INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF HUMAN PERSON

CORE SUBJECT DESCRIPTION: An initiation to the activity and process of philosophical reflection
as a search for a synoptic vision of life . Topics to be discussed include the human experiences of
embodiment, being in the world, with others and the environment, freedom, intersubjectivity,
sociality, being unto death.

OBJECTIVES: At the end of the course, the learners should be able to:

1. Reflect on their daily experiences from a holistic pint of view

2. Acquire Critical and Analytical Thinking skills
3. Apply their Critical and Analytical thinking skills to the affairs of daily life
4. Become truthful, environment-friendly and service-oriented.
5. Actively committed to the development of a more humane society
6. Articulate their own philosophy of life.

OVER-ALL STANDARD: The learners should be able to demonstrate a capacity for a critical and
analytical reflection from the perspective of holistic and profound vision of life.

First Grading Period: The meaning and method of doing philosophy in relation to the human
person as an embodied being in the world and environment.

Standard Content: The learners should be able to show an understanding of the activity of doing
philosophy of the human person as an embodied being in the world and the environment. (Senior
High School Curriculum Guide, DEPED, REGON III).

Foundational Concept: Understanding the meaning and process of doing philosophy of the human
person as an embodied being in the world and the environment as a means towards a holistic
understanding of life (Senior High School Curriculum Guide, DEPED, REGON III).

Second Grading Period: Human Living

Standard Content: The learner is able to show an understanding of philosophy within the context
of the human person as free, intersubjective, immersed in society and oriented towards death.

Foundational Concept: The learner is able to understand that doing philosophy within the context
of the human person as free, intersubjective, immersed in society, and oriented towards their
impending death will lead to a deeper understanding of the human person.

INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF HUMAN PERSON

 PART ONE
THE MEANING AND METHOD OF DOING PHILOSOPHY IN RELATION TO THE HUAMN PERSON AS
AN EMBODIED BEING IN THE WORLD AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

STANDARD CONTENT: The learners should be able to show an understanding of the activity of
doing philosophy of the human person as an embodied being in the world and the environment.
(Senior High School Curriculum Guide, DEPED, REGON III)

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPT: Understanding the meaning and process of doing philosophy of the
human person as an embodied being in the world and the environment as a means towards a
holistic understanding of life (Senior High School Curriculum Guide, DEPED, REGON III).

COVERAGE:

UNIT 1: Doing Philosophy

UNIT 2: Methods of Philosophizing
UNIT 3: The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit
UNIT 4: The Human Person in their Environment

PART WO
HUMAN LIVING

STANDARD CONTENT: The learner is able to show an understanding of philosophy within the
context of the human person as free, intersubjective, immersed in society and oriented towards
death.

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPT: The learner is able to understand that doing philosophy within the
context of the human person as free, intersubjective, immersed in society, and oriented towards
their impending death will lead to a deeper understanding of the human person.

COVERAGE:

UNIT 5: Freedom of the Human Person

UNIT 6: Intersubjectivity
UNIT 7: The Human Person in Society
UNIT 8: Human Peron towards Death

INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

 UNIT ONE: DOING PHILOSOPHY

CONTENT STANDARD: The learners understand the meaning and process of doing philosophy.

LEARNING COMPETENCIES:

1. The learner shall be able to distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view.
2. The learners shall be able to recognize human activities that emanated from deliberate
reflection.
3. The learners shall be able to realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad
perspective on life.
4. The learners must able to do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a
holistic perspective.

LESSONS

LESSON 1: PARADIGM SHIFT

LESSON 2: HUMAN ACTIVITIES AND PHILOSOPHY
LESSON 3: THE VALUE OF PHILOSOPHY
LESSON 4: THE PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION

UNIT ONE: DOING PHILOSPHY

Learning Outcome: The learners shall be able to distinguish a Holistic perspective from a partial
point of view.

Motivation: What is the difference of holistic perspective and partial perspective?

Note: Use

LET US MEET THE FAMOUS PHILOSOPHERS IN THE HUMAN HISTORY

PLATO:
- “You can not conceive the many without the one.”
(hhtp://www.qoutqtionpage.com/quote/24217.html)
SOCRATES:
- “If a man would move the world, he must first move himself.”
((hhtp://www.qoutqtionpage.com/quote/24217.html)
LUTWIG WITTGENSTEIN:
- "Our task is to look at the world and see it as a whole.”

E. F. SCHUMACHER: (BIOGRAPHY AND PICTURE)

- “The job to be done in philosophy is really more a job on oneself. On one’s own viewpoint.
On how one sees things.”

AYN RAND:
- “Philosophy studies the fundamental nature of existence, of man, and of man’s
relationship to existence. As against the special science, which deals only with particular
aspect, philosophy deals with those aspects of the universe which pertain to everything
that exists. In the realm of cognition, the special sciences are the trees but philosophy is
the soil which makes the forest possible.”

LET US THINK ABOUT:

THE STORY OF THE FIVE BLIND MEN AND AN ELEPHANT
- One day five blind men agreed to analyse an elephant to find out what it was. Reaching
out, each touched it in a different spot. One man touched the side, one an ear, one a leg,
one a tusk, and one the trunk. We now know that the elephant is like a wall, said the one
who touched the side. I believed you are mistaken, sir, said the one who touched an ear.
The elephant I more like a large fan. You are both wrong, said the leg man. The elephant is
obviously is like a tree. A tree? Questioned the tusk toucher. How can you mistake a
spear for tree? What? Said the trunk feeler. A spear is long and round, but anyone knows
it doesn’t move. Couldn’t you feel the muscles? It is definitely a type of snake. A blind man
could see that said the fifth blind man. The argument grew more heated for they had
misunderstanding regarding the truth of an elephant.
(htttp://Discordia.loveshade.org/apocrypha/elephant.html)
- GUIDE QUESTIONS
a. What is the story all about?
b. What is the source of argument of the five blind men?
c. How can the five blind men come up with a common understanding of an elephant?
LESSON CONTENT:
 Holistic point of view and partial of view are two different views with different point of
reference. Both views give us a reality that we can look into and come up with a reflection or
wisdom.
There are different and possible ways that may help us understand the dynamics of holistic and
partial of view. First, we may use the principles, theories and findings of science in
contradistinction of the dictum and jargons of philosophy. Secondly, we may use Marcelian way as
presented by the philosopher Gabriel Marcel and lastly, the difference between the shadow and
reality from Plato’s master piece , the Allegory of the cave.

1. SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY

A. What is science?
A.1 Meaning
A.2 Method
A.3 Area of concern
B. What is Philosophy?
B.1 Meaning
B.2 Method
B.3 Area of concern

SCIENCE
It is widely accepted that science is a good and reliable source of knowledge, information
and data. It uses a standard in identifying whether a certain discovery is scientific or not through
experimentation and observation. Through science we can explain and understand the natural
world. Science is empirical. It uses the senses in arriving into a truth or reality called sense
knowledge. Scientific knowledge covers a very small part of the world.
Science is investigative. This means, it must investigate to describe facts and events.
Specifically, it gives us knowledge of particular facts. The method of science in providing a data is
basically observation coupled with experimentation. The product of science is scientific truth.
Thus science is very important and significant in man’s search of the meaning of life. However,
science is limited, It cannot answer everything in this world. Like for example, we cannot prove
the existence of God scientifically or through the use of scientific method of experimentation. God
can never be an specimen. The scientist cannot tell us what happiness is and how it is to be
attained and what must we do in order to achieve it (Mortimer Adler, Great Ideas). Science
cannot tell us what is moral and what is not, what is right what is wrong specially in the rules of
behaviour. The truth is, science cannot solve everything particularly on ethical issues and
problems. Science is definitely limited and so therefore looks at reality partially.

Philosophy
 Derived from the Greek words “philia” which means “love” and “Sophia” which means
wisdom.
 Literally, it means wisdom.
 It is a science of thinking that deals with the study of processes governing thought and
conduct.
 It is reflective and does more than describe. It goes to the underlying reality and to the
causes. It tries to do more than describe. It tries to arrive not only of the facts but beyond
giving us the ultimate meaning of facts.

EXAMPLES:
  MATHEMATICAL QUESTION: What is the Sum of 10 added to 30?
PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTION: What is a number? Why is a number a number?
 HISTORICAL QURSTION: What is the significant happened during February 25,
1986?
PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTION: Does time really exist?
 LINGUSITIC QUESTION: What is the easiest way to learn Spanish?
PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTION: when can we say a “word’ is meaningful? Why is
language significant ?

SIX MAIN DIVISIONS OF PHILOSOPHY

1. LOGIC - a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of thinking and reasoning using
empirical support and information which are reliable, valid and objective.
- Science of correct thinking.

2 Types of Logic
a. Deductive Reasoning – from a general truth to specific truth, from universal truth to
particular.
b. Inductive Reasoning – from a specific truth to general truth, particular to universal.

2. Epistemology – a branch of philosophy which is concern of the definition of knowledge

and related concepts such as the sources and criteria of knowledge.
2 Contending Schools of Thought

a. Rational school – the main source of knowledge is deductive reasoning based on self-
evident principle or actions.
b. Empirical school – the source of knowledge is sense-perception.

3. ETHICs– it comes from the Greek word “ethos” which means character.
- It is the science of correct doing
- It is the study of what is right and what is wrong in human behaviour in the pursuit of
beauty and goodness of life.
4. METAPHYSICS – it comes from the Greek words “meta” which means beyond and
“physikon” which means nature.
- It is branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of ultimate reality.
5. AESTHETICS - is derived from the Greek word “aesthetikos” which means one who is
perceptive of things through his sensations, feelings and intuitions.
- It is concerned with the essence of perception of beauty and ugliness.

6. POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY – it refers to a body of knowledge that looks up on the society,

politics and the people that makes it whole.
- It is believed that society is inseparable to politics.

ACTIVITY
NAME:_____________________ DATE:______________
SECTION:____________________ SCORE:_____________

Table 1

HOW DOES PHILOSOPHY LOOK AT MAN? HOW DOES SCIENCE LOOK AT A MAN?
1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

5 5

6. 6

GIVE EXAMPLES OF SCIENTIFIC AND PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTIONS

Table 2
PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTIONS SCIENTIFIC QUESTIONS

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

ACTIVITY
NAME:______________________________________ SCORE:___________________
SECTION:____________________________________ DATE:_____________________

Direction: Using the Primary and Secondary reflection of Gabriel Marcel, reflect on the meaning
of becoming a person and share it to the class.

GUIDE QUESTION – WHO AM I?

1. PARTIAL PERSPECTIVE

2. HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE

HOW DO YOU LOOK AT THE WORLD?

 The connection between our eyes and our mind is a fascinating process that
operates on so many different levels. This Optical Illusion Test is a great example of how
sometimes what we see is different then what is real. This is because what we see is
processed on different levels, both consciously and subconsciously and is also not always
just from what we see through our eyes but also from what our mind projects to our eyes
and we subsequently consciously become aware of.
( http://www.mindmotivations.com/resources/free/optical-illusions-test-2?
IS THIS A FACE OF A LADY OR A WORD?

ImageSource:http://www.mindmotivations.com/resources/free/optica
l-illusions-test-2
 How does our personal paradigm blind us in seeing the world?

Are the lines parallel or crooked?

Image source: http://www.mindmotivations.com/resources/free/optical-illusions-test-2

Is this even possible?

Image source: http://www.mindmotivations.com/resources/free/optical-illusions-test-2

UNIT 1
DOING PHILOSOPHY
LESSON 2: Human activities and Philosophy
Learning Outcome: The learners shall be able to recognize activities that emanated from
deliberate reflection.

LET US REFLECT:

This is the reason why the philosopher may be likened to the poet: both are concerned with the
wondrous.
- St. Thomas
Aquinas

(https://twitter.com/mattfradd/status/749992458176593920)

“To say philosophy originates in wonder means philosophy is wondrous in its essence and
becomes more wondrous the more it becomes what it really is.” “In wonder what is most usual of
all in all, in whatever manner this might be, becomes the most unusual.”
- Martin
Heidegger
(https://books.google.com.ph/books?isbn=0231518595)

Philosophy is an activity. It is a way of thinking about certain sorts of question. Its most distinctive
feature is it use of logical argument. Philosophers typically deal in arguments: they either invent
them, criticize other people, or do both. They also analyse and clarify concepts. The word
philosophy is often use in a much broader sense than this to mean one’s general outlook on life,
or else to repair to some forms of mysticism.”

One important reason for studying philosophy is that, it deals with fundamental questions about
the meaning of our existence. Most of us at some time in our lives ask ourselves basic
philosophical questions. Why are we here? Is there any proof that God exist? Is there any purpose
of our lives? What makes anything right or wrong? Could we ever be justified in breaking the law?
Could our live be just a dream? Is mind different from body, or are we simply physical beings? How
does science progress? Do animals have right? What is art and soul?
- Nigel
Warburton,
Philosophy the
Basics
(http://nigelwarburton.typepad.com/philosophy_the_basics_cou/nigel-warburton.html)

‘What is the use of studying philosophy if it does not improve your thinking about the important
questions of everyday life?
- Ludwig
Witgenstein
LESSON CONTENT:

THE “WHAT” OF PHILOSOPHY

1. Etymological Definition of Philosophy

The word "philosophy" comes from the Greek word "philosophia," which combines the
words "philo" meaning "love of" and "sophia" meaning "wisdom." Some common
etymological definitions of philosophy are "love of wisdom" or "love of knowledge."
Therefore, the philosophers are said to be lovers of wisdom.
(https://www.reference.com/world-view/etymological-meaning-philosophy-
94bb9648720c14b2#)

2. Greek Philosophy
Philosophy is the rational investigation of logic, ethics, and metaphysics; in other words:
Philosophy is philosophizing -- i.e. seeking to understand our experience of the world: our
life, thought, and all of reality, as best we can, solely by the use of natural reason.
It is a science that deals with the study of the processes governing thought and conduct.
(http://www.roangelo.net/logwitt/philosophy-origin.html)

3. To love wisdom is not to say that I own wisdom. To love wisdom is to have that insatiable
desire for truth., Again, what makes a philosopher is nor the knowledge that they have or
possess, but rather, is that within the person , this desire for truth that bothers them. As
the Socratic motto states: “An unexamined life is not worth living.” Therefore, no one can
become a true philosopher without first examining one’s life. Socrates is attributed with
these words after choosing death rather than exile from Athens or a commitment to
silence.
(https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2005/may/12/features11.g24)

4. PHYTAGORAS
According to phytagoras, there are three types of people in real life. There are those who
live life with one aim, to become rich and wealthy; those who live to be famous and those
who live with one purpose in mind and that is to understand and reflect what life is really
all about, that is to love wisdom.
(http://ownquotes.com/quote/according-to-pythagoras-there-are-3-kinds-of-people-the-
lover-of-pleasure-t/15438/)

5. LEXICAL DEFINITION OF PHILOSOPHY

Lexical definition comes from a dictionary. Using a standard dictionary, Philosophy is
defined as the study of the ultimate reality, causes and principles underlying being
acquired through the use of human reason alone.

THE “HOW” OF PHILOSOPHY OR HOW TO PHILOSOPHIZE

Source: Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person, Mel Garcia, Michael Isidro,
Victor Felicia, 2016.

1. OSTENSIVE DEFINITION OF PHILOSOPHY – Ostensive comes from the Latin word,

“ostender” which means to show or to point out. One defines a term by pointing it or
by showing it out. One example of this is Moore. G.E. Moore was once asked what
philosophy is. He invited the inquire to his home, and pointing to his collection of
philosophy books, he answered, “This is what Philosophy is all about.”

2. Philosophy is not just a textbook knowledge. It is basically an attitude, an activity of

the human mind heart. What is important is the HOW of philosophy and not so much
of the WHAT philosophy. In context, one can learn swimming by jumping in the water
and starting to swim. Swimming per se is not learned by reading or simply studying a
book on swimming.
It is therefore right to say that no one can learn philosophy by memorizing the names
and works of different philosophers. One learns to philosophize by performing the
activity f philosophizing.

3. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PHILOSOPHER AND A STUDENT OF PHILOSOPHY

When one asks the WHEN, WHERE, WHAT AND the WHO, maybe he is a reporter or
researcher. But when one asks the WHY, can we say that he/she is a philosopher?
What makes a philosopher a philosopher? There is a big difference between a student
of philosophy and a philosopher, a lover of wisdom. To become a student of
philosophy is just to memorize and retain the knowledge we receive inside the
classroom. A philosopher is one who applies what he has learned inside and outside
the classroom. Wisdom therefore is an active utilization of knowledge. It is right then
to say that a lover of wisdom is one who has the desire for knowledge and truth, and
using and applying that knowledge for his human development and the development
of human kind.

WHAT IS THE STARTING POINT OF PHILOSOPHIZING

 “COGITO ERGO SUM” – I think therefore, I am.
Rene Descartes
1. WONDER AND AWE – For the Greeks, the starting point of philosophy is wonder and awe.
Everything begins in a simple human experience that leads to ask the question “WHY.”
And that made them as philosophers. Consider this, when we were children, we had a lot
of questions about things and about ourselves. Why? It is simply because we were full of
wonder and awe. Unfortunately, this sense of wonder or awe died out as we grew old.

THE FOUR DIFFERENT PERIODS IN PHILOSOPHY

(SOURCE: Philosophy of Man by Manuel Dy)

A. Ancient Classical Philosophy – Cosmo-centric (Thales)

B. Medieval Philosophy – (St. Thomas Aquinas)

C. Modern Philosophy – Scientific and Rationalistic (Descartes)

D. Contemporary Philosophy – Anthropocentric ( Jean Paul Sartre)

2. Another starting point of Philosophizing is the ACT OF QUESTIONING – asking relevant

questions. Questions like, why does the sun goes on shining? Are there aliens? Are there
other planets like earth? These are all scientific questions. Philosophy on the other hand
asks the questions – What is the meaning of life? Is there a God? And What is a Human
Person?

3. Reflection is the essence of philosophizing. Asking question by recognizing and being

aware of our capabilities will lead us to wonder and awe and finally, to reflection. And
this is what philosophy means. A wise man loves to ask questions. A critical mind loves
to analyse? Discourse is the realm of philosophy. To philosophize is to converse, to ask,
to reflect and come with knowledge and wisdom.

GENERAL QUESTIONS IN PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy is concern with the deepest and widest questions in life.

A. Epistemology –Theory of Knowledge

 What is knowledge?

 Can we know?
 What is to know?
 How can we know?
B. Ethics – Moral Philosophy
 What is freedom?
 Do we have free will?
 What is human act?
 Are or actions already determined?

C. Philosophy of Art – Aesthetics

 .What is beauty?
 What does it mean to be beautiful?

D. Philosophy of Religion
 Does God exist?
 Can we prove the existence of God?
 What reasons are there to believe in God?
E. Rational Psychology/Philosophy of Man/ Philosophical Anthropology
 What is the essence and meaning of life?
 Does life make sense?
 What is good life?
 What is happiness?
 What is man? Who is man?
 Is man only his body, or man is his soul?
4. Philosophy is reflective and reflections arise from our experiences. Man is rich with
experiences both good and evil. These experiences are the starting point of wonder and
awe. Reason leads to reflection and that’s what makes us human. We are capable of
becoming aware of our consciousness and daily activities. Man by essence is reflective.
However, people nowadays have less time to think and reflect on their experiences. Man
is simply now becoming a contradiction of his own.
 ACTIVITY NO. 3

Name:_____________________________________ Score_______________
Course/Year/Section:_________________________ Date:_______________

Make your own POEM based on you experience of wonder and awe towards nature, thing,
someone or God and share it to the whole class.

ACTIVITY NO. 4

Name: __________________________________ Score:______________

Course/year/ Section:______________________ Date:______________

Answer the following questions below.

1. What are the ways of doing Philosophy?

2. What are the some of the philosophical questions that yu yourself are concerned with?

3. What are the major branches of Philosophy and their corresponding description?

ACTIVITY NO. 5

Name:______________________________ Score:____________________

Course/Year/Section:__________________ Date:_____________________

GROUP RESEARCH: Give ate least five (5) prominent philosophers in each period and report and
share it to the class.
 PERIODS PHILOSOPHERS

UNIT ONE: DOING PHILOSOPHY

LESSON 3: THE VALUE OF PHILOSOPHY
Source: Introduction to Philosophy of Human Person, Mel Garcia, Michael Isidro, Victor Felicia,
20 16.

LET US REFLECT:

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” Socrates

“ Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.” Voltaire.

LET US READ:

Excerpt from Philosophy for Everyday Life: A Practical guide by Trevor Curnow

1. What does philosophy have to do with everyday life? Everything, in fact, everyday life is
precisely what philosophy is. Centuries before the first self-help book ever appeared,
people were turning to philosophy on guidance on how to live… How philosophy can help
to improve your thinking about everyday life. And by improving the quality of your
thinking about it, you can in turn improve the quality of your life. That may sound like a
bold claim, but it is one that is based on a very simple ide – how you think influences how
you are. If you think that a road leads to where you want to go, you will take it. If you
think it leads to the opposite direction, you will not. If what you think is right, you will get
to where you want to go. If what you think is wrong you will not. Thinking one way leads
to success, thinking the other way leads to failure. So improving you thinking leads to
making better decisions and making better decisions leads to a better life. However, we
can get things wrong for a variety of reasons, unfortunately, philosophy is not going to
solve all of life’s problem. It will not help you win the lottery or become irresistibly
attractive to other people. What it will do is to make you more aware of what you think
and why. Once you become aware of what you think, you can challenge it and change it.
But surely we are already aware of what we think and why? We are, but only up to a pint.
We spend much of our lives on mental autopilot and carry around large quantities of
baggage that we have forgotten. We ever took on board. If our minds were library, a lot of
the books on the shelves would have acquired a thick layer of dust. Many would probably
be out of date or shelved in the wrong place, in the librarian would have gone home ages
ago, leaving nobody in charge. But if no one is running things, then things may be
running us; if you are not in control of your thoughts and beliefs, then may be controlling
you. Philosophy helps you take back control of your thinking. Philosophy helps you to
think for yourselves.

LESSON CONTENT:
1. What is the value of Philosophy? Philosophy is very much different from science and
religion.
Philosophy encourages us to examine our lives. By becoming more aware of what we
believe, we can challenge our beliefs and change them.

2. The real value of philosophy starts with the act of asking questions. The act of
questioning is the starting point of philosophy. We must first challenge our views and
beliefs in order to achieve the truth. Thinking philosophically also involves studying the
dies of great thinkers. You will develop your critical thinking abilities while reading and
analysing the ideas of exceptional philosophers, present and past.

3. Reflection is very significant in doing philosophy. The beauty present in any experience
becomes real because of reflection. When one does not reflect, his experiences may be
worthless. It is in reflection that experience becomes more alive and useful. The question
is, what is the role of reflection in doing philosophy? Reflection should make us feel
 uncomfortable and disturbed. This is so to make us seek the truth. The truth will give us
the sense of awe and wonder again and again. The desire for truth that is founded in
reflection will always open our mind through the activity of philosophizing.

4. Philosophy may help people in all walks of life to live happier with more examined lives.

ACTIVITY

Name: ______________________________ Score:______________

Course/Year/Section___________________ Date:_______________

According to Trevor Curnow, in his book, Philosophy for everyday life a practical guide, “Philosophy
invites us to examine our lives, and offers us the means of doing so. By becoming more aware of
what we believe, we can challenge our belief and, if we wish, change them. This is socratic method
or also known as Socratic steps.

1. We can know ourselves. We can use our reason to examine our unconscious beliefs and
values.
What are some of my personal experiences that will identify my beliefs and values?

2. We can change ourselves. We can use our reason to change our beliefs. This will change
our emotions, because emotions follow our belief.
What are the things that I want to change about myself.

3. We can consciously create new habits of thinking, feeling, and acting.

What are the new habits that I will employ to myself to change my old habits.

UNIT ONE: DOING PHILOSOPPHY

LESSON 4: THE PHILOSPHICAL REFLECTION
Source: Introduction to the Philosophy of Human Person, Mel Garcia, Michael Isidro, Victor
Felisa, 2016.

Learning outcome: The learner must be able to do a philosophical reflection on a concrete

situation from a holistic perspective.
 I. The Marcelian Philosophical Reflection

OBJECT OR PRIMARY REFLECTION SECONDARY REFLECTION

EXPEREINCE (Objective)
Analysing the object
1 LIFE Biological functioning of organs.
Ex. Breathing, beating of the
heart
2 HOUSE Structure, design, size of a
house
(Subjective)
Synthesizing the object
Having a “life.” Having a
career, friends, job, loved
ones, problems, happiness.
Etc.
It is more of a structure. It is a
home where relationships are
built in the context of a family

3 CAR Brand new , classy Product of hard labour, or a

gift from parents

4 RAIN A natural occurrence Curse for a commuter,

blessing to a farmer

5 LOVE Expression of feelings. Reduced It may mean giving oneself to

as a chemical reaction in the others
brain

6 Who am I? Height, address, weight Personhood, “being”

(resume)

7 PILLOW An object used for sleeping. Source of comfort, stress-

reliever

ACTIVITY 1

Direction: Use the Marcelian way of Philosophical Reflection and come up with an example.

Object or experience Primary Reflection Secondary Reflection

(Objective) (Subjective)

1
2
3
4
5

II. THE HUSSERLIAN PHENOMENOLOGOCAL METHOD

(Source: Philosophy of Man by Manuel Dy)

1. Epoche – removal or bracketing of the biases we have with the object.

a. What is the natural attitude towards the object or experience?

b. What re the biases and prejudices towards the object or experience
c. An example of this “Love is blind.”

2. Eidetic Reduction – Eidos means essence.

a. What is the essence of the object?

b. What is the actual definition of the object or experience?
c. For example, “love is the giving of oneself to another person, Be it conjugal, parental
or philial.

3. Transcendental Reductioon –“ My very own experience of the phenomenon.”

a. What is my own experience of the object or experience?

b. What are my personal understanding towards the object or phenomenmon?
c. “My” own experience of love for example, like “love for one’s parents.”

ACTIVITY NO. 2

NAME: _____________________________ SCORE:_____________

YEAR/Section: _______________________ Date:_______________

Direction: Create a Philosophical Reflection based on the Husserlian

Phenomenological method. Think of an object or experience in which you want to
employ the phenomenologal method of reflection.
Suggested experiences:

a. Sickness
b. Separation
c. Broken heart