Introduction To Philosophy Of The Human Person PDF

INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY OF THE Focuses on the study of existence. HUMAN PERSON Metaphysics seeks to answer the question Etymologically speaking, the word philosophy "What is?" and encompasses everything that came from...

INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY OF THE Focuses on the study of existence. HUMAN PERSON Metaphysics seeks to answer the question Etymologically speaking, the word philosophy "What is?" and encompasses everything that came from 2 Greek words: “Philos” (love) & exists, as well as the true nature of existence “Sophia” (wisdom). Thus, philosophy is itself. defined as the “love of wisdom.” EPISTEMOLOGY According to several accounts and Derived from two Greek words: testimonies, the discovery of philosophy may Episteme(knowledge) and logos(to study). be attributed to Pythagoras of Samos, who was the first to use the term “philosopher”. Investigates the acquisition of knowledge- encompassing the nature and construction of According to Pythagoras, the word concepts, logical reasoning, and even the “philosopher” means the one who is validity of the perception of the senses. attempting to find out. ETHICS SAGE a person who is full of wisdom; one distinguished for wisdom. Also called moral philosophy According to Pythagoras, men are divided into Ethics came from the Greek word ethos 3 groups: which means “custom” or “habit.”. 1.Those that loves pleasure As a branch of philosophy, it is a discipline which aims to synthesize the 2. Those that loves activity. concepts of right and wrong behaviour. 3. Those that loves wisdom AESTHETICS Over the years, philosophy went beyond its Derive from the Greek word “aisthetikos” etymological definition. It became a discipline and a Field of study that desires to understand Branch of philosophy that deals with the and comprehend the mysteries of reality, to nature and appreciation of art, beauty, and unveil the nature of truth, and examine the good taste. significance of life. Critical reflection on art, culture, and nature. NATURE OF PHILOSOPHY 1. Philosophy is a set of views or belief Empiricism is the idea that all learning comes about life and the universe which are from only experience and observations. often held uncritically. 2. Philosophy is a process of reflecting on Rationalism is the knowledge that is derived and criticizing our most deeply held from reason and logic. conceptions and beliefs. John Locke proposed the theory of TABULA 3. Philosophy is a rational attempt to look RASA, meaning the mind at birth is a blank at the world as a whole. slate, devoid of innate ideas. 4. Philosophy is the logical arrangement of language and the clarification of meaning of words and concepts. MOST NOTABLE ANCIENT GREEK PHILOSOPHERS CORE BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY PYTHAGORAS (570 BCE to 495 BCE) METAPHYSICS - A mathematician and Scientist, who was Derived from the Greek word metaphysika credited in Formulating the Pythagorean (beyond physics). theorem.  - He established a community of learners ARISTOTLE ( 384 BCE to 322 BCE) who were devoted to the study of religion - Attended the academy and became the and Philosophy. student of Plato. HERACLITUS (535 BCE to 475 BCE) - Was involved in a variety of disciplines such as zoology, psychology, ethics, and - Everything that exists is based on a higher politics. order or plan (“logos”). - "Deductive Reasoning" the process by - Change is a permanent aspect of the which specific statements are analysed to human condition. reach a conclusion or generalization. - “No man ever steps in the same river twice” INDUCTIVE REASONING – using a general DEMOCRITUS (460 BCE to 370 BCE) premise to form a specific conclusion. - Devoted Himself to the study of the natural DEDUCTIVE REASONING – using specific phenomena. observations to form a general conclusion. - First to propose that matter is composed of tiny particles called ‘atoms”. DIOGENES OF SINOPE (412 BCE to 323 BCE) HOLISTIC VS. PARTIAL POINT OF VIEW - Advocate of living a simple and virtuous life. Holism comes from the Greek word “holos” - One should not only talk of virtue but which literally means all, entire, totality. should show it in words and actions. Holism is a school of thought that maintains - A vocal critic of Plato and Aristotle the interdependence of factors to another - His teachings leads to the development of agencies of casualties. Cynicism and Stoicism. HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE/ HOLISTIC THINKING EPICURUS (341 BCE to 270 BCE) Is a kind of system that aims to determine - Philosophy could enable a man to live a life and explain the whole or totality of a given of happiness. system by examining the behaviours and - His views gave rise to Epicureanism a activities of certain component parts while in school of philosophy that believes wisdom philosophy, a point of view is defined as a way and simple living will result in a life free of or a method now one sees or perceives the fear and pain. reality or a phenomenon. SOCRATES (470 BCE to 399 BCE) All aspects are given importance when making conclusions. - Foremost philosopher of ancient time. - Great contributions to the field of ethics. All aspects are tied in together to form a - Was known to be critic of intellectuals general overview of the problem or situation. during his time. PARTIAL POINT OF VIEW/ PARTIAL THINKING - "Socratic Method" – a means of examining a topic by devising series of questions. A perspective that looks at reality based on a single or partial component of a system PLATO (427 BCE to 347 BCE) whereas the holistic perspective tries to - Wrote down his mentors (Socrates) broaden the understanding of reality by taking teaching and incorporated some of his considerations of other possible casual agents ideas into them. or factors be it biological, theological or any - Foundation of Western Philosophy other factors that may contribute in - “Dialectic” – a method of inquiry where two understanding a certain phenomenon. opposing ideas are discussed to arrive at a Looks only at a limited number of aspects new knowledge. of the given problem or situation. - Founded “Academy” – an institution of higher learning.  Conclusions are made based on They suggest two important facts about considering some, but not all, sides of the philosophizing: philosophy is a reflective and problem or situation. meditative activity, and it has no designated subject matter of its own. It is also a method of mental exercise on any type of experience. REFLECTION The Greek philosopher Plato traced man’s - Requires a person to be willing to examine need to philosophize to his sense of wonder. one’s thoughts, feelings and actions and to Whenever we are confronted with an learn more about one’s life and experience. experience, we always wonder how it came - The moment you wake up, you can already about. reflect upon the things that you plan to do The 20th-century Swiss-German philosopher for the day. This will enable you to set your Karl Jaspers saw the need to philosophize daily goals and set you on the path of because of experience. Jaspers believed that thinking of ways to achieve them. man is often confronted by experiences which - Reflections allows you an opportunity to challenge his ideas and frameworks. Jaspers think more deeply about your action, your called these experiences limit situations, and motivations for doing such an actions and these are often accompanied by feelings of even its possible consequences. helplessness, anxiety, or dread - Reflections helps us understand ourselves and our actions better. USES OF PHILOSOPHY IN OUR LIVES - Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis and interpretation of concepts, definitions, arguments, and One way of looking at philosophy is to problems. consider it as a way of analyzing frameworks. A - Philosophy also improves problem- framework is defined as a way of thinking solving and decision making. about the world and is composed of the views - A philosopher is a good communicator and beliefs of a person. Whenever a person who can clearly and adequately present his encounters a problem or question in life, he or or her ideas. Discussion and debate she often goes back to his or her own require skills in presenting and framework in order to make sense of the communicating ideas. problem. - Wisdom is one intended product of philosophizing, and this refers to a person’s Internal questions are questions that deal ability to apply knowledge to daily life with our own correctness and values which particularly in making sound choices and can be addressed using our own personal judgment. frameworks. - Knowledge of Philosophy can contribute External questions that seek to question the to self-development. One can be a better very frameworks upon which people base their student, scientist, artist, professional, and own beliefs and views. citizen if he or she has the capacity for inquiry, critical thinking, and reflection. Political Philosophy studies governments and deals with questions of justice, power and the rights and obligations of citizens. FACT AND OPINION Philosophy of the Human Person is an area in philosophy that understands the human person from a philosophical perspective Philosophers often grapple with the concept integrating and synthesizing the different of truth. branches. Truth lies at the heart of any inquiry.  Knowledge must be truthful to gain validity disprove it. This is what defines it as and acceptance. opinion. - Opinion may use descriptive language to Philosophers considers truth or as a kind of appeal to your emotions and sway your quality and value. thinking. SIGNAL WORDS TO CONVEY OPINION: PROPOSITIONS Claimed, View, Argues, Suspect - Are the statements about the world or reality which may or may not carry truth. And these propositions are usually stated John Corvino’s Three Distinction of Opinion as short statements or sentences. and Truth - Sentences considered in propositional 1.) Belief and Reality Distinction logic are not arbitrary sentences but are the - Reality is unarguably seen and felt by ones that are either true or false, but not the human senses. Whereas, belief is a both. by-product or a manifestation of any - If a proposition is true, then we can say it reality. For example: Your reality right has a truth value of “true”; if a proposition now is your being a student enrolled in is false, its truth value is “false” a certain curriculum. - There can be several beliefs system that can thrive out from that reality: FACT Finishing academic year with either - A fact is a statement that can be proven outstanding grades or just passing true. remarks. Graduating with honors or - Statements that can be verified. graduating simply as an ordinary - They can be proven true or false. graduate. - Statements of fact are objective they contain information but do not tell what the writer thinks or believes about the topic. 2.) Subjective and Objective Distinction - A fact generally refers to something that is - Perspective is what makes fact as true and can be verified as such. possibly an opinion or opinion as - Facts speak for their own truth. potentially a fact. - This can vary according to one’s SIGNAL WORDS TO CONVEY FACTS: experience and position making Confirms, Discovered, According to, judgment as either subjective or Demonstrated objective. - What makes your viewpoint subjective OPINION is when you rely so much on your - An opinion expresses someone’s belief, perception as dictated by your mind. feeling, view, idea, or judgment about - And when something appears to you something or someone. objectively that means there are - Statements that express a writer’s feelings, reasons outside of the mind that make attitudes, or beliefs. the thing true. - They are neither true nor false. - They are one person’s view about a topic or issue. 3.) Descriptive and Normative Distinction - An opinion refers to a personal belief. It - How any experience is labelled relates to how someone feels about depends on their representations from something. Others may agree or disagree the world. with an opinion, but they cannot prove or - There is such a thing we call Descriptive statements which simply narrates what  happens, while there are the normative Nothing is taken as true unless there is statements which evaluate the events sufficient reason and evidence to prove that it according to the perspective of people, is indeed true. a certain culture and law. - For example, in a certain class the teacher observes cheating to be PERSPECTIVE OF TRUTH rampant which is basically a wrong doing (Descriptive), but, with the group 1.) A belief is true if it can be justified or proven of students doing the act they might through the use of one’s senses. reason out that the act is for their 2.) A belief or statement is true if it is based on greater good(Normative). Facts. 3.) Getting a consensus or having people agree on a common belief. 4.) Determining truth requires a person to TRUTH, FACTS, CLAIM prove a statement through action. Knowledge is the clear awareness and 5.) Claims and beliefs should also be understanding of something subjected to tests to determine the truth. It is through knowing that we are able to determine what is true CLAIM, OPINION, BELIEFS Knowledge is based on reality. What we CLAIM know is what is observable or evident in the real world. - Is a statement that asserts something to be true or false. Propositions or statements which are - Is often used as a basis for argument or observed to be real or truthful are considered discussion and is expected to be facts. supported by evidence or reasoning. OPINION CLAIM is a statement that cannot be taken as - These statements go beyond providing true because it is not immediately evident and facts. further examination is required to establish - Provide conclusions or perspectives whether it is true or false. regarding certain situations. - These are comprised of statements that provide views of a certain matter. Truthful statements, therefore, can be considered as based on facts. CONCLUSION Science considers truth as something - A judgement based on certain facts. observable and empirical. - The fact that form the basis of conclusion may not be disputed but the Any claim can be proven by verification and conclusion itself could still be experimentation. contested or questioned. Philosophers emphasize the importance of BELIEFS belief as basis for determining truth. - These are statements that express the There are instances where we must unlearn convictions that are not easily and something so that we may learn anew. clearly explained by facts. - To judge the truthfulness of belief, we must also consider things such as a DOUBT has a very important purpose in persons experiences. philosophy as it drives our desire to discover truth. EXPLANATION  - are statements that assume the claim People may commit them accidentally or to be true and provide reasons why the use them deliberately to manipulate others. statement is true. TYPES OF FALLACIES Claims are statements that can be argued or AD HOMINEM – happens when someone supported with evidence. attacks the character or personal traits of the Opinions are personal and subjective person making an argument rather than preferences or judgements. addressing the argument itself. Beliefs are deeply held convictions or APPEAL TO FORCE – also known as acceptances of truths, which might not always argumentum ad baculum or the appeal to be based on concrete evidence. coercion, occurs when someone tries to win an argument by using threats or intimidation rather than presenting logical evidence or ARGUMENTS reasoning - are series of statements that provides APPEAL TO EMOTION – argumentum ad reasons to convince the reader or passiones, is a fallacy where an argument is listener that a claim or opinion is made by manipulating an emotional response truthful. in place of a logical or factual basis. - LOGIC is a branch of philosophy that APPEAL TO POPULAR – also known as the focuses on the analysis of arguments. bandwagon fallacy, occurs when someone - are given great importance since these argues that a claim is true or acceptable simply are used to convey ideas that influence because a large number of people believe it to the thinking, actions, and behaviour of be so. people. - can lead people to either right or wrong APPEAL TO TRADITION – also known as the decision and action. argumentum ad antiquitatem, occurs when - not all arguments have the same merit something is considered correct or better because some are better presented and simply because it is traditional or has been substantiated than others. done a certain way for a long time. - possibly, claims and arguments are APPEAL TO AUTHORITY – is a logical fallacy given by persons who have ill intentions where someone argues that a claim is true and twist or manipulate pacts for their based on the authority of the person making own purposes. the claim, rather than presenting evidence or reasoning that directly supports the claim. FALLACY BEGGING THE QUESTION – assuming the thing Arguments often take the form of or idea to be proven is true; also known as statements that are either claims of facts and “circular agreement”. are phrased in such a way that they seem CAUSE-AND-EFFECT – occur when someone reasonable. incorrectly assumes or asserts that one thing is The art of the argument is thousand of years the cause of another without sufficient old, so too is the study of the Faults of evidence or logical reasoning. arguments called Fallacies. FALLACY OF COMPOSITION – assuming that They are Flaws and faults that weaken what is true of the part is true for the whole arguments. FALLACY OF DIVISION – assuming that what is They try to persuade without providing true for the whole is true for its parts. legitimate grounds for accepting the conclusions. BIAS self-determination, and the capacity to interact with others and with himself or herself. When looking at an opinion, be aware of bias or the personal views of the person Personhood refers to the state of being a presenting it. Biases are not necessarily errors person. in reasoning, but refer to tendencies or Human nature refers to the characteristics influences which affect the views of people. that distinguish humans from all other Bias cannot be avoided in any discussion or creatures. These traits are assumed to arise debate. independent of the influence of culture and MOST COMMON BIASES society. Examples of these characteristics include thinking, feeling, and acting. These CORRESPONDENCE BIAS OR ATTRIBUTION traits are considered to form the essence of EFFECT – tendency to judge a person’s humanity, and without them, an individual may personality by his or her actions, without not be considered a human person. regard for external factors or influences. CONFIRMATION BIAS – tendency to look for and readily accept information which fits one’s TRAITS THAT DEFINES A PERSON own beliefs or views and to reject ideas or Self-awareness refers to the person having a views that go against it. clear perception of oneself, including his or her FRAMING – focusing on a certain aspect of a thoughts, emotions, identity, and actions. problem while ignoring other aspects. Human awareness goes beyond perception and reaction to the environment. The human HINDSIGHT – the tendency to see past events person is defined by a deeper awareness which as predictable, or to ascribe a pattern to is driven by rationality or human thought. A historical events. person is aware of both his or her surroundings CONFLICT OF INTEREST – a person or group is and himself or herself. A human person knows connected to or has a vested interest in the that he or she is living an experience and is an issue being discussed. active participant in this experience. CULTURAL BIAS – analyzing an event or issue Self – philosophers describe as the person who based on one’s cultural standards. is actively aware that he or she is perceiving and experiencing reality. Interiority THE HUMAN PERSON AS AN EMBODIED SPIRIT - This awareness of the self also enables us persons to experience “inner world” Man is the general term commonly used to an that is defined by our personal refer to the entire human race. Other related thoughts and ideas. terms include humanity, mankind, and - The quality of being focused on one’s humankind. inner our and identity. This interiority Human refers to man as a species – Homo enables persons to exercise creativity. sapiens sapiens or modern human beings. The - Having an inner world allows a person to term human being is also used to distinguish create goals, dreams, and plans which man from other animals. may be realized through activity. Person is a much more complex term which generally refers to a human being granted Self-determination refers to the capability of recognition of certain rights, protection, persons to make choices and decisions based responsibilities, and dignity, above all. on their own preferences, monitor and regulate their actions, and be goal-oriented and self- Philosophers refer to the human person as the directed. We are persons because we act and totality of an individual, possessing awareness, we are aware of our actions. Free will enables us to do actions whenever Philosophers consider the human person as we want to and makes self-determination defined by the union of the body and the spirit. possible. Free will is the capacity to choose a The human person is an embodied spirit. Not course of action from various alternatives. The only are the body and spirit united, but they are existence of free will enables a person to act also integrated with each other. This means wilfully, control his or her actions, and that we cannot separate the two and they go recognize himself or herself as the source of hand-in-hand in making us who we are. action. Whatever affects the body also affects the spirit, and this unique trait of the person A discussion on self-determination and free enables him or her to experience both the will eventually leads to a discussion of physical world and the spiritual world. consequence. Consequence is the result or Embodiment enables us to do and experience effect of an action or condition. all the things that make us human persons. Morality or the goodness or badness of an act. Transcendence is the ability to surpass limits Human action is such an important aspect of and it is also one important trait that the person that many philosophers consider distinguishes the human person from other human action as a way to reveal a person’s beings in existence. The essence of true nature. For example, we may find a person transcendence is to acknowledge our attractive, but if he or she acts in a rude or limitations, identify possibilities for offensive manner, our initial favourable development, and change ourselves for the impression may change. Human acts better. complete the person, as it is through his or her actions that his or her inner self is revealed to others, and it is through action that a person is THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE ENVIRONMENT able to explore and fulfil his or her potential Environmental philosophy or environmental Externality or the capability to reach out and ethics interact with others and the world. The - is the discipline in philosophy that realization that we are not alone and that there studies the moral relationship of human are other persons around us enables us to beings with the environment and its reach out and establish meaningful non-human contents. relationships with others. - Philosophers believe that the person Dignity or the innate right to be valued and has a special relationship with nature. respected. Philosophers consider all humans - Unlike other organisms that are merely as having an inherent worth or value. part of ecosystems and exist to perform Philosophers, however, do not equate value or certain biological roles, the person has worth with any quantifiable measure such as a the ability to change the environment to price. Each person is worth the same as suit his or her purposes. another person in the sense that every person is priceless, unique, unrepeatable, and Anthropocentrism focuses on the significant irreplaceable. role of humankind in the world and considers nature as the means by which humans are able to meet their needs and survive. This view Philosophers point to another unseen aspect believes that humans are the most important of the human person which, along with the species on the planet and they are free to body, defines us as persons. This intangible transform nature and use its resources. element is the SPIRIT which enables us to exercise thought, possess awareness, Biocentrism believes that humans are not the interiority, and the capacity to reach out to the only significant species on the planet, and that outside world and other persons. all organisms have inherent value and should be protected. Ecocentrism places great value on Environmental Justice, which refers to the fair ecosystems and biological communities. This distribution of environmental benefits, as well view believes that humankind is part of a as the burden of meeting environmental greater biological system or community and challenges. that we have a significant role as stewards or guardians of nature. Sustainability or sustainable development is a concept that advocates the wise and efficient Environmental aesthetics is one use of natural resources. It emphasizes that philosophical view that believes maintaining human activities must not unduly harm the order in the environment will bring out the environment, that natural resources must be natural beauty of the surroundings and used wisely, and the environment must be contribute to the well-being of the people and preserved for the next generation. other organisms living in it. The appreciation of 3 IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES: natural beauty brings about concern for the environment and helps people relate more Environmental Integrity refers to maintaining effectively with nature. the state of the environment. This means that human activities should not unduly disrupt the Environmentalism advocates to address the ecosystems and human communities located growing environmental problems. in the area. Environmental ethics is a moral approach Economic Efficiency refers to prudence in that analyzes the relationship between decision-making regarding the use of humans and the environment. It serves as a resources to ensure that there is minimum to basis for reflecting on how our actions show zero waste. our regard for nature. Equity demands that we use our natural This emerged in the 1970s, advocating human resources in such a manner that these are responsibility and action with regard to conserved so that the next generation will be environmental issues. Its main ideas are the able to use them. following: The values of prudence and frugality can guide All nonhuman elements of the world, us in our own personal use of resources. including animals and natural resources, have Prudence is the ability to regulate one’s Intrinsic value and should be preserved. actions and behaviour, while frugality is being The preservation of the environment will thrifty with the use of one’s resources. benefit humans by providing for the needs of present and future generations. PHILOSOPHY. It is the study or discipline that Humankind has a responsibility to uses human reason to investigate the ultimate safeguard the planet as stewards of creation. causes, reasons, and principles which govern Social Ecology applies an ecological and all things. ethical approach in analyzing society, and sees The Greek term for philosophy, philosophia, a relationship between social problems and means LOVE OF WISDOM. environmental problems. Society should, therefore, implement changes in order to The Greek philosopher Plato believes that address issues regarding the environment philosophy is brought about by man’s sense of WONDER. Climate ethics and climate justice arose from the growing concern with climate change, and KARL JASPERS. He believes that persons consider it a significant ethical, social, and engage in philosophy in order to make sense of political issue. difficult life experiences. DOUBT. Rene Descartes considers this as a BIAS. These are tendencies or influences that reason why people philosophize. affect the views of people. FRAMEWORK. It refers to a way of thinking about the world and is made up of a person’s views and beliefs. HUMAN BEING. This term refers to man as a INTERNAL QUESTIONS. These are questions species and distinguishes man from other that examine personal ideas regarding animals. correctness and values. HUMAN PERSON. This refers to the totality of REFLECTION. It is an activity that requires a an individual who possesses awareness, self- person to examine his or her thoughts, determination, and the capacity to interact feelings, and actions and learn from with others. experience. SELF-AWARENESS. This refers to an individual HOLISTIC THINKING. It is a perspective that who is actively aware that he or she is considers the “bigger picture” when looking at perceiving and experiencing reality. problems and situations. INTERIORITY. This refers to the ability of the PARTIAL THINKING. It is a perspective that person to experience an “inner world” that is focuses on specific aspects of a situation. defined by personal thoughts and ideas. SELF-DETERMINATION. This is the capability to act and be aware of one’s actions. KNOWLEDGE. It is the clear awareness and FREE-WILL. This enables the person to act understanding of something. whenever he or she wants to and makes self- determination possible. FACTS. These are statements which are observed to be real or truthful. EXTERNALITY. This is the capability to reach out and interact with others and the world. CLAIM. These are statements which need to be examined to determine whether they are true DIGNITY. This is the inherent value of a person or false. which cannot be expressed in quantifiable terms. OPINIONS. These are comprised of statements that provide views on a certain SPIRIT. This is the intangible element that matter. enables us to exercise thought, possess awareness, and reach out to the outside world CONCLUSION. This is a judgment based on and others. certain facts. TRANSCENDENCE. This is the ability to BELIEFS. These are statements that express surpass limits. convictions that are not easily explained by facts. EXPLANATION. These are statements that assume a claim is true and provide reasons to ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY. This is the support them. branch of philosophy that is concerned with ARGUMENT. This is a series of statements that the natural environment and humanity’s place provide reasons to convince a person that a in it. claim or opinion is truthful. ANTHROPOCENTRISM. This view considers FALLACY. These are arguments based on man the most important species on the planet. faulty reasoning. BIOCENTRISM. This view believes that all organisms have inherent worth and should be valued and protected. ECOCENTRISM. This view places great value on ecosystems and biological communities. Which of these statements about humankind and nature is not true? - Humankind can use natural resources without regard for the consequences. ENVIRONMENTALISM. This perspective advocates action to address environmental problems. ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS. This is a moral approach in analyzing the relationship between humans and the environment. Which of these statements does not reflect environmental ethics? - Natural disasters are unrelated to human activities. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE. This concept refers to the fair distribution of environmental benefits and the burden of addressing environmental challenges. Which of these statements is not related to sustainable development? - Humankind must use up all natural resources.