P r i v a t e Us e

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL NOT FOR SALE

Senior High School

MODULE 1
QUARTER 1
The Meaning and Process
of Doing Philosophy

Introduction to the
Philosophy of the
Human Person

Melina V. Kahulugan

[1]
INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON- GRADE 12
ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY MODE
QUARTER 1– MODULE 1: DOING PHILOSOPHY

This module is intended for the use of author's learners in Introduction to the
Philosophy of the Human Person for the temporary use as alternative delivery
mode. Activities, reading content, pictures, and the different materials used in
this module were searched and credited to the authors. The author of this
module does not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Development of the Module

Author: Melina V. Kahulugan

Content Editor/s:
Language Editor:
Proofreader:
Illustrator/s:

Printed in School by:

Siniloan Integrated National High School
Private Alternative Delivery Mode
Office Address: L. De Leon St., Siniloan, Laguna
Telephone number: 049-813-0103
Email Address: mvkahulugan@[Link]

[2]
 Senior High School

MODULE 1
QUARTER 1
The Meaning and Process
of Doing Philosophy

Introduction to the
Philosophy of the
Human Person
This instructional material is a self-made and developed as temporary
module to be used for the first weeks of module while waiting for the
official module coming from the Division of Laguna. Learners and
teachers who will be able to use this are encouraged to email their
feedback, comments and recommendations to the author's email add:
mvkahulugan@[Link]

Your feedback and recommendation is highly appreciated.

[3]
 WITHIN THESE
PAGES
Module 1:
The Meaning and Process of Doing Philosophy
Introduction............................................................................................................................... 5
Pretest ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Lesson 1: The Meaning of Philosophy and Its Origin

What I Need to Know ............................................................................................................... 8

What’s New … ........................................................................................................................... 9

What I Know? … ....................................................................................................................... 10

What’s In? ................................................................................................................................... 11

What Is It ..................................................................................................................................... 12

What’s More .............................................................................................................................. 16

What I Can Do ........................................................................................................................... 17

What I Have Learned ............................................................................................................... 18

Lesson 2: The Holistic View and the Value of Doing

Philosophy and the Philosophical Reflection
What I Need to Know ............................................................................................................... 19

What’s New … ........................................................................................................................... 20

What I Know? … ....................................................................................................................... 21

What’s In? ................................................................................................................................... 22

What Is It ..................................................................................................................................... 23

What’s More .............................................................................................................................. 26

What I Can Do ........................................................................................................................... 26

What I Have Learned ............................................................................................................... 27

Post-Assessment ...................................................................................................................... 28

References ....................................................................................................................................... ..29

Rubric............................................................................................................................................................................... ..30
Key to Correction .................................................................................................................................................. ..31

[4]
MODULE 1
The Meaning and Process
of Doing Philosophy

Introduction:

“
This lesson presents how Philosophy is described
in terms of human experiences. Philosophy is defined
based on its origin and its branches that will aid us to
For the things understand the meaning and process of doing
philosophy. This will also enlighten us how our
we have to learn
perspective differs from other's view of life. As we go
before we can through this course, the activities presented here will
do, make us realize the value of doing philosophy as we
we learn by distinguish holistic perspective from a partial point of
view. With this, we will be able to do philosophical
doing.
reflection using our own experiences in a holistic view.
Aristotle
It is true that our experiences become our great
teacher. They give us certain knowledge that make us
grow as a person. Using in depth introspection of our
own life, help us attained the wisdom we acquire as we
go along through the course of our life.

Most Essential Learning

Competencies of Module 1

This module encompasses the following objectives out of curriculum guide

for this subject as the most essential learning competencies. At the end of
the lessons, you are expected to understand the content of the whole course
by:

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

(PPT11/12-Ia-1.1)
2. Realizing the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad
perspective on life. (PPT11/12-Ib-1.2)
3. Doing a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic
perspective. (PPT11/12-Ib-1.3)

[5]
 PRE-TEST

Direction: Read and analyze each statement below. Choose the best
answer that corresponds to the questions or items. (On a separate sheet
of paper, write only the letter of the correct answer.)

1. Whatever is is; and what ever is not is not; everything is what it is. Everything
is its own being, and not being is not being.
A. Principle of Excluded Middle C. Principle of Non-contradiction
B. Principle of Identity D. Principle of Sufficient Reason
2. It deals with the first principles of things, including abstract concepts such
as being, knowing, substance, cause, identity, time, and space.
A. Metaphysics B. Ethics C. Epistemology D. Logic
3. Which among the statements does NOT explain epistemology?
A. How we know what we claim to know.
B. How we can find out what we wish to know.
C. How we can know virtuous life.
D. How we can differentiate truth from falsehood.
4. What is NOT metaphysics?
A. This is the fundamental drive of the human to know what is real.
B. It explains the part of human’s experience to know the reality.
C. There is nothing exists without a sufficient reason for its being and
existence.
D. None of the above
5. It refers to philosophical study of the ultimate causes and underlying nature
of things.
A. Metaphysics B. Ethics C. Epistemology D. Aesthetics
6. Which among the statements is NOT part of considered importance of
aesthetics?
A. It vitalizes our knowledge.
B. It brings us in touch with our culture.
C. It helps us to live more deeply and richly.
D. None of the above
7. Filos and Sophia in Greek words mean:
A. Knowledge and intelligence C. Man and his knowledge
B. Love for wisdom D. Wisdom of the ages past
For 8-12, Fill in the blank
8. Philosophy original meant _________________, and in a broad sense,
wisdom is still the goal of philosophy.
9. Aristotle states that Philosophy arises from ________________.
10. Magic becomes ________when the powers are taken to be supernatural
beings.

[6]
11. Magic becomes ________ when natural events begin to be explained and
controlled with the help of natural causes.
12. Magic becomes _________when a man makes and attempt to explain the
world as a whole.
For 13-15, Identification: Provide the correct answer
_______________13. It is pursuit of wisdom, loving wisdom and thinking about
thinking.
________________14. It focuses on specific aspects of a situation.
________________15. Which branch of philosophy evaluates human action?

[7]
 LESSON The Meaning of Philosophy
1 and Its Origin
The knowledge we gain from life is the main goal of philosophy. The
sciences we know are the results of the kind of knowledge we gained from
philosophizing. Being critical in examining one's beliefs and convictions, we
tend to pursue the main truth of the common objects in this world.

Philosophy gives us significance to find out the definite answers to every

question we have. Using this process, help us understand the many things
amidst oblivion or uncertainty. As we live, life offers every knowledge we want
to pursue in life. And it is through philosophy that we find the true meaning of
life.

What I Need To Know?

This lesson will give you a deep plunge to the meaning and origin of
philosophy. Specifically, you are expected to:
1. Give your understanding on philosophy and its origin.
2. Illustrate the different branches of Philosophy
3. Show your understanding of the definition of philosophy and its
branches.

[8]
 What’s New?

Activity: A Concept Map on Philosophy

Upon hearing the word philosophy, what comes to your mind? How do
you understand this term and how are you going to define them based on your
own concept?
In order for you to answer the questions stated above, kindly complete
the concept map on the next page by writing words or ideas that come across
your mind about philosophy. Then inside the box provided on the next page,
write the summary of this concept. (Please write a replica of this activity on a separate
sheet for your answer.)

(By writing the summary of your concept map, you have to define the term Philosophy out of those
words/ideas you have provided in the Concept Mind Activity.)

[9]
 What I Know?

Activity 1: Crossword Puzzle

Direction: Complete the crossword by filling in a word that fits each clue.

The words or word-fragments found on the crossword puzzle are related

to the derivation of the word "Philosophy" from the Greek. This clears our mind
that Philosophy is a love for or of wisdom. The knowledge we seek in life is
every individual's inclination. This may have engaged us in all knowledge that
give us meaning or source of foolishness. Philosophy lead us to attitude of
acquiring information about something we want to know the answer. When this
knowledge become part of us this gives us wisdom and not just about
intelligence.

Activity: Solve the Jumbled Words

Unjumble the following words which are related to Philosophy.
1. HERILCAETAT -
2. EYPGIOSLTOEM -
3. SCITEMYHPAS -
4. DEHOCYTI -
5. LOTYGONO -
6. SHECTI -
7. EHTSAECIST -
8. OLAIXGOY -
9. CLGIO -
10. TCIARCAPL -

[10]
 What’s In?

Going back to your concept mind activity about philosophy, how did you
define it? Were you able to get its meaning? Somehow the word philosophy
gave you the idea of what it is all about and this can give you the idea of one's
perspective about something. But what does philosophy really mean?
Philosophy comes from the two Greek words, filos (philos) which means love,
and sofia (sophia) meaning wisdom. Literally this term means "love of wisdom".
This etymological definition is the real time experience of the individuals. These
are the actions or activities that people undertake to search for the fundamental
truths about life, the world they live in, and the relationship they build to the
world and among others. As an academic discipline, philosophy continues to
relate in asking, looking and arguing for the answer about life's most basic
questions.

In the definition where Philosophy is being described, the wisdom has

always been related to "wisdom of the ages past". Recalling the different
personalities of philosophy such as Plato, Aristotle and Socrates, philosophy
has been connoted as part of the culture of the philosophers. That to love
wisdom, we have to consider and practice those philosophies of the famous
dead men. Picture of philosophers becomes more appealing to us rather than
practicing the main purpose of philosophy.

Figure 1: Etymology of Philosophy

[11]
 Self-learning Prompts:
1. Write your reflection on "wisdom of the
ages past."
2. Why do you think, philosophy has been
defined as "love of wisdom"?
(Write your answer on the sheet used for Mind Concept
Activity, add another sheet when necessary.)

What Is It?

The study of philosophy entails constant confrontation to capture the

truth whenever and wherever it may be found. It is an encompassing inquiry of
the total reality to find the most basic causes and principles that are
underpinned to acceptable reason and experience. This is to see the strange
things behind the ordinary things we see and perceive. Seeing the extraordinary
from the ordinary things we see. Having an encounter to this naked reality, this
makes us more indulge to know deeper its reason and existence. And we can
only do this through the process of philosophizing which is doing philosophy.

The subtopics below will lead us more to have a comprehensive

understanding about the definition and origin of Philosophy.

The Meaning of Philosophy

Philosophy is defined as the science that by natural light of reason

studies the first causes or highest principles of all things. Under this definition,
there are four points to consider:

1. Science. It is called science because the investigation is systematic. it

follows certain steps or it employs certain procedures. in other words, it is
an organized body of knowledge just like any other sciences.
2. Natural Light of Reason. Philosophy investigates things, not by using
any other laboratory instrument or investigative tolls, neither on the basis
of supernatural revelation, otherwise it becomes theology; instead, the
philosopher uses his natural capacity to think or simply, human reason
alone or the so-called unaided reason.

[12]
 3. Study of All Things. This sets the distinction between philosophy from
other sciences. All other sciences concern themselves with a particular
object of investigation. For example, anthropologists study human beings
in relation with the society; sociologists study society, its form, structures,
and functions; botanists focus their attention to plants; linguists limit
themselves with language; theologians investigate God; whereas, a
philosopher studies human beings, society, religion, language, God, and
plants, among other concerns. The reason is that Philosophy is not one
dimensional or partial. In short, a philosopher does not limit himself to a
particular object of inquiry. He questions almost anything, if not
everything. It is multidimensional or holistic.
4. First Cause or Highest Principle. A principle is that from which
something proceeds in any manner whatsoever. The First Principles:

• Principle of Identity - whatever is is; and whatever is not is not;

everything is what it is. Everything is its own being, and not being is not
being.
• Principle of Non-Contradiction - it is impossible for a thing to be and
not to be at the same time, and at the same respect.
• Principle of Excluded Middle - a thing is either is or is not; everything
must be either be or not be; between being and not-being, there is no
middle ground
• possible.
• Principle of Sufficient Reason - nothing exists without a sufficient
reason for its being and existence.

The Origin of Philosophy

Aristotle accorded that philosophy emerges from wonder. During the

early times, when man stuck with awe and wonder at the natural phenomena,
its different aspect and conflicts, and the discontentment of what exists, this
became the beginning of philosophy. When man during that time experienced
rain, thunders, lightning, strong winds and so on he became mystified of these
events. Death of man has greatly questioned man and began to reflect on these
happenings. The beauty of nature struck the heart and mind of people then and
it gave them at first an explanation that this mystery of the world has been
thought as power existed in man. And he tried to at least control them by means
of a magic spell.

This magic that man believed give way to science, philosophy and
religion in due course. This magic turns to science when the natural events
were able to be explained and controlled with the help of natural causes. Also,
magic has become religion on those supernatural beings that are really hard to

[13]
explain. The same magic blooms into philosophy when man started to explain
the world as one whole reality.

Word-fragments of Philosophy Derived Words:

philo—love of, affinity for, liking of
philander—to engage in love affairs frivolously
philanthropy—love of mankind in general
philately—postage stamps hobby
phile—(as in "anglophile") one having a love for
philology—having a liking for words
sophos—wisdom
sophist—lit. one who loves knowledge
sophomore—wise and moros—foolish; i.e. one who thinks he knows many
things
sophisticated—one who is knowledgeable

From the beginning Philosophy has evolved in its field. The Early Greek
Philosophers had their studies on the natural world and human being that
resulted to varied sciences such as astronomy, psychology, sociology, physics
and so on. Meanwhile, there are certain basic problems that human encounters
in the daily event of life, like the questions about the nature of the universe, the
human being, the standard-issues on justice, faith and other values., the validity
of acquired knowledge, the correct reasoning, the criteria of beauty, these have
been confined to the extent of Philosophy.
These problems are the subject matter of the branches of Philosophy
categorized into two groups, theoretical and practical branch. Under theoretical
are epistemology, metaphysics, theodicy and ontology. While practical
branches are ethics, aesthetics, axiology and logic.

These branches of philosophy can help the human being attain wisdom.
Wisdom can be acquired through emptying. Humility and simplicity could be a
way for emptying the self. This could be through spiritual, physical and
intellectual. Without this virtue of emptying, we will only get stuck with the partial
reality of life and the world. Gaining wisdom is acquiring insight on every
experience we have. This insight is seeing with the mind not by our prejudices
and selfishness but by opening our mind to the unified whole that the world can
offer to the individuals for a life of fullness.

The Branches of Philosophy

1. Theoretical
This theoretical philosophy studies the principles of human
knowledge, the development of science and the basis for scientific

[14]
knowledge, the principles of thought, argumentation and
communication, the nature of language and consciousness,
metaphysics and the history of the subject itself. Some of the central
issues for us are: What is knowledge and what is the difference between
knowledge and information? What do logical thought and rational
argumentation mean? What does it mean to think critically? What
ultimately exists? What is causation? What characterizes a scientific
explanation? How should we change our views and theories in the light
of the new facts? And so on. In short, these branches of philosophy is
more on the exercise of the mind by having the concept of the knowledge
obtained.
1.1 Epistemology – The sources and origin of knowledge and truth is
important so this discipline discusses about the truth and knowledge
obtained through senses, those formed in the mind and those
related to feelings. It could be experiential or conceptual.
Example: “My friend said that the Eiffel Tower is magnificent in its
beauty since she has visited Paris two years ago.” This is
conceptual for the person who is relating the statement and an
experiential concept for the friend who went to Paris. The knowledge
is gained in a different concept which is based on how it is acquired.
1.2 Metaphysics – The foundation subject of all philosophy, it deals
with human reality and system of human thought that seeks to
explain the fundamental concepts of man. This pertains to the
endeavor to know the existence of something beyond the physical
aspect or attribute of that something. This may render explanation
about death, purpose of man’s life, etc. It may not exist nor yet
existing but the reality is valid and truth.
Example: “Death and suffering is a painful reality of human life.”
This statement is true to human being whether it is being
experienced or not.
1.3 Theodicy – The philosophical study of God. The questions about
God and spirits are some of the concerns that this philosophy is
trying to explain. This pertains to the questions and study about the
existence of god and his nature. (divinity
1.4 Ontology – This deals with the study of the essence of reality, it is
an exploration of what reality, is the final analysis and the principles
of being in things in general. It is a particular theory about the nature
of being or the kinds of things that have existence. This is somehow
overlaps with metaphysics which also asks about existence yet the
two differs on the kind of questions ask, ontology asks what
questions, while metaphysics asks how questions.
Example: Game of Thrones is a rare example of a fantasy story with
a very strange ontology but very realistic metaphysics. Here, the
story goes around the dragons, giants, zombies, and all sorts of

[15]
 other fantastic creatures that don’t exist in the real world. Yet these
creature have similarity of fairly human laws that gives the series a
more realistic feel.

2. Practical
The fields of practical thinking that are particularly studied are
morals, law, politics, practical rationality, religion and art. These are not
merely theories but it gives emphasis on the exercise of the mind with
empirical basis.
2.1 Ethics – The science of morality of morality of human acts. The
question of right and wrong, morality and immorality belong to this
discipline. This concerned about human conduct.
2.2 Aesthetics – It deals with the nature of beauty, art, and taste and
with the creation and appreciation of beauty. It discusses about
one’s perception and experience of beauty. This may answer the
question on the standard or criteria or judgment of the aesthetic
aspect of a particular reality.
2.3 Axiology – the study of the nature, types and criteria of values and
of value judgments especially in ethics.
2.4 Logic – The science and art of correct thinking.

What’s More?

Activity: You Complete Me

Direction: Complete the statements below based on your understanding of
the various concepts in philosophy as applied in real-life situations. At every
end of completed statement, state what branch of philosophy is applied. You
can give a short explanation on it. (Write your answer on the sheet used in your last activity, add
another sheet when necessary.)

1. The standard of beauty in social media ________________________

_________________________. (Branch of Philosophy: _____________)
2. Using po at opo for young Filipino _____________________________
_________________________. (Branch of Philosophy: _____________)
3. Believing in One God is______________________________________
_________________________. (Branch of Philosophy: _____________)
4. Using po at opo for young Filipino _____________________________
_________________________. (Branch of Philosophy: _____________)
5. Euthanasia is one of the _____________________________________

[16]
 _________________________. (Branch of Philosophy: _____________)
6. Human has an innate goodness, I am a human being therefore______
_________________________. (Branch of Philosophy: _____________)
7. Death is part of our existence_________________________________
_________________________. (Branch of Philosophy: _____________)
8. Palawan Island ____________________________________________
_________________________. (Branch of Philosophy: _____________)
9. Death sentence is unlawful___________________________________
_________________________. (Branch of Philosophy: _____________)
10. In the movie of Star Wars, the Force ___________________________
_________________________. (Branch of Philosophy: _____________)

What I Can Do?

Expound in your own words, citing real experience on the importance of

aesthetics to students like you in terms of the following:
1. vitalizing knowledge;
2. living more deeply and richly and
3. bringing in touch with our culture?
(Write your answer on the sheet used in your last activity, add another sheet when necessary.)

Rubric for Journal and Reflection:

Criteria Outstanding Proficient Basic Below
5 4 3-2 Expectation 2-
1
Critical Rich in content: Substantial Information is Rudimentary
Thinking Insightful information; thin, and common and superficial;
analysis, evidence of place; attempts little analysis,
synthesis and analysis, made at analysis, synthesis or
evaluation, clear synthesis and synthesis and evaluation little
connections, evaluation; evaluation; or no
made to real life general connections are connections
situations connections are limited, vague with any other
made, but are generalities are material or are
sometimes too posted off topic
obvious or not
clear
Personal Entries are Connects ideas Little evidence of Lack of
Reflection originated as and thoughts to personal connections to
connected to real personal life; connection, many personal life
life, learning and evidence of connections need
reading personal further
connection to explanation or
justification

[17]
 learning
community
Surface An occasional Some Grammatically Obvious
Features grammatical or incoherency on error that made grammatical or
stylistic error the grammar the concept stylistic error;
wrong error make
content very
difficult to read

What I Have Learned?

Activity 1: Fill in the blanks

Direction: Fill in the blanks. Write your answer on the sheet used for the
previous activity, add additional sheets when it is needed.)
Philosophy comes from two ____________words, one is ___________ which
means __________ and the other term is ___________ meaning
_____________. In the definition given Philosophy is the science that by
_______________of reason studies the first causes or _______________ of
all things. It is said that philosophy is a process of ____________________
and ____________________. This imprints to human an ____________ of life
and the desire to inquire and find the important things.

Activity 2: Complete the Diagram

Direction: Write on each line of the diagram the corresponding information

based on the learned concept about the origin of philosophy as stated by
Aristotle. (Do a replica of this activity on the sheet used for the previous activity.)

[18]
 The Holistic View and The Value of
LESSON
2 Doing Philosophy and
Philosophical Reflection

The previous lesson tackled about the definition of philosophy, its origin
and other disciplines related to it by reviewing the branches of philosophy. You
have learned that the concept of philosophy is more on mental activities
primarily using our mental capacity to think critically. It is a way of thinking
about the world, the universe and the essence of being human in his
environment.
If this philosophy talks about way of thinking, it also leads us to doing
philosophy. It is more understood as “the love of exercising one’s curiosity and
intelligence. Thus, we said it is an attitude of life utilizing our mind to ask
questions to find the truth and the essence of most everything in this world. As
knowledge is primarily goal of philosophy this knowledge is observed in a
holistic perspective. When all weaved truth about life that we observed and
experience, this only give us the idea that it is just part of one unified system,
only a partial concept of the whole truth.

What I Need To Know?

On this lesson, it intends to enable you to:

1. Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view;
2. Recognize human activities emanated from deliberate reflection; and
3. Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic
perspective.

[19]
 What’s New?

Activity 1: A Poem Reading

Direction: Read this beautiful poem below entitled “The six Blind Men and
the Elephant” and reflect on the message it draws.

Six Blind Men and the Elephant

(By: John Godfrey Saxe)

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 The Fifth, who chanced to touch the
Might satisfy his mind. ear,
Said- “E’en the blindest man
The First approach’d the Elephant, Can tell what this resembles most;
And happening to fall Deny the fact who can,
Against his broad and sturdy side, This marvel of an Elephant
At once began to bawl: Is very like a fan!”
“God bless me, but the Elephant
Is very like a wall!” The Sixth no sooner had begun
About the beast to grope,
The Second, feeling the tusk, Then, seizing on the swinging tail
Cried, -“Ho! What have we here That fell within his scope,
So very round and smooth and sharp? “I see,” –quoth he,- “the Elephant
To me ‘tis might clear, Is very like a rope!”
This wonder of an Elephant
Is very like a spear!” And so these men of Indostan
Disputed loud and long,
The Third approach’d the animal, And Each in his own opinion
happening to take Exceeding stiff and strong,
The squirming trunk within his hands, Though each was partly in the right,
Thus boldly up and spake: And all were in the wrong!
“I see,” -quoth he- “The Elephant
Is very like a snake!” MORAL,
So, oft in theologic wars
The Fourth reached out an eager The disputants, I ween,
hand, and felt about the knee: Rail on in utter ignorance
“What most this wondrous beast is Of what each other mean;
like, is mighty plain,” –quoth he,- And prate about an Elephant
“Tis clear enough the Elephant Not one of them has seen
Is very like a tree!”

[20]
Activity 2: Poem Concept Analysis: (Write your answer on the sheet used in your last activity,
add another sheet when needed.)

1. Did anyone among the blind men give the correct answer? Why or why
not?
2. In the context of the elephant story, what do you think is holistic
perspective? What is a partial point of view?
3. What is the importance of a holistic perspective as pointed out by the
poet John Godfrey Saxe?
4. In the last stanza, the poet related the legend to the religious wars
during his time. What do your think is the poet trying to say in this
poem?

What I Know?

Activity: Big Concept Big Elephant

Direction: Based from your understanding on the message drawn from the
poem, provide your answer to the following questions. (Write your answer on the sheet
used in your last activity, add another sheet when needed.)

[21]
 What’s In?

Activity 1: Bawal ang Judgmental

Direction: Write on each box the corresponding information based on its

category. Your statement must critically reflect the holistic perspective and
partial point of view. (Provide a sheet of paper for your answer)

Holistic View of Myself Partial View of Myself

Holistic View of Family Partial View of Family

Holistic View of Pandemic Partial View of Pandemic

Holistic View about the Church Partial View of the Church

Activity 2: Think Before You Click

Direction: Complete the table below. Prior to the given actions, what are the
considerations would you do beforehand. (Provide a sheet of paper for your answer)

WHAT MUST I DO BEFORE THE

ACTION
ACTION
Enroll in Distance Learning
Education
Taking college course
Choosing Lifetime Partners

[22]
Activity 3: Sensitivity Check

Explain what “holism” is? (Write your answer on a separate sheet as part of the
previous output)

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

What Is It?

In understanding our topic in this lesson, the story of the six blind men in
the poem is a good springboard to distinguish what holistic perspective from
partial point of view. It is a philosophical parable, an ancient Indian fable thats
reminds people on the absolute truth or exclusive religious claims. We are
being limited with our sensory perceptions and life experiences to interpret the
whole story of our own life and of the whole world. In that story, each blind man
had their own version of reality from that limited experience and perspective
towards the elephant. Thus, how can a person with limited touch of truth turn
that into the one and only version of all reality.

Holistic Perspective vs Partial View

To understand holistic perspective, it is important to know the concept of holism.
This holism gives us the idea that all the properties of a given system cannot
be determined or explained by its component parts alone. The system as a
whole determines in an important way how the parts behave.
Aristotle’s metaphysics relates that the whole is more than the sum of its parts.
It was further explained by Miosim (2016) that the whole is greater than the sum
of its parts, because he clearly states that as part of the whole, nerve cell, flower
petals, and so on can do things that they can’t do alone. Actually as parts,
nerves cells cannot do much of anything.
Whatever is known true universally is likewise considered true in specific
situations. If “all Filipinos are Asian” and “Allen is a Filipino.” Therefore, “Allen
is an Asian.” This sample presumes the difference between a holistic
perspective from a partial point of view.

[23]
Holistic thinking refers to a perspective that considers large-scale pattern in
systems. A holistic perspective requires an individual to have an open mindset
and ability to get the general sense or impression regarding a situation.
Partial thinking focuses on specific aspects of a situation. The partial view is
an important component of analytical thinking, as an individual focuses on
certain areas or aspects of a problem in order to understand it.

Figure 2. Holistic and Partial Points of View

Looking at the characteristics of holistic and partial points of view, it can be

concluded that using a holistic perspective is more desirable in doing
philosophy than using a partial perspective. Partial points of view only promote
limited knowledge on the situation. This leads to wrong conclusions.
Learning philosophy requires learning to look into all available
perspectives and work on their relationship to come up with sound, logical and
valid conclusions. In the process, doing philosophy helps one to develop the
skill of broadly looking at the situation first before concluding anything.

Meaning and Process of Doing Philosophy and Its Importance

Doing philosophy means engaging oneself in “matters of utility” and
methodologies to eliminate any practical problem or abstract idea. In the
process of doing philosophy, it is critical to have a holistic point of view – the
perception of looking at all aspects of a situation first before making a
conclusion. Some other skills involved in doing philosophy are critical, logical,
and analytical thinking, observation and communicative skills.
Doing philosophy can be applied in day-to-day activities and life
perspectives. Because it involves an evaluative process, doing philosophy
allows a person to make better decisions and act accordingly to situations with
the help of various philosophical skills.

[24]
 Furthermore, on life perspectives, philosophy enables reflective thinking
which greatly influences a person’s view of life, challenges and relationships.
Doing philosophy directs how a person will perceive these factors in life and
how they will be faced.
In any setting, wisdom is always gained when philosophy is applied to
formulate a conclusion about a certain concern.

Human Activities Emanated from Deliberate Reflection

In the process, one can learn more about himself or herself, including
personal beliefs, ideals, or values. Previous experiences maybe seen as
important aspects of making reflections because they facilitate deeper thinking
and understanding of the self. Aside from knowing the self, many other
activities also emanate from reflection.
Examples are:
Learning from your previous mistakes and not repeating them again.
Evaluating and knowing the best choice from a set of options

Gaining a holistic point of view first before making any conclusion.

Importance of Philosophical Reflection

Philosophical reflection is the process by which a person undergoes a
reflective state or evaluates his or her experiences first before making any
related action. The use of philosophical reflection is important as it enables
thought to be looked into using a deeper, holistic perspective. In effect, actions
are directed towards greater sources of wisdom and truth.

Self-Learning Prompts:
Is doing philosophy possible without
engaging in philosophical reflection? (Write
your answer on the sheet used from previous Activity, add
another sheet when necessary.)

[25]
 What’s More?

Activity: My Purpose: Maalaala Mo Kaya

Direction: Provide information on each box corresponded to what it asks.

(Write a replica of this on the sheet used in your last activity, add another sheet when necessary.)

Happiest Times Worst Times

List the activities, people, locations, List the activities, people, locations,
and conditions in your life you were and conditions in your life when you
most happy? felt dissatisfied.

What did you learn about your What did you learn about your
purpose? purpose?

What I Can Do?

Activity: Rose, Bud, Thorn

Direction: Have your family members to join you in doing this activity. This is
sharing of your rose, bud and thorn (see what these stand for). Do the
facilitation of this activity, it could be your whole family or with your sibling/s or
parent/s. Enjoy the circle of your family with this sharing point. After doing the
activity, provide what you shared with your family your reflection on each part
of the Rose plant during the time of pandemic on a sheet of paper. (Write your
reflection on the sheet used for your last activity, add another sheet when necessary.)

Rose – One thing you enjoyed during this pandemic

Bud – One thing you look forward to
Thorn – One thing that upset you during quarantine period

[26]
 What I Have Learned?

Activity: Check you Knowledge

Direction: Answer the following questions. (Write your reflection on the sheet used for your last
activity, add another sheet when necessary.)

1. What is the holistic perspective in the context of the elephant story?

A. Every part of the elephant encountered by the blind
men are the whole perspective of life.
B. It is the elephant represents the whole truth and
encountered parts are partial perspective.
C. The blind men are the reality and the elephant is
their partial concept.
D. Nothing main true in this world.
2. Rail on in utter ignorance of what each other mean in theologic wars
means
A. All in the war has the same goal and intentions.
B. Ignorance makes them loose the war.
C. Not all in war understood what they are fighting on.
D. The knights ignore their enemies.

3. Pursuit of wisdom means

A. Becoming Intelligent
B. Gain knowledge
C. In search of life meaning
D. To live happily.

4. What is the holistic perspective in the context of the elephant story?

A. Every part of the elephant encountered by the blind men are the whole
perspective of life.
B. It is the elephant represents the whole truth and encountered parts are
partial perspective.
C. Nothing main true in this world.
D. The blind men are the reality and the elephant is their partial concept.

5. Philosophy as love of wisdom means:

A. Exercising one’s curiosity and intelligence.
B. Interpreting the philosophy of ancient philosophers.
C. Reading philosophy
D. Recalling the ancient philosophers’ wisdom

[27]
 POST-ASSESSMENT

Direction: Read and analyze each statements below. Choose the best
answer that corresponds to the questions or items. (On a separate sheet
of paper, write only the letter of the correct answer.)

For 1-5, Fill in the blank

1. Philosophy original meant _________________, and in a broad sense,
wisdom is still the goal of philosophy.
2. Aristotle states that Philosophy arises from ________________.
3. Magic becomes ________when the powers are taken to be supernatural
beings.
4. Magic becomes ________ when natural events begin to be explained and
controlled with the help of natural causes.
5. Magic becomes _________when a man makes and attempt to explain the
world as a whole.
6. Whatever is is; and what ever is not is not; everything is what it is. Everything
is its own being, and not being is not being.
A. Principle of Excluded Middle C. Principle of Non-contradiction
B. Principle of Identity D. Principle of Sufficient Reason
7. Which among the statements is NOT part of considered importance of
aesthetics?
A. It vitalizes our knowledge.
B. It brings us in touch with our culture.
C. It helps us to live more deeply and richly.
D. None of the above
8. What is NOT metaphysics?
A. This is the fundamental drive of the human to know what is real.
B. It explains the part of human’s experience to know the reality.
C. There is nothing exists without a sufficient reason for its being and
existence.
D. None of the above
9. Which among the statements does NOT explain epistemology?
A. How we know what we claim to know.
B. How we can find out what we wish to know.
C. How we can know virtuous life.
D. How we can differentiate truth from falsehood.
10. It deals with the first principles of things, including abstract concepts such
as being, knowing, substance, cause, identity, time, and space.
A. Metaphysics B. Ethics C. Epistemology D. Logic
11. Filos and Sophia in Greek words mean:
A. Knowledge and intelligence C. Man and his knowledge
B. Love for wisdom D. Wisdom of the ages past
12. It refers to philosophical study of the ultimate causes and underlying
nature of things.
A. Metaphysics B. Ethics C. Epistemology D. Aesthetics

[28]
For 13-15, Identification: Provide the correct answer
________________13. Which branch of philosophy evaluates human action?
_______________14. It is pursuit of wisdom, loving wisdom and thinking about
thinking.
________________15. It focuses on specific aspects of a situation.

REFERENCES

Division of Cagayan de Oro City. ADM Module on Introduction to the Philosophy

of the Human Person Quarter 1 Module 1.

Gonzalvo, RP. Jr. Philosophy of the Human Person, Textbook for Senior High
School. Mindshapers Co, Inc.

Peria, F.L Jr., IDEA Exemplar: Meaning of Philosophy and Distinction of Holistic
Perspective from Partial Point of View. Module1Lesson 1&2.
[Link]

Ramos, C.C. R., Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person. REX
Bookstore.
[Link]

[Link]

[Link]
human-person-chapter-1-the-process-of-doing-philosophy

[Link]
students-glow-and-grow/

[Link]

[Link]
What-is-Philosophy
[Link]

[29]
Rubric for Writing Output and
Journal

[30]