

man’s ethical nature is brought about by the existence
Theology – study of God and other religious concepts. of God.
Theologists – discusses the nature of God, uses
philosophical tools to understand divinity and God is the representation of the greatest ideal, the
religion. “greatest good” and it is from Him that all standards of
goodness are based.
God – Supreme being that governs all existence, center of
faith, and devotion of a religion.
Various viewpoints of God’s existence (3) T- A – A
Theism – belief in the existence of a God or several deities.
1. Theism – viewpoint or belief in existence of a God or
Monotheism – believes in one God who has the following deities.
characteristics: (3 Os – B – E – D)
2. Agnosticism – is the view which considers
1. Omniscience – God is all-knowing metaphysical concepts such as God to be inherently
2. Omnipotence – God is all-powerful unknown.
3. Omnipresence – God is ever-present
4. Benevolence – God is perfectly good, just and, 3. Atheism – rejection or non-belief on the existence of
all-loving God or any deity.
5. Divine Simplicity – God is not just “good”. He is
goodness itself.
6. Eternal – God is timeless.
If God exists, what is his role in our lives?

1. Redemptive salvation – It is through Him that saving

Theologians study God through: faith is affected.

1. Revealed Theology – the analysis of sacred texts. 2. Divine provider - God takes an active role in human
2. Natural theology – employing reasons to substantiate condition through blessings, miracles, divine
the existence of God. inspiration and revelation. God’s continuous presence
in the universe and within each human being is an
aspect of His providence.
Arguments based on the existence of God. (7) (C-O-T-
2Pr – K-M

1. Ontological Argument – contends that since man is a God’s presence in rthe universe may be seen as either
rational being, s/he is able to conceive the notion of a immanent or transcendent. Christians adopts a
Supreme Being. It holds to the reason that such panentheistic view of God. Some faiths profess a
Supreme Being exists. pandeistic view.

2. Teleological Argument – focuses on the purpose a The ff. terms are defined as follows:
God would play in the universe. It argues that a
Supreme Being is necessary for the continued 1. Immanent - regards God as manifesting Himself
existence f an orderly but complex universe. in the world as a unique entity.

2. Transcendence - depicts God as existing outside

3. Cosmological argument – the nature of existence and the material world and whose presence is beyond
the universe recognizes the existence of God as an physical laws and even human knowledge and
explanation of how things come to being in our reality. understanding.
 3. Panentheistic - God is both beyond and within Related views:
the universe.
Anthropocentrism – is the belief that humans are the central
4. Pantheistic - God is an all- encompassing and most significant species on the planet.
presence in the universe and has no distinct
Deep Ecology – on the other hand, sees the natural world as
presence as an entity
being maintained by the interrelationship among living
organism and that every living thing on the planet is
5. Pandeistic - God was a distinct entity but lost this
dependent on each other for survival.
state when He transformed Himself into the
universe. Gaia Hypothesis – suggest that non-organic elements in the
planet play a significant role in maintaining balance in the
environment as they interact with living organism to
regulate the various system that enable life to continue
Additional Notes (from the reviewer)
thriving on Earth.
Immanuel Kant – human transcendence is based on
Theological view – hold that mankind is intended to live in
rationality
harmony with all creation.
Jean-Paul Saite – person’s ability to comprehend objects
Pope John Paul II recognizes man’s lordship
and beings about his own self as an indication of
over nature as a”ministerial” act, a continuation
transcendence.
of the work of the Creator , and such mission
must be exercised with wisdom.

How can we apply spiritual concepts in our lives?

Human life is essentially a relationship with the Genesis 1:26-28New King James Version (NKJV) – (Irdk
spiritual and the divine. why was this included)

Humans can establish a connection with the Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image,
26 

divine through certain transcendental experiences such as according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the
prayer, meditation, and vision. fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle,
over all[a] the earth and over every creeping thing that
Applying transcendence in more practical term, creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in
one is encouraged ot explore his or her limits. Self- His own image; in the image of God He created him; male
examination and an awareness of one’s strength and and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and
weakness can enable a person to attempt to push boundaries God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth
and break limits. and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over
the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves
on the earth.”
-end-

How do philosophical views influence environmental

MAN & HIS ENVIRONMENT action?

Environmental ethics – it emerged in the 1970’s and

How does Philosophy define man’s relationship with
advocated human responsibility and action with regard to
environment?
environmental issues
Environmental philosophy is the branch of
Key ideas:
philosophy that is concerned with the natural environment
and humanity’s place within it. 1. Non-human elements of the world, including
animals and natural resources, have intrinsic
Most views on environmental philosophy
values, and should be preserved.
emphasizes the role of humans in causing environmental
change.
2. The preservation of the environment is beneficial
Other views, however, recognizes that changes in for humans, as it will continue to provide for the
the environment are part of the larger interplay among present and future generations.
organisms and ecosystems on the planet
3. Man has responsibility to safeguard the planet as
it has been entrusted to him by God

Major issues tackled by environmental philosophers (3):

Environmental ethics has resulted to the development of
R-R-I varied views:
1. Humanity’s role in the natural world 1. Social ecology – applies an ecological and ethical
2. The interaction between nature and human activities approach in analyzing society, and sees a relationship
3. Humanity’s response to environmental challenges between social problem and environmental problem.
2. Climate ethics and climate justice – which considers
climate change a significant ethical, social, and
political issue.

3. Environmental justice – which refers to the fair

distribution of environmental benefits, as well as
meeting environmental challenges.

4. Environmental aesthetics – important development in

environmental awareness. This perspective originally
discussed concepts of beauty in nature but has recently
been influenced by environmental concerns.

5. Environmentalism – has become an important issue

in international politics as governments and
international organizations have devoted efforts to
discuss issues and formulate plans to address them.

Significant developments:

• Kyoto Protocol of 1997

• Earth Day celebrations

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