LESSON 1

Why is there a need to

philosophize?

▸Philosophers have often wondered and argued

about the role of philosophy in man's life. We all
have the potential to philosophize since we have
the tendency to wonder and doubt. We possess the
capacity to reflect on our experiences, and we have
a never-ending need to learn and discover.
• The Greek philosopher Plato traced man's need to philosophize to
his sense of wonder. Man's over bounding curiosity drives him
to ask question, some of which have no definite answer. Where
did we come from? Why do we exist? For what purpose were we
created? Consider a small child's curiosity about all the things
around him, most of which he encounter for the first time. This
perspective drives the need of a philosopher to question,
examine, and learn more.
▸ The 15th-century French philosopher Rene Descartes traced the
need to philosophize to doubt. Descartes was famous for rejecting or
questioning established ideas, and he even went as far as doubting
his own ideas. His method of examining ideas perspectives became
the basis of critical thinking and analysis in the sciences. For example,
a scientific hypothesis must first be tested and verified before it is
accepted as truth. In life, we will be faced with several ideas and
arguments which present themselves as “ truths. ” A critical and
questioning perspective is necessary to determine if indeed these
ideas or views are correct or true.
▸The 20th-century Swiss-German philosopher Karl
Jasper saw the need to philosophize because of
experience. Jasper believed that man is often
confronted by experiences which challenge his ideas
and framework. Jaspers called these experiences
limit situation, and these are often accompanied by
feelings of helplessness, anxiety, or dread. For
Jaspers, philosophy provides us a means to
understand adverse or challenging condition, and to
rise above them and gain new knowledge and
perspective.
▸ Finally, the need to philosophize is driven by the love for
wisdom. To love wisdom is to have an instable desire for truth.
He seeks to continue to question, to probe, and to discuss in
order to get to the bottom of things. The philosopher who
exemplified this perspective was Socrates. Socrates is famous
for having said "I know that I do not know..." and it is in accepting
this state of ignorance that one can begin to learn and
understand. By expanding our knowledge through philosophy,
we begin to realize that learning is unceasing. Socrates is also
recognized for his motto: "The unexamined life is not worth living
." And nowhere is it more appropriate to embark on philosophy
than in an examination of our own life.
 How do we characterize the
study of philosophy
▸ Just as there are many ways of looking at a problem, philosophers have
employed varied means of looking into the fundamental questions regarding
the human condition.

▸One way of looking at philosophy is to consider it as a way of analyzing

frameworks. A framework is defined as 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. Questions
dealing with our own correctness and values are considered internal
questions which can be addressed using our own personal frameworks.
▸Also, there are external questions that seek to question the
very frameworks upon which people base their own beliefs and
views. For example, a child who is going through the bitter
experience of his or her parent's separation will be in a state of
confusion as his or her experiences does not conform to his or
her personal framework of what a family should be. In this case,
the child begins to question the very framework or concept of
family that he or she has built based on previous experiences.
By questioning his or her ideas and concepts, the child has
already touched on an important aspect of philosophy. The child
seeks to clarify, examine, and evaluate the basis of frameworks
which he or she uses to deal with the world and give meaning to
his or her experiences.
▸ Philosophy can also be thought of as an
examination of a particular area of knowledge.
The central principle in philosophy is examination
and quetioning, and this is often applied in the
analysis of the frameworks of other areas or
sciences. There is a philosophy of science, which
seeks to understand the fundamental principles that
guide scientific thought. There is also a philosophy
of religion, education, political and history.
▸Philosophy itself is a distinct area of knowledge with
its own goals , concerns, and ways of doing things. It
is divided into several branches with a particular aspect of
life or phenomena:
▸ Aesthetics- is the branch of philosophy which deals
with beauty and what makes things "beautiful"
▸ Logic- which deals with correct reasoning.
▸ Epistemology - discusses the nature of knowledge
and knowing.
▸ Ethics- is the branch which deals with questions and
dilemmas.
▸ Political Philosophy- studies
government and deals with question of justice,
power and the rights and obligations of
citizens.
▸ Metaphysics- which deals with
questions regarding reality and existence.
▸ Philosophy of the Human Person -
although not a branch itself it is an area in
philosophy that understands the human
▸However complex and varied the perceptions,
they suggest two important facts about
philosophizing: philosophy is a reflective
and meditative activity, and it has no
designated subject matter of its own. It is also
a method of mental exercise on any type of
experience. When confronting human
experience, philosophers often employ tools
that engage the mind in analyzing problems
and situations.
 What is the difference between
holistic thinking and partial
thinking?

▸HOLISTIC THINKING- refers to a perspective that consider large-

scale patterns in system. This is often described as looking at the "big
picture" when describing and analyzing a situation or problem.
▸PARTIAL THINKING- on the other hand , focuses on specific aspect
or situation. The partial view is an important component of analytical
thinking, as an individual focuses on certain areas or aspects of a
problem in order to understand it. People tend to apply analytical
perspective when looking at a problem or situations. Doctors often
focus on specific set of symptoms to determine the cause of a patient
illness.
▸Holistic perspective requires doctor to look at the "big
picture" and view the patient's illness as an aspect of his or
her lifestyle and personal circumstances.
▸Holistic view also gives to rise to a more appreciative
perspective about life, as we are able to look at life in it's
totality.
▸All the positive and negative experiences I our life come
together to give meaning to our existence, and we learn to
appreciate our individual experiences as vital aspects of a
larger and more meaningful life.
How does one engage in
reflection?

▸REFLECTION requires a person to be willing to

examine one's thoughts,feelings,and actions and to
learn more about ones life and experiences. One can
reflect on almost subject. For instance, the moment
you wake up you can already reflect upon the the
things that you plan to do for the day. This will enable
you to set up your daily goals and set you on the
path of thinking of ways to achieve them.
Seemingly simple or mundane actions take a whole
new meaning when one engages in reflection. When
buying clothes , for example , think of the questions
that you ask yourself as you consider buying the t-
shirt or blouse you are holding. You may start with
the simple question: ''WILL THIS FIT ME? '' DO I
LOOK GOOD IN THIS COLOR?. These are the
usual question any buyer would ask himself or
herself.
▸*Reflective philosophizing mood ''thinking deeper'' ''DO I EVEN
HAVE TO BUY A NEW T-SHIRT TODAY''? ''AM I BETTER OFF
SPENDING MY MONEY ON OTHER THINGS?''
''DO I SEE MYSELF WEEARING THIS T-SHIRT OFTEN, OR
AM I JUST GOING TO WEAR IT ONCE?'' "WHAT SORT OF
PERSON WEARS THIS KIND OF T-SHIRT?''
▸ A reflection allows you an opportunity to think more deeply
about your actions, your motivation for doing such an action and
even its possible consequence.
▸*Reflection is a vital in ensuring that our actions and
decisions are well thought out and done with due
regard for their implications and consequences on
ourselves, others,and our surrounding.
*Reflection helps us understand ourselves and our
action better.
-WHEN WE REFLECT, WE CAN JUDGE
WHETHER OUR ACTION AND DECISION ARE
REASONABLE OR NOT- ****Taking time to analyze
your decision and action is one vital skill that will
greatly help you encounter more challenges in life****
 What are the practical uses of philosophy
in our lives?
▸Philosophy has an important place in our daily lives. Engaging in
philosophical reflection leads to the development of beneficial skills that
individuals can apply in everyday situations.

▸PHILOSOPHY ENABLES A PERSON TO ENGAGE IN CRITICAL

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF
CONCEPTS,DEFINITIONS,ARGUMENTS,AND PROBLEMS. Critical
thinking skills can help us avoid being tricked by false claims or
manipulative schemes .

▸PHILOSOPHY ALSO IMPROVES PROBLEM-SOLVING AND DECISION

MAKING.The ability to analyze a problem or dilemma,identify its significant
aspects,and come up with alternative solutions is an important skill learned
through philosophy.
▸A PHILOSOPHER IS A GOOD COMMUNICATOR WHO CAN
CLEARLY AND ADEQUATELY PRESENT HIS OR HER
IDEAS.Communication skills are also enhanced by the study of
philosophy because it trains us to be very clear and precise about our
thoughts and sentiments in order to express exactly what we want to
say.

▸WISDOM is one intended product of philosophizing ,and this refers to

a person's ability to apply knowledge to daily life particularly in making
sound choices and judgment.

▸FINALLY,KNOWLEDGE OF PHILOSOPHY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO

SELF-DEVELOPMENT. One can be a better
student,scientist,artist,professional,and citizen if he or she has the
capacity for inquiry ,critical thinking and reflection.