PHILO-LECTURE-1.pptx

DOING PHILOSOPHY LECTURE 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON HOLISTIC AND PARTIAL THINKING In our haste to make hasty and immediate solutions, we fail to consider long-term plans and goals (Henri Nouwen, Clowning in Rome).  HOLISTIC THINKING a perspective t...

DOING PHILOSOPHY LECTURE 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON HOLISTIC AND PARTIAL THINKING In our haste to make hasty and immediate solutions, we fail to consider long-term plans and goals (Henri Nouwen, Clowning in Rome).  HOLISTIC THINKING a perspective that considers large- scale patterns in systems. the “big picture” when describing and analyzing a situation or problem. An individual must have an open mindset and an ability to get the general sense regarding a situation.  HOLISTIC THINKING stepping back and consider the general aspects of a certain problem. a more appreciative perspective about life, look life in its totality looks at all aspects of the given situation or problem when making conclusions  PARTIAL THINKING looks at only a limited number of aspects of the given problem or situation. an individual focuses on certain areas or aspects of a problem in order to understand. Conclusions are made considering some but not all sides of the problem or situation.  HOLISTIC AND PARTIAL THINKING Philosophy uses holistic thinking in making sense of problems and issues related to human experience. “And we're just another piece of the puzzle Just another part of the plan How one life touches the other Is so hard to understand” -Song: Since the World Began by Survisor  REFLECTION to examine one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions to learn more about one’s life and experiences helps us understand ourselves and our actions better we can judge whether our actions or decisions are reasonable or not  WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY? Greek words, “Philo” (love) and “Sophia” (wisdom): Philosophy is the love and the study of wisdom. Ancient Greek philosophers applied the love of wisdom to the study or discipline that uses human reason to investigate ultimate causes, reasons, and principles which governs all things.  TERMS Philosophy is the discipline, the search and study of wisdom. Philosopher is the person who studies Philosophy. Philosophize is the act of applying philosophy. FAMOUS PHILOSOPHERS PYTHAGORAS (57 BCE-495 BCE) Mathematician and Philosopher Pythagorean Theorem Established a community of learners who studied philosophy and religion  HERACLITUS (535 BCE – 475 BCE) Everything that exists is based on a higher order or plan (logos). Change is constant “No man steps on the same river twice”  DEMOCRITUS (460 BCE - 370 BCE) Studied the causes of natural phenomena One of the first thinkers who proposed that matter is composed of tiny particles called “atom”. DIOGENES (412 BCE – 320 BCE) Advocated the living of austerity and a simple and virtuous life. One should not only talk about virtue but also show virtue in words and deeds. Vocal critic of Plato and Aristotle. His followers used his philosophy to develop schools of thought.  Cynicism: people are reasoning animals the purpose of life and the way to gain happiness is to achieve virtue, in agreement with nature, following one's natural sense of reason by living ascetically and shamelessly free from social constraints  Stoicism: philosophy of life that maximizes positive emotions, reduces negative emotions and helps individuals to hone their virtues of character. EPICURUS (341 BCE – 270 BCE) Philosophy can help man live a life of happiness. Epicureanism: wisdom and simple living can help man live a life free from fear and pain. SOCRATES (470 BCE – 399 BCE) Foremost philosopher of Ancient Times. Contributed in the field of ethics. Criticized philosophers of his time but did not consider himself as wise, only a midwife that helped inquiring minds achieve wisdom.  Philosophy can help man live a life of virtue. Socratic method: question and answer method PLATO (427 BCE – 327 BCE) Proposed in his work, “The Republic” an ideal government and society ruled by wisdom and reason. Dialectic method: two opposing ideas are discussed to gain knowledge Established the Academy: institution of higher learning  Socrates’ student, his writings are the foundation of Western Philosophy. Theory of Forms: everything exists is based on an idea or template that can only be perceived in the mind; these non-physical ideas are eternal and unchanging. ARISTOTLE (384 BCE – 322 BCE) Plato’s student, attended the Academy Disagreed with Plato’s Theory of Forms. All ideas or views are based on perception, reality is based on what we can sense and perceive.  He influenced the study of physical sciences. Deductive Reasoning: specific statements are studied to reach a generalization  LAO TZU Founder of Daoism/Taoism Work: Tao Te Ching Concept of the Tao, an invisible structure which drives all things, and believes enlightenment comes from attaining oneness with the surrounding universe  “To the mind that is still the whole universe surrenders.” “Nature does not hurry, but everything is accomplished.” “When I let go of who I am, I become what I might be.” SIDDHARTA GAUTAMA (BUDDHA) Buddha “The Enlightened” A prince from Nepal who lived during the 6th or 5th century BC His followers have become members of Buddhism Enlightenment “Nirvana”  BUDDHA’S 4 NOBLE TRUTHS dukkha ('not being at ease', "suffering," from dush-stha, "standing unstable," is an innate characteristic of the perpetual cycle (samsara, lit. 'wandering') of grasping at things, ideas and habits;  BUDDHA’S 4 NOBLE TRUTHS samudaya (origin, arising, combination; "cause"): dukkha (unease) arises simultaneously with taṇhā ("craving, desire or attachment, lit. 'thirst').  BUDDHA’S 4 NOBLE TRUTHS Nirodha (cessation, ending, confinement): dukkha can be ended or contained by the confinement or letting go of this taṇhā;  BUDDHA’S 4 NOBLE TRUTHS magga (path, Noble Eightfold Path) is the path leading to the confinement of tanha and dukkha  CONFUCIUS 6th and 5th century B.C. thinker promoted ancestor worship, strong filial bonds, and considerate living Confucius’ writings espouse humanistic ideologies, placing the well-being of all over the needs of the few.  the Five Classics (Spring and Autumn Annals, Classic of Poetry, Classic of Changes, Classic of Rites, and Classic of History) Li, an ethical framework encouraging the populace to behave appropriately  HINDUISM a religious tradition developed during the first millennium and intertwined with the history and social system of India no founder, has no prophets, no set creed, and no particular institutional structure emphasizes the right way of living (dharma) rather than a set of doctrines  EASTERN PHILOSOPHY Philosophical traditions that emerged within the Eastern Asian regions of India and China. Eastern philosophies were intimately tied to their respective religious traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism. its philosophy deals less with worship rituals and depictions of the gods, and more with larger questions of our relation to the cosmos.  EASTERN PHILOSOPHY Allegory of the pebble in the pool: as the pebble goes deeper, the ripples it creates becomes wider Focus: To give meaning, “pagpapakahulugan”  WESTERN PHILOSOPHY Western philosophy is characterized by a canonical set of thinkers including Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, etc. It is also characterized by the influence of monotheistic religions, especially Christianity. Finally, Western philosophy has often reflected theories that emphasize formalism and universal concepts.  WESTERN PHILOSOPHY To give definitions Definitions: to define, to give limits or bounds  EASTERN AND WESTERN PHILOSOPHY Western philosophy tends to focus more on ideas and principles Eastern philosophy is more focused on behavior and the eternal nature of reality.  What is real? Can we understand reality and everything in it? What is the ultimate cause of everything? Why am I here? What is truth?  WHY IS THERE A NEED TO PHILOSOPHIZE? Plato: Because of man’s sense of wonder-ask questions and gain answers, his curiosity: Question, examine, and learn more. Rene Descartes: Because of man’s doubt. He questioned everything. “Cogito ergo sum” (I think therefore, I am.  WHY IS THERE A NEED TO PHILOSOPHIZE? Karl Jaspers: Because of experience. Experience challenges man’s ideas and frameworks. Experiences are “limit situations” Because we love wisdom.  HOW DO WE CHARACTERIZE THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY? Philosophy is a way of understanding frameworks (View about the world as influenced by the beliefs of a person). Internal Questions: deal with our own values, addressed using our own frameworks. External Questions: they question the frameworks by which people have their own values and beliefs.  HOW DO WE CHARACTERIZE THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY? Philosophy is an examination of a particular area of knowledge. Philosophy is a distinct area of knowledge with its own goals, concerns, and way of doing things: Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Education, Politics, Art, etc.  HOW DO WE CHARACTERIZE THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY? Philosophy is a distinct area of knowledge with its own goals, concerns, and doing things. Philosophy of: Aesthetics-beauty Logic-correct reasoning Epistemology-nature of knowledge and knowing Ethics-moral questions and dilemnas  Philosophy of: Politics-governments, justice, power, rights and obligations Metaphysics-reality and existence Philosophy of the Human Person-the human person is understood in a philosophical perspective, in order to understand the truth about the human person  HOW DO WE CHARACTERIZE THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY? Philosophy is a reflective and meditative activity. Philosophy a method of mental exercise.  PRACTICAL USES OF PHILOSOPHY IN OUR DAILY LIVES Engage in critical analysis and interpretation of concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems Improve problem-solving and decision-making Become good communicators who can clearly and adequately present ideas  PRACTICAL USES OF PHILOSOPHY IN OUR DAILY LIVES Wisdom (What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?) Self-development  REFLECTION PAPER 1 1. Share an experience in your life where you have found reflective and holistic thinking have helped you.