Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person PDF

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person Philosophical Chairs: Engaging in Dialogue  A statement for debate  Students position themselves based on their initial thoughts Philosophical Chairs: Engaging in Dialogue  A statement for debate  Students position themselves based on their...

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person Philosophical Chairs: Engaging in Dialogue  A statement for debate  Students position themselves based on their initial thoughts Philosophical Chairs: Engaging in Dialogue  A statement for debate  Students position themselves based on their initial thoughts Is it ever justified to lie? Philosophical Chairs: Engaging in Dialogue  A statement for debate.  Students position themselves based on their initial thoughts. Is it ever justified to lie?  Engage in respectful argumentation and consider changing sides.  Reflect on the experience and any changes in opinion.  What did you learn about yourself and others through this activity? Philosophical Encounters: Exploring Wisdom in Everyday Life Introduction: Principles of Philosophy Introduction to Philosophy  The word "philosophy" comes from the Greek word "philosophia" (φιλοσοφία), which is a combination of two words: "philos" (φίλος) meaning "love" or "friendship,“ and "sophia" (σοφία) meaning "wisdom.“  Therefore, the etymology of "philosophy" can be understood as the "love of wisdom.“ HISTORICAL CONTEXT:  Early Use: The term "philosophia" is thought to have been coined by Pythagoras, who is said to have described himself not as a wise man (sophos) but as a lover of wisdom (philosophos). This distinction highlighted a humble approach to knowledge, emphasizing the pursuit of wisdom rather than the possession of it. HISTORICAL CONTEXT:  Classical Period: During the classical period of ancient Greece, "philosophia" became a central term used by thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. It referred to the systematic and rigorous study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, HISTORICAL CONTEXT:  Medieval and Modern Usage: The term was carried into the medieval period, where it was used to refer to the study of natural philosophy (the precursor to modern science) and moral philosophy. In the modern era, "philosophy" has come to encompass a broad range of disciplines, including logic, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and aesthetics. Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. It involves critical examination and systematic inquiry into concepts and beliefs that are often taken for granted. Philosophers seek to understand the world and our place in it through rational argumentation and logical  What is your definition of wisdom? How do you pursue it in your life? If one is suffering from an unbearable pain, such as cancer, is it morally right to resort to euthanasia or assisted suicide? Philosophy uses REASON as a tool that can be expressed in many forms, such as:  The ability to reflect. PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION - An activity that is not exclusive to experts. Reflection is part of life.  Question Through asking we can find answers, we can seek the TRUTH.  Articulate one’s thought.  Analyze certain phenomena or events. Therefore, we could say that… Philosophy is a vast knowledge that can help us understand and attain the GOOD LIFE because PHILOSOPHY attempts to understand things in a CRITICAL and LOGICAL manner. The Meaning of Philosophy 1. SCIENTIFIC APPROACH – philosophical approach is systematic 2. NATURAL LIGHT OF REASON – philosophy uses one’s natural capacity to think or observe the world and people. 3. STUDY OF ALL THINGS – multidimensional or holistic NATURAL LIGHT OF Through the natural light of reason, REASON philosophy examines the original grounds or the essential principles of all things. The FIRST CAUSE or the HIGHEST PRINCIPLE The FIRST CAUSE or the HIGHEST  The initial source of all things that PRINCIPLE exist, often considered the uncaused cause that itself is not caused byUnmoved Aristotle's anything else. Mover  Thomas Aquinas’ first cause that is itself uncaused  Big Bang in Modern Science  Domino Effect  Family Tree  Building a house The FIRST CAUSE or the HIGHEST PRINCIPLE  Consider these principles: 1.PRINCIPLE OF IDENTITY 2.PRINCIPLE OF NON- CONTRADICTION 3.PRINCIPLE OF EXCLUDED MIDDLE 4.PRINCIPLE OF SUFFICIENT The FIRST CAUSE or the HIGHEST  PRINCIPLE OF IDENTITY PRINCIPLE  It means that a thing, idea, or person always has a name, a concept, and a characteristic for that thing to exist.  If God is defined as the First Cause, then God is God, the unique origin of all things, and cannot be anything else.  If you plant an apple seed, it will grow into an apple tree, not an orange tree.  When you buy a loaf of bread, it remains a loaf of bread. The purchase (First Cause) doesn’t change the identity of the item. The FIRST CAUSE or the HIGHEST  PRINCIPLE OF NON-CONTRADICTION PRINCIPLE  It denies that a thing can be and not be at the same time.  Something cannot be both true and false at the same time.  The doorbell cannot be both ringing and not ringing at the same time.  When the computer is on, it cannot also be off at the same time. The state of the computer (on or off) cannot contradict itself. The FIRST CAUSE or the HIGHEST  PRINCIPLE OF EXCLUDED MIDDLE PRINCIPLE  Everything must either be or not be; there is no middle ground conceivable.  You ask someone if they have finished their homework. They can either say "Yes" or "No." There’s no middle answer like "Maybe" that can be true in this context.  Suppose you check the weather to see if it's raining. It’s either raining or it’s not; there’s no in-between state. The FIRST CAUSE or the HIGHEST  PRINCIPLE OF SUFFICIENT REASON PRINCIPLE  Nothing happens without a sufficient reason for its being and existence.  The First Cause itself is the sufficient reason for the existence of everything else.  The reason the doorbell is ringing is that someone pressed the button.  If your alarm clock goes off in the morning, it didn’t happen by chance. The reason is that you set the alarm the night before. EMPTYING DEFINITION:  is suspending one’s judgment and conclusion about a matter and mentally exploring the pros and cons, the characteristics, and the purpose of an idea or situation.  In philosophy, the concept of "emptying" can take on different meanings depending on the context Branches of Philosophy Philosophy is traditionally divided into several main branches or domains, each focusing on different fundamental aspects of human experience and understanding.  Metaphysics: Beyond the Physical  Focus: The study of the nature of reality and existence.  Key Questions: What is the nature of reality? What is the nature of being? What is the relationship between mind and matter? Do abstract concepts like numbers exist independently of human thought?  Examples: Discussions on the nature of time and space, the existence of God, the nature of consciousness.  Epistemology: The Quest for Knowledge  Focus: The study of knowledge and belief.  Key Questions: What is knowledge? How is knowledge acquired? What is the difference between belief and knowledge? What are the limits of human understanding?  Examples: Analysis of the sources of knowledge, the nature of truth, skepticism, and the justification of belief. Explores the limits of human understanding Consider a belief you hold strongly. How do you know it's  Logic: The Structure of Reason  Focus: The study of reasoning and argumentation.  Key Questions: What constitutes a valid argument? What are the rules of correct reasoning? How can we distinguish between sound and unsound arguments?  Examples: Analysis of logical fallacies, the structure of deductive and inductive arguments, the principles of symbolic logic. Aesthetics: Art and Beauty  Focus: The study of beauty, art, and taste.  Key Questions: What is beauty? What is art? How do we evaluate artistic works? What is the nature of aesthetic experience?  Examples: Discussions on the nature of artistic expression, the criteria for judging art, the relationship between art and emotion. Filipino Thinking: From Local to Globa hree dimensions of Filipino Thought 1. Loob 2. Filipino Philosophy of Time 3. Bahala na oob: Holistic and Interior Dimensions  Kagandahang-loob: Inner beauty and goodness  Kabutihang-loob: Good will and nature  Kalooban: Inner self or will  How does the concept of 'loob' resonate with your personal values? Filipino Time  Mistakenly interpreted as the tendency of Filipinos to always show up late at the committed time of arrival.  Filipino farmers are early risers tending to their fields and waste no time for work. Siesta Time  Power naps are important for Filipino culture and must not be considered negative.  Rest is essential as it recharges and gives a positive state of mind. Filipino Thought and Values: Progressive and Undesirable Traits  It is believed that the Philippine values and system need to be used as a positive motivation.  The Filipino sees himself as belonging to the small, primary group in a dyadic, pyramidal fashion.  He does not identify horizontally with his class, which cuts across the whole community, but vertically with its authority Filipino Thought and Values: Progressive and Undesirable Traits  UTANG NA LOOB – reciprocating debts of gratitude  BAYANIHAN – helping others in times of need “Deep down in the Filipino psyche, there exists the belief that whatever good one has done will be returned to one’s benefit because a Supreme Judge will bestow just reward whether in one’s life span or in the afterlife (Mercado 2000).” Bahala Na: Embracing Uncertainty  "Bahala na" is a Filipino expression deeply rooted in Philippine culture, often translated to "come what may" or "whatever happens, happens.“  A Filipino expression of faith and trust in the face of uncertainty.  Originated from the word "Bathala," a supreme deity in the ancient Tagalog pantheon.  Initially meant entrusting one's fate to Bathala, expressing reliance on a higher power in moments of uncertainty.  The concept of Bathala merged with the Christian God due to Spanish colonization, and evolved to represent a broader sense of surrender to fate or divine will. Bahala Na: Embracing Uncertainty  Today, "bahala na" is used to express determination in uncertain situations. While some view it as a form of fatalism or resignation, others see it as a manifestation of courage and the Filipino spirit of resilience—choosing to act despite the unknown outcomes.  The phrase also reflects the Filipino cultural trait of adaptability, where one moves forward believing that things will work out, regardless of the uncertainties.  How do you deal with uncertainty in your life? Do you have a similar concept to 'Bahala na'? Nationalism to Internationalism  Nationalism often focuses on promoting the interests, culture, and identity of one's own country. interests.  Internationalism refers to the idea that countries should work together, beyond their national interests, for the common good of the global community. Nationalism to Internationalism Gripaldo (2000) argued that once economically strong, the Philippines would transcend nationalism to internationalism. This action is a step toward making choices not for oneself but for the global whole.  How do you balance your national identity with being a citizen of the world?