Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person PDF

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person Lesson 1: What is Philosophy Anniver S. Gandicela, LPT  WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY The word philosophy comes from two Greek words: philos (love) a...

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person Lesson 1: What is Philosophy Anniver S. Gandicela, LPT  WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY The word philosophy comes from two Greek words: philos (love) and sophia (wisdom). The ancient Greeks used this term to refer to “love of wisdom” they soon applied it to study or discipline that uses human reason to investigate the ultimate causes, reasons, and principles which govern all things.  WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY People who engage in philosophy are called philosophers or “ lovers of wisdom.” Among the ancient Greeks, the philosophers became pioneers in various fields of knowledge such as history, biology, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and even physics. It was quite common to hear of ancient philosophers who were “experts” in various fields of learning.  WHY PHILOSOPHY Since ancient times, philosophers have been pondering some of the most enduring questions regarding human existence. The following are some of them: What is real? Are we able to perceive and understand reality and everything in it? How do we know what we know? Are the things we know true?  WHY PHILOSOPHY What is the ultimate cause of all things? What is our purpose in this world? To what extent are our choices and actions considered “free”? The following are some of the notable ancient Greek philosophers.  THE PHILOSOPHERS Pythagoras (570 BCE to 495 BCE) A mathematician and scientist, he was credited with formulating the Pythagorean theorem. His work earned him many followers, and he established a community of learners who were devoted to the study of religion and philosophy. PYTHAGORA THE PHILOSOPHERS S  THE PHILOSOPHERS Heraclitus (535 BCE to 475 BCE) He proposed that everything that exists is based on a higher order or plan which he called logos. For him, change is a permanent aspect of the human condition as he was credited with the saying , “No man ever steps in the same river twice.”  THE PHILOSOPHERS HERACLIT US  THE PHILOSOPHERS Democritus ( 460 BCE to 370 BCE) He devoted himself to the study of the causes of natural phenomena. He was among the first to propose that matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms.  THE PHILOSOPHERS DEMOCRITU S  THE PHILOSOPHERS Diogenes of Sinope (412 BCE to 323 BCE) He was a known advocate of living a simple and virtuous life. For Diogenes, one should not only talk of virtue but should show it in words and actions. His emphasis on austerity and simplicity often went to the extreme, and he was said to have lived like a beggar. He was also known to be a vocal critic of well- known philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle. His teachings and views were later developed by his followers and influenced the development of several schools of philosophy such as Cynicism and Stoicism.  THE PHILOSOPHERS DIOGENES OF SINOPE  THE PHILOSOPHERS Epicurus (341 BCE to 270 BCE) He believed that philosophy could enable man to live a life of happiness. His views gave rise to Epicureanism – a school of philosophy which believes that wisdom and simple living result in a life free of fear and pain.  THE PHILOSOPHERS EPICURU S  THE PHILOSOPHERS Socrates (470 BCE to 399 BCE) He was considered the foremost philosopher of ancient times. He made great contributions to the field of ethics. Socrates was a known critic of intellectuals during his time, but he himself did not claim to be “wise” and merely considered himself a “midwife” that helped inquiring minds achieve wisdom. He also believed that philosophy could enable a man to live a life of virtue. He was credited with formulating the Socratic Method – a means of examining a topic by devising a series of questions that let the learner examine and analyze his knowledge and views regarding the topic.  THE PHILOSOPHERS SOCRAT ES  THE PHILOSOPHERS Plato (427 BCE – 347 BCE) A student of Socrates, he wrote down his mentor’s teachings and incorporated some of his own ideas into them. His teachings and writings were considered the foundation of Western philosophy. Plato’s most significant ideas included his Theory of Forms, which proposes that everything that exists is based on an idea or template that can only be perceived in the mind; these nonphysical ideas are eternal and unchanging. He also focused his studies on the idea society and proposed an ideal model of government and society which is ruled by wisdom and reason.  THE PHILOSOPHERS Plato is also known for his Dialectic Method – a method of inquiry where two opposing ideas are discussed in an attempt to arrive at new knowledge. Plato’s lasting contribution to learning was his founding of the Academy, an institution of higher learning which was the first of its kind in the Western World.  THE PHILOSOPHERS PLATO  THE PHILOSOPHERS Aristotle (384 BCE – 322 BCE) He attended the Academy, and was a prominent student of Plato. Aristotle, however, disagreed with Plato’s theory of forms and took a different stance in interpreting reality. For him, all ideas and views are based on perception and our reality is based on what we can sense and perceive.  THE PHILOSOPHERS This view greatly influenced the study of physical sciences. Aristotle was involved in a great variety of disciplines such as zoology, psychology, ethics and politics. He also proposed a system for the classification of plants and animals. He’s studies in logic led to the formulation of a formal process of analyzing reasoning which gave rise to deductive reasoning – the process by which specific statements are analyzed to reach conclusion or generalization.  THE PHILOSOPHERS ARISTOTL E  ORIGIN PHILOSOPHY From their roots in ancient Greece, the thoughts and ideas of philosophers soon gained popularity in many places throughout the world. The developments that started in ancient Greece brought about the emergence of Western Philosophy. Meanwhile, Eastern Philosophy emerged by the communities and civilizations in Asia. While both philosophies pondered significant questions regarding human existence, Western philosophy throughout the centuries became more systematic and specialized in its approach.  ORIGIN PHILOSOPHY Eastern philosophy, on the other hand, is more fluid and places greater emphasis on social relations, the family and community. At present, philosophy is an important field of study as it touches upon a diverse array of topics and disciplines. Every aspect of human knowledge from the arts to science and technology has benefitted from the inquiring nature of philosophy.  NEED FOR WHY IS THERE A NEED TO PHILOSOPHY PHILOSOPHIZE? Philosophers have often wondered and argued about the role of philosophy in man’s life. One view is that each of us is a philosopher, whether or not we have studied philosophy. We all have the potential to philosophize since we have the tendency to wonder and doubt. We possess the capacity to reflect on our experiences, and we have a never – ending need to learn and discover.  The Greek philosopher Plato trace man’s need to philosophize to his sense of wonder. Whenever we are confronted with an experience, we always wonder how it came about. Man’s over bounding curiosity drives him to ask questions, some of which have no definite answers. Where did we come from? Why do we ask? For what purpose were we created? Considered a small child’s curiosity about all the things around him, most of which he encounters for the first time. This perspective drives the need of a philosopher to PLATO  The 15th-century French philosopher Rene Descartes traced the need to philosophize to doubt. Descartes was famous for rejecting or questioning established ideas, and he even went as far as doubting his own ideas. His method of examining ideas and perspectives became the basis of critical thinking and analysis in the sciences. For example, a scientific hypothesis must first be tested and verified before it is accepted the truth. In life, we will be faced several ideas and arguments which present themselves as “truths”. A critical and questioning perspective is necessary to determine if indeed these ideas or views are correct or true.  RENE DESCARTES  The 20th century Swiss – German philosopher Karl Jaspers saw the need to philosophize because of experience. Jaspers believed that man is often confronted by experiences which challenge his ideas and frameworks. Jaspers called these experiences limit situations, and these are often accompanied by feelings of helplessness, anxiety, or dread. KARL JASPERS  Finally, the need to philosophize is driven by the love of wisdom. To love wisdom is to have an insatiable desire for truth. A philosopher does not seek knowledge to claim ownership of it; and one who engages in philosophy is not satisfied with figuring out the answer to a question, to probe, and to discuss in order to get to the bottom of things. The philosopher who exemplified this perspective was Socrates. He gained framed for his curiosity and his constant debates with many of the intellectual elite in Greece. Socrates is famous for having said “I know that I do not know…” and it is in accepting this state of ignorance that one can begin to realize that learning is unceasing – there is a lot more to learn and experience in life. Socrates is also recognized for his motto: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” and nowhere is it more appropriate to embark on philosophy than in an examination of our own life.  THE PILOSOPHERS SOCRAT ES  Understanding HOW DO WE CHARACTERIZE Philosophy THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY? Just as there are many ways of looking at a problem, philosophers have employed varied means of looking into the fundamental questions regarding the human condition. This has given rise to various viewpoints, thoughts and approaches in philosophy.  Understanding Philosophy One way of looking at philosophy is to consider it as a way of analyzing frameworks. A framework is defined as a way of thinking about the world and is composed of the views and beliefs of a person. Whenever a person encounters a problem or question in life, he or she often goes back to his or her own framework in order to make a sense of the problem. Questions dealing with our own correctness and values are considered internal questions which can be addressed using our own personal frameworks.  Understanding Philosophy Also, there are external questions that seek to question the very frameworks upon which people base their own beliefs and views. For instance, a child who is going through the bitter experience of his or her parents’ separation will be in a state of confusion as his or her experience does not conform to his or her personal framework or concept of family should be. In this case, the child begins to question the very framework or concept of family that he or she has built based on previous experiences.  Understanding Philosophy By questioning his or her ideas and concepts, the child has already touched on an important aspect of philosophy. The child seeks to clarify, examine, and evaluate the basis of frameworks which he or she uses to deal with the world and give meaning to his or her experiences.  Understanding Philosophy Philosophy can also be thought of as an examination of a particular area of knowledge. The central principle in philosophy is examination and questioning, and this is often in the analysis of the frameworks of other areas or sciences. Philosophy goes hand with other disciplines in examining their fundamental purposes and evaluating the changes they experience.  Understanding Philosophy There is a philosophy of science, which seeks to understand the fundamental principles that guide scientific thought. There is also a philosophy of religion, which examines the basic tenets of any faith. There is philosophy of education, political philosophy, philosophy of history – every aspect of knowledge can benefit from the inquiring nature of philosophy.  Understanding Philosophy Philosophy itself is a distinct area of knowledge with its own goals, concerns, and ways of doing things.  Understanding Philosophy In summary a way of analyzing frameworks an examination of a particular area of knowledge a distinct area of knowledge with its own goals, concerns, and ways of doing things It is often divided into several branches each of which deals with a particular aspect of life or phenomena.  BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY AESTHETICS – The philosophy which deals with beauty and make things “beautiful”. LOGIC – The branch of philosophy which deals with correct reasoning. EPISTEMOLOGY – Discusses the nature of knowledge and knowing.  BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY – Studies governments and deals with questions of justice, power and the rights and obligations of citizens. METAPHYSICS – A branch of philosophy which deals with questions regarding reality and existence. ETHICS – The branch which deals with moral questions and dilemmas.  Philosophy of the Human Person Although not a branch itself, Philosophy of the Human Person is an area in philosophy that understands the human person from a philosophical perspective – integrating and synthesizing the different branches of philosophy and other fields of study to know the truth about the human person.  Understanding Philosophy However complex and varied the perceptions, they suggest two important facts about philosophizing: philosophy is a reflective and 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.  Understanding Philosophy When confronting human experience, philosophers often employ tools that engage mind in analyzing problems and situations. For instance, in discussing complex philosophical issues, philosophers often use thought experiments. Individuals also engage in this form of philosophizing when they ponder possible consequences regarding their actions. When one imagines certain alternatives and possible outcomes, one already engages in philosophy.  Understanding Philosophy Additionally, philosophy does not limit itself to its own field. Philosophy makes sense of information gathered from various fields of knowledge (e.g., science, psychology, economics, politics, etc.) by integrating and synthesizing them to have a deeper and more complete understanding of reality.  Partial Thinking vs Holistic Thinking THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOLISTIC THINKING AND PARTIAL THINKING? Holistic thinking – refers to a perspective that considers large-scale patterns in systems. This is often described as looking at the “big picture” when describing and analyzing a situation or problem. A holistic perspective requires an individual to have an open mindset and an ability to get the general sense or impression regarding a situation.  Partial Thinking vs Holistic Thinking THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOLISTIC THINKING AND PARTIAL THINKING? Partial thinking – focuses on specific aspects of situation. The partial view is an important component of analytical thinking, as an individual focuses on certain areas or aspects of a problem in order to understand it. Though partial thinking is useful, philosophy utilizes holistic thinking in making sense of problems and issues related to the human experience.  Partial Thinking vs Holistic Thinking People tend to apply an analytical perspective when looking at problems or situations. For instance, doctors often focus on a specific set of symptoms to determine the cause of a patient’s illness. Once a particular cause has been identified, the doctor then prescribes the appropriate medicine and other treatments to address the illness. In the case of a person who experiences a stomach ache, a doctor may prescribe the appropriate medicine that will address the physical causes of the problem.  Partial Thinking vs Holistic Thinking A holistic perspective, however requires the doctor to look at the “big picture” and view the patient’s illness as an aspect of his or her lifestyle and personal circumstances. When using this perspective, a doctor may be able to identify other underlying causes of the illness. The doctor can interview the patient and get an idea of his or her situation.  Partial Thinking vs Holistic Thinking In the case of the patient with stomach problems, the doctor’s inquiry into his or her habits and lifestyle may lead to discovery that fatigue and stress may be factors that cause the illness. Knowing this, the doctor can advise the patient to make changes in his or her habits to reduce stress and eventually improve his or her well-being.  Partial Thinking vs Holistic Thinking A holistic perspective can enable a person to step back and consider the general aspects of a certain problem. In the case of an argument among friends, would it be beneficial to take one side or act as a mediator and try to reconcile all sides? Should we simply condemn a person who misbehaved in a video that has gone viral? Or should we reserve judgment until we get all the facts regarding what made that person act in that matter? Adopting a holistic approach in thinking encourages us not only to be more critical but also to be more considerate in dealing with others.  Partial Thinking vs Holistic Thinking A holistic view also gives rise to a more appreciative perspective about life, as we able to look at life in its totality. This means that we try to understand a situation from different vantage points so we can see it more fully. Just as we savor food in its entirety ant not just its specific “flavors”. All the positive and negative experiences in our life come together to give meaning to our existence, and we learn to appreciate our individual experiences as vital aspects of a larger and more meaningful life.  Reflection HOW DOES ONE ENGAGE IN REFLECTION? Reflection requires a person to be willing to examine one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions and to learn more about one’s life and experiences. One can reflect on almost any subject. For instance, the moment you wake up you can already reflect upon the things that you plan to do for the day. This will enable you to set your daily goals and set you on the path of thinking of ways to achieve them.  Reflection Seemingly simple or mundane actions take a whole new meaning when one engages in reflection. When buying clothes, for example, think of the questions that you ask yourself as you consider buying the t-shirt or blouse you are holding. You may start with the simple questions: “Will this fit me?” “Do I look good in this color?” These are the usual questions any buyer would ask himself or herself.  Reflection But since we are in a reflective and philosophizing mood, let us now try and think of “deeper” questions and reflect on the situation. You may find yourself asking the following questions: “Do I even have to buy a new t-shirt today?” “Am I better off spending my money on other things?” “Do I see myself wearing this shirt often, or am I just going to wear it once?” “What sort or person wears this kind of shirt?”  Reflection Notice the difference when you engage in reflection. The simple task of buying a shirt becomes something much more. If you concentrate only on the simple questions, you would just buy that shirt immediately. But reflection allows you an opportunity to think more deeply about your action, your motivations for doing such an action, and even its possible consequences. Buying a shirt becomes a much more meaningful act with the aid of reflection. Constant reflection on your possible purchases may even help you make wiser choices and improve your spending habits in the future.  Reflection Reflection is vital in ensuring that our actions and decisions are well thought out and are done with due regard for their implications and consequences on ourselves, others, and our surroundings. Reflection helps us understand ourselves and our actions better. When we reflect, we can judge whether our actions or decisions and actions are reasonable or not. Taking time to analyze your decisions and actions is one vital skill that will greatly help you as you encounter more challenges in life.  Using Philosophy PRACTICAL USES OF PHILOSOPHY IN OUR LIVES Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis and interpretation of concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems. It also trains us to be critical of our own ideas as well as others – meaning, we don’t simply accept or reject whatever is presented to us. One can apply this critical and analytical mindset in processing information gained from media and addressing certain issues encountered in life. Critical thinking skills can help us avoid being trickled by false claims or manipulative schemes.  Using Philosophy PRACTICAL USES OF PHILOSOPHY IN OUR LIVES Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision making. The ability to analyze a problem or dilemma, identify its significant aspects, and come up with alternative solutions is an important skill learned through philosophy.  Using Philosophy PRACTICAL USES OF PHILOSOPHY IN OUR LIVES? A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly and adequately present his or her ideas. Discussion and debate require skills in presenting and communicating ideas. Philosophy can also help us be more open to new and different ideas. Communication skills are also enhanced by the study of philosophy because it trains us to be very clear and precise about our thoughts and sentiments in order to express exactly what we want to say.  Using Philosophy PRACTICAL USES OF PHILOSOPHY IN OUR LIVES? Wisdom is one intended product of philosophizing, and this refers to a person’s ability to apply knowledge to daily life particularly in making sound choices and judgment.  Using Philosophy PRACTICAL USES OF PHILOSOPHY IN OUR LIVES? Finally, knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self-development. One can be a better student, scientist, artist, professional, and citizen if he or she has the capacity for inquiry, critical thinking, and reflection. In addition, philosophy encourages a person to know oneself, his or her strengths and weaknesses, establish an identity, and determine his or her purpose in life.  Using Philosophy PRACTICAL USES OF PHILOSOPHY IN OUR LIVES? Self-knowledge also grows along with one’s understanding of the world and this is essential to the realization of the self. These are tools to develop one’s own ideas and views and engage fully in useful activities in the community, nation, and the world at large.