Chapter 1: Doing Philosophy PDF

Chapter 1: Doing Philosophy PRINCE MICHAEL B. FUENTES, LPT Faculty, Laboratory Senior High School Only when blind men learn to see things as a whole will they learn to appreciate the different parts of something  Lesson 1: Partial and Holistic Perspectives ...

Chapter 1: Doing Philosophy PRINCE MICHAEL B. FUENTES, LPT Faculty, Laboratory Senior High School Only when blind men learn to see things as a whole will they learn to appreciate the different parts of something  Lesson 1: Partial and Holistic Perspectives Partial and Holistic Perspectives There is a stark difference between the concepts of partial perspectives to holistic perspectives Partial and Holistic Perspectives Partial thinking is all about focusing on specifics, generally on only one component of a larger picture. Partial and Holistic Perspectives Partial thinking could cover: Repairing a tire of a car; A doctor making a diagnosis Completing a subject in school Finishing your homework Partial and Holistic Perspectives Partial thinking enables you to be micro-focused but it would make you 'forget' the importance that that section plays in the overall operation. Partial and Holistic Perspectives Holistic thinking sees one thing as a part of the entire whole. It is a practice of viewing someone as a sum of physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual forms. Partial and Holistic Perspectives Holistic thinking could be in the form of: Completing your high school degree Finishing your entire house Having a complete car overhaul Viewing a finished blueprint Partial and Holistic Perspectives Holistic perspective is viewed as having an impact on the whole, and all of its pieces are thought to be interconnected, so when considering them, you must also consider the impact of change on the whole. Partial and Holistic Perspectives Holistic perspective In etymology comes from the word “holos” Meaning “all” or “total” Holism: A whole Perspective An idea that all the The system is properties of a considered as a system cannot be whole and understood, determines how explained, or the parts functions determined by its or work. It focuses component parts primarily on the alone bigger picture. Holism: A whole Perspective “The whole is more than just the sum of its parts” Partial and Holistic Perspectives Holistic perspective In etymology comes from the word “holos” Meaning “all” or “total” What makes us One? Thales of Miletus (624-545 B.C.) is considered as the first noted philosopher of western history. Thales was a thinker who loved to gaze at the stars and form his perspective from that. What makes us One? Thales perspective revolves around that following: Sensed harmony in the universe and how they are related with each other. Things work together because they are related to one another as a whole. Asking the question: What makes us One? Allegory of the blind men and the elephant The story of the blind men and the elephant is a perfect metaphor to the concept of a partial perspective and a holistic viewpoint Lessons from the Blind men and the Elephant While one’s personal take about something may be true, it may not be the absolute truth (for others’ take on the same matter may also be true). Holistic vs Partial Partial perspective focuses Holistic perspective looks at on just some aspects of the the different things as a part whole but the whole picture of the whole system. is overlooked Doing Philosophy with a Holistic Perspective It avoids being one dimensional or partial. Does not limit investigations to a particular object or inquiry. Uses multidimensional approach in its understanding. Promotes comparing one’s view with others in order to get a better standpoint.  Lesson 2: What It Means to be a Philosopher What is a “pilosopo”? When we define “pilosopo” When society tries to define or explain “pilosopo” we often associate them with: Out of this world Out of touch Not taken seriously Arrogant at times In the context of “pilosopo” and wisdom Going back to our first lesson, we have define that philosophy in context is divide into two words. Philos- love Love of wisdom Sophia -wisdom In the context of “pilosopo” and wisdom Being a “pilosopo” in the 21st century may be looked at with dismay or be seen as eccentric but remember the goal of philosophy is asking questions to life’s mysteries. Hence, the love of wisdom Socrates (470BC-399BC) Socrates was a Greek philosopher from Athens who is credited as the founder of Western philosophy and among the first moral philosophers of the ethical tradition of thought.  Socrate’s Three Main Ideas Socratic Method Moral Philosophy Human Ignorance 01 It is a dialogue between 02 He was not interested in 03 Socrates claims that in order to student and teacher. It is mathematics or science gain wisdom, you must accept instigated by a continuous but he was concerned by your own ignorance and you probing and questioning. the quality of the soul. must search for knowledge. Socrates and Human Ignorance Socrates considered it his religious duty to call his fellow citizens to the examined life by engaging them in philosophical conversation. His contribution to these exchanges typically consisted of a series of probing questions that cumulatively revealed his interlocutor’s complete ignorance of the subject under discussion. Socrates and Human Ignorance Though Socrates characteristically professed his own ignorance regarding many of the (mainly ethical) subjects he investigated, he did hold certain convictions with confidence: Human wisdom begins with the Ethical virtue is the only thing recognition of one’s own that matters ignorance A good person can never be An unexamined life is not worth harmed, because whatever living misfortune he may suffer, his virtue will remain intact A genuine desire to know starts with the admission of one’s own ignorance. With this desire comes the courage to ask questions. Socrates is a shining example of someone who bravely sought for the truth. This is what it means to be a lover of wisdom.