INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
WEEK 2 LESSON
PHILOSOPHERS
HERACLITUS
Proposed that everything that exists is based on a higher order or plan which he called logos
Change is permanent aspects of the human condition; “No man never steps in the same river
twice.”
DIOGENES OF SNOPE
A known advocate of living a simple and virtuous life
One should not only talk of virtue but should show it in words and actions
His emphasis on austerity and simplicity often went to the extreme and was said to have lived
like a beggar
EPICURUS
Philosophy could enable man to live a life of happiness
His views gave rise to Epicureanism – a school of philosophy which believes that wisdom and
simple living will result in a life free of fear and pain
SOCRATES
Considered the foremost philosopher of ancient times
He did not claim to be “wise” and merely considered himself a “midwife” that helped inquiring
minds achieve wisdom
Believed that philosophy could enable a man to live a life of virtue
Formulated the Socratic method – examining a topic by devising a series of question that let the
learner examine and analyze his knowledge
PLATO
A student of Socrates, he wrote down his mentor’s teachings and incorporated some of his own
ideas
His teachings and writings were considered the foundation of Western Philosophy
Dialectic – a method of inquiry where two opposing ideas are discussed in an attempt to arrive
at new knowledge
Founded the Academy – an institution of higher learning which was the first of its kind in
Western World
ARISTOTLE
he attended the academy and prominent student of Plato
All ideas and views are based on perception and our reality is based on what we can sense and
perceive
Studied logic that led to the formulation of a formal process of analyzing reasoning which gave
rise to deductive reasoning – the process of which specific statements are analyzed to reach a
conclusion or generalization
Philosophy of the Human Person
a branch of philosophy that seeks to understand what it means to be a human being.
It explores fundamental questions about human nature, identity, purpose, and destiny.
it's a reflection on the human experience—our consciousness, freedom, morality, relationships,
and place in the world.
Key Aspects of the Philosophy of the Human Person
1. Human Nature
2. Freedom and responsibility
3. Mind and body
4. Interpersonal Relationships
5. Dignity and worth
6. Purpose and destiny
Holistic and Partial Points of View
HOLISTIC PARTIAL
Looks at all aspects of the given problem or Looks at only a limited number of aspects of the
situation. given problem or situation.
All aspects are given importance when making Conclusions are made based on considering
conclusion. some, but not all sides of the problem or
situation.
All aspects are tied in together to form a general
overview of the problem or situation.
Process of Doing Philosophy
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.
STUDENT’S ACTIVITY/ASSIGNMENT
Activity 4 (5pts) Guessing Game
Assignment 2 (50 pts) Quotation
Activity 5 (30 pts) Key Aspects
Assignment 3 (30 pts) Blind Men and the Elephant (poem)
Activity 6 (30 pts) Abstract Picture
Prepared by: MELCHIE P. VELUZ, LPT, MAEd GC
Subject Teacher, Philosophy