Introduction to the Philosophy of Human Person - Chapter 1

Introduction to the Philosophy of Human Person

• Course title: Introduction to the Philosophy of Human Person
• Date: February 5, 2024
• Instructor: Aielyn G. Ali

Chapter 1: What is Philosophy?

• Learning Competencies:
  • Distinguish a holistic approach perspective from a partial point of view
  • Recognize human activities that emanated from deliberate reflection
  • Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life

Ice Breaker

• No specific content provided; likely a verbal activity.

Filipino Proverbs (ice breaker)

• Tong Tong Tong Tong Pakitong Kitong
• Alimango sa dagat
• Malaki at Masarap
• Kay hirap Hulihin
• Sapangkat nangangagat
• Tong Tong Tong Tong Pakitong Kitong

Philosophical Questions (Discussion)

• What philosophical question(s) have you asked in the past or are asking now?

Existence vs Essence

• Is it existence precedes essence or essence precedes existence?

What is Philosophy?

• Philosophy, derived from Greek words Philia (love) and Sophia (wisdom), means "love of wisdom."
• Pythagoras is considered the first person to call himself a philosopher.
• "Sage" refers to those who know, while "philosopher" refers to someone attempting to find out.

Keywords in Philosophy

• Love/desire/want
• Search/pursuit/inquire/investigate
• Knowledge/wisdom/understanding
• Value/meaning/essence
• Life/living/existence

The Triumvirate Greek Philosophers

• No detailed information provided about this topic; there is only a title.

Socrates ("Athens Street-Corner Philosopher")

• "The unexamined life is not worth living."
• The Socratic method ("Elenchus") is a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue between individuals.

Plato ("The Philosopher who would be a King")

• An aristocrat man with plenty of money and physique.
• A crowning achievement; he wrote a famous treatise on a utopian image of an ideal society that ideally runs by philosophers.
• Allegory of the Cave: Plato explained the difference between intellectual vision and sense perception. The eye is like the soul, and the sun is symbolic of truth or goodness.

Aristotle ("A long walk to Golden Mean")

• Very well-paid tutor of Alexander the Great—the highest-paid philosopher in history.
• Called the "peripatetic philosopher."
• Happiness is the goal of life. The Golden Mean avoids extremes.

Predecessors and Perspective

• What is the world made of? Focuses on Greek Philosophers

Thales of Miletus

• Called "the first philosopher."
• Believed the world is composed of different forms of water.

Anaximander of Miletus

• Proposed a comprehensive cosmology or explanation of the universe's origin.
• Proposed that everything emerged from "apeiron" (boundless substance), eternal and indestructible.

Anaximenes of Miletus

• Air is in early Greek literature associated with the soul (breath of life).
• Thought air has the capability of directing its own development.

Heraclitus

• Change is a permanent aspect of the human condition.
• The world revolves around conflict and change; “No man ever steps in the same river twice.”

Democritus

• (460 BCE to 370 BCE), among the first to propose matter composed of tiny particles called atoms.
• Term "atom" is derived from Greek word atomos, meaning indivisible.

Diogenes of Sinope

• Advocate of living a simple and virtuous life.
• Emphasized that one should not only talk of virtue but also show it in words and actions

Epicurus

• Happiness is man's greatest aim in life, with tranquility and rationality as cornerstones.
• Philosophy enables man to live a life of happiness.
• Aimed at achieving ataraxia (peace of mind) and aponia (absence of pain).

Parmenides

• Called the Father of metaphysics because he discussed the nature of existence.
• Doctrine of Permanence: The real is proposed to be permanent and unchanging.

Empedocles

• Proposed the universe is composed of four basic elements: earth, water, air, and fire.
• Interplay of love and strife determines the state of the cosmos.

George Berkeley

• Summarized his view as "esse est percipi" (to exist is to perceive).
• Often associated with empiricism, a philosophy emphasizing sensory experience.

Sun Tzu

• Chinese military general, strategist, philosopher, and writer.
• Famous for The Art of War, a guide on successfully engaging in conflict.

Lao Tzu

• Foundational text of Taoism, alongside Zhuangzi.
• Dao (Tao): The central concept, representing the fundamental principle or cosmic force.

Confucius

• Focused on ethical conduct, moral virtue, and cultivating a harmonious society.
• Emphasized benevolence (ren), righteousness (yi), propriety (li), wisdom (zhi), and faithfulness (xin).

Filipino Thinking: From Local to Global

• Loob: Holistic and interior dimensions (Kahagandahang loob, kabutihang loob, kalooban). Sharing of oneself to others.
• Philippine Philosophy of Time: Ups and downs in life (gulong ng palad).
• Bahala Na: Complete trust in Divine Providence and accepting whatever happens.

Filipino Thought and Values: Positive and Negative Aspects

• Filipino values and system in dire need of positive utilization.
• Reciprocating debts of gratitude holds the group together.
• Bayanihan (helping others) is another important value.

Why Philosophize?

• Plato: Man's need to philosophize stemmed from wonder.
• Rene Descartes: Man's need to philosophize is tied to his sense of wonder.
• Karl Jaspers: Philosophizing is driven by experience.

How do we characterize the study of philosophy?

• Analysis of frameworks: Views, beliefs, experiences of the world.
• Examination of knowledge: Questioning in religion, political science, history.
• Philosophy as discipline: Distinct area of knowledge with goals and methods.

What Simple, Serious, and Deep Questions in Life?

• List of hypothetical headlines provided as triggers for potential reflection on simple, serious, and deep questions relating to events.

Simple? Deep? or Serious?

• There are images of distressed people in this section; the question is a prompt for reflection on complex situations.

Holistic & Partial Thinking

• Holistic: Comprehensive perspective; views systems as large-scale patterns.
• Partial: Focuses on aspects of a situation.

Reflection

• Requires a person to examine their thoughts, feelings, and actions, and to learn more about their life experiences.

Explore the fundamental concepts of philosophy in this introductory quiz. Focus on distinguishing holistic and partial perspectives, understanding human reflections, and discussing essential philosophical questions. Engage with the philosophical nature of existence and essence through reflective questions.