Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person PDF

INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON THE MEANING/DEFINITION OF PHILOSOPHY Siryouckz THE DEFINITION Derived from the Latin word de-fenire which means “to state the limits of” or “to enclose within limits. Thus,, to define a thing is to limit the...

INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON THE MEANING/DEFINITION OF PHILOSOPHY Siryouckz THE DEFINITION Derived from the Latin word de-fenire which means “to state the limits of” or “to enclose within limits. Thus,, to define a thing is to limit the thing by unfolding its nature, or by extracting its limit, or by getting hold of what it includes and to what it extends.  The Two Classification of Definition 1. Nominal 2. Real Nominal (from the Latin word Nominalis meaning “having reference to a name”) and Real (from the Latin word realis meaning “having reference to a thing or reality”). Two Kinds of Nominal Definition 1. Etymological 2. Vernacular Two Kinds of Real Definition 1. Intrinsic 2. Extrinsic  In Nominal definition, a thing is defined or limited according to its term or name.  In this light, both etymological and vernacular nominal definitions limit a thing from the standpoint of its name or term. Thus, etymological nominal definition limits a thing or term by taking its derivation (e.g., Definition: from the Latin word de-fenire. While vernacular definition limits a thing or term by taking into account its exclusive meaning (e.g., Logic is the science of correct thinking.  Real definition, however, defines a thing by considering the thing per se. This is why real definition is classified as intrinsic and extrinsic Intrinsic definition limits a thing according to its essence and contingency or accidents. If a definition limits a thing according to its accidents (those characteristics or parts that may belong to a thing but are not necessary to the essence of a thing) it is called a Descriptive Definition. A Descriptive definition limits a thing according to its attributes or properties (those natural necessities of a thing that are not part of its essence), e.g.. “Man is a smilling being.” An essential definition limits a thing or term according to its GENUS, i.e., “Man is an animal.” In this case, man is defined or limited in the context of his animality, i.e., man is not a plant but an animal. Besides, an essential definition can also limit a thing in terms of its SPECIES, i.e., “Man is a rational animal.” Here, rationality or rational animal (predicate-idea of man) is exclusive to man. On the other hand, Extrinsic definition limits a thing according to its origin or cause or finality (purpose), i.e.,”Death (cause) is the separation of the soul from the body,” or God (origin) is the creator of man,” A ballpen is an instrument for writing (purpose) The schema below can help us understand better the whole substance of definition: Nominal Definition of Philosophy The term philosophy was first introduced by Pythagoras (who, together with Parmenides and Zeno, is an Italian by birth. Based on the lingo of the Pythagorian nomenclature, Philosophy is originally Philosophia. Etymologically, it is derived from the two Greek words Philia meaning “LOVE”or “FRIENDSHIP” and Sophia meaning “WISDOM.” Literally, philosophy means Love of Wisdom. But what is Love and what is Wisdom? Basically, love is an urge, or a drive of the will towards a particular object. As a drive, love always seeks unity with its object and desires to possess its object. On the other hand, wisdom means the good exercise or application of knowledge. Thus, wisdom cannot be dissociated from knowledge. Truth, however, is considered as the ultimate object of knowledge. Hence, truth is being shown and practiced by a man of wisdom. Now, if philosophy means love of wisdom, to philosophized, therefore, is to be in a quest, or to have a desire towards loving and living the truth. Philosophy, as love of wisdom, is an understanding of philosophy given to us by the ancient Greek philosophers. Real Definition of Philosophy Philosophy is a science (Generic (genus)- Essential-Intrinsic-Real-definition). A science is a body of evidenced truth or knwoledge which is arranged systematically and is expressed with precision and completeness.  Thank you!!! GOD BLESS US ALL!!! Siryouckz