Week 1

Chapter I. DOING PHILOSOPHY

Learning Competency 1.1
Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of you

WHAT I KNOW?

Direction: Select the letter of the best answer. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.
1. Originally, what is the meaning of philosophy?
A. Knowing you know nothing C. Different ways of reasoning
B. Love of wisdom D. Academic study of anything
2. Which of the following is not a definition of philosophy?
A. Philosophy is the search for knowledge and truth, especially about the
nature of man and his behaviour and beliefs.
B. Philosophy is one of the oldest academic diciplines being studied
worldwide.
C. Philosophy is defined as the science that by natural light of reason ,
studies the first causes or highest principles of all things .
D. Philosophy is the study of reasoning ,or the study of principles and
criteria of valid inference and demonstration.
3. In attaining wisdom, there is a need for emptying.
A. True B. Partly False C. Partly True D. False
4. All other sciences concerns themselves with a particular object of investigation .
This investigation fall under _________.
A. Highest Principle C. Natural light of reason
B. Science D. Study of all things
5.A philosopher uses his natural capacity. This defines the ___________.
A. Natural light of reason. C. Highest Principle
B. Science D. Study of all things
6. Who studies people throughout the world-their evolutionary history, how they
behave adapt to different environments, communicate and socialize with one
another?
A. SociologistB. Anthropologist C. Botanist D. Philosopher
7._____ is that from which something proceeds in any manner whatsoever.
A. Science B. Knowledge C. Reason D. Principle
8. Philosophy follows certain steps or it employs certain procedures. It is
called________ because the investigation is sysyematic.
A. Science B. Knowledge C. Reason D. Principle
9. This sets the distinction between philosophy from other sciences. All other
sciences concern themselves with a particular object of investigation.
A. Highest Principle C. Natural light of reason
B. Science D. Study of all things
10. It investigates things, nor by using any other laboratory instrument or
investigative tool, neither on the basis of supernatural revelation.
A. Theology B. Science C. Metaphysics D. Philosophy
 WHAT IS IT?

What is Philosophy?

Etymologically, the word “philosophy” comes from two Greek words, philo,
meaning “to love”, and Sophia, meaning “wisdom”. Philosophy is also defined as
the science that by natural light of reason studies the first causes or highest
principles of all things. Under this definition, four things are to be considered:
Science. It is called science because the investigation is systematic. It follows
certain steps or it employs certain procedures. In other words, it is an organized
body of knowledge just like any other sciences.

Natural Light of Reason.

Philosophy investigates things, nor by using any other laboratory instrument or

investigative tool, neither on the basis of supernatural revelation, otherwise it
becomes theology; instead, the philosopher uses his natural capacity to think
or simply, human reason alone or so-called unaided reason.

Study of All Things.

This sets the distinction between philosophy from other sciences. All other
sciences concern themselves with a particular object of investigation. For
example, anthropologists study human beings in relation with society;
sociologists study society, its form, structures, and functions; botanists focus
their attention to plants; linguists limit themselves to language; theologians
investigate about God; whereas, a philosopher studies human beings, society,
religion, language, God, and plants, among other concerns.
The reason is that philosophy is not one dimensional or partial. In short, a
philosopher does not limit himself to a particular object of inquiry. He questions
almost anything, if not everything. It is multidimensional or holistic.

First Cause or Highest Principle.

A principle is that from which something proceeds in any manner whatsoever.
The First Principles:
Principle of Identity – whatever is is; and whatever is not is not; everything is
what it is. Everything is its own being, and not being is not being.
Principle of Non-Contradiction – it is impossible for a thing to be and to be at
the same time, and at the same respect.
Principle of Excluded Middle – a thing is either is or is not; everything must
be either be or not be; between being and not-being, there is no middle ground
possible.
Principle of Sufficient Reason – nothing exists without a sufficient reason for
its being and existence.
Since its beginnings, however, the scope of philosophy has changed. Early
Greek philosophers studied aspects of the natural and human world that later
became separate sciences – astronomy, physics, psychology, and sociology. On
the other hand, certain basic problems – the nature of the universe, the
standard of justice, the validity of knowledge, the correct application of reason,
and the criteria of beauty – have been the domain of philosophy from its
beginnings to present.
 These problems are the subject matter of the five branches of philosophy
– metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, logic, and aesthetics.
ASSESSMENT

Direction: Select the letter of the best answer. Write your answer on a separate
sheet of paper.

1. It is impossible for a thing to be and to be at the same time and at the same
time respect.
A. Principle of Non –Contradiction C. Principle of Identity
B. Principle of Sufficient Reason D. Principle of Excluded Middle
2. Asserts that there is an adequate cause to account for the existence and
nature of everything that could conceivably not exist.
A. Principle of Identity C. Principle of Sufficient
B. Principle of Non – Contradiction D. Principle of Excluded Middle
3. Whatever is is; and whatever is not is; everything is what it is. Everything is
its own being, and not being is not being. What principle is being discussed?
A. Principle of Identity C. Principle of Sufficient
B. Principle of Non – Contradiction D. Principle of Excluded Middle
4. The following are considered as five main branches of philosophy except?
A. Logic B. Ethics C. Epistomology C. Theology
5. Principle of Excluded Middle is a thing is either is or is not; everything must
be either be or not be .
A. True B. Partly False C. Partly True D. False
6. A philosopher does not limit himself to a particular object of inquiry. Baesd
on the definition, philosophy is considered as to which of the following?
A. Partial Dimension C. Multidimensional
B. One Dimensional D. None of these choices
7.Early Greek philosophers studied aspects of the natural and human world
that later became separate sciences . It includes the following except what
science?
A. Astronomy B. Metaphysics C. Psychology D. Sociology
8. Etymologically, what does philo means?
A. Love for wisdom B. Wisdom C. To love D. Philia
9. Philosophy can be defined in four words/phrase. Which of the following is
not included?
A. Highest Principle C. Science
B. Sufficient Reason D. Natural light of reason
10. Without the virtue of emptying, people will learn the holistic philosophy.
A. True B. Partly True C. False D. Partly False
Learning Competency 1.2 – 1.3

Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life.

Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic perspective

WHAT I KNOW?

Direction: Select the letter of the best answer. Write your answer on a separate
sheet of paper.
1. Pakikisama is closed to the __________philosophy of living in harmony with
nature.”
A. Japanese B. Indians C. Greek D. None of the above
2. Many philosophers hold that there are three great original centers of philosophy
in the world. Which among the following does not belong to the group?
A. Indian B. Chinese C. Romans D. Greek
3. If logic is no longer able to solve a life problem, Asian mind resorts to____.
A. Intuition B. God C. Both Bathala and Intuition D. Bathala
4. Often, Filipino Time is mistakenly interpreted as always delayed in the
committed time of arrival. Which of the following is true about this notion?
A. The concept of “power naps “ is also important for Filipino culture that
must not be necessarily considered negative.
B. The concept of siesta time is also important for Filipino culture that
must not be necessarily considered negative.
C. Filipino formers are early risers to go to their field and waste no time for
work.
D. All of the above
5. The belief whatever good one has done will redound to one’s benefit because
Supreme Judge will dispense just compensation.
A. Bahala Na B. Kabutihang Loob C. Utang na Loob D. Bayanihan,,
6. Logic: Reason as ___________: difference.
A. Choice B. Diversity C. Philosophy D.All of these choices
7. Asian classics of the Indians and the Chinese predate the oldest of Western
classics. Historically speaking, which of the following is false?
A. Indian and chinese philosophers of note also lived earlier than their Greek
counterparts
B. During the first centuries, there was more philosophical activity in the
East than in the west
C. Before the Greek period, there was hardly an activity in the west. Greeks
before Thales did not have philosophy.
D. None of these choices
8. According to Mercado(1992), the pioneering attempts to formulate a Filipino
philosophy share the fate of most pioneering works namely_______.
A. The lack of predecessors upon whom to stand.
B. Both lack of refined tools &the lack of predecessors upon whom to stand
C. The lack of refined tools .
D. None of these choices
9. __________puts one in touch with his fellow beings .
A. Loob B. Kalooban C. Kagandahang loob D. Kabutihang loob
10. Chines : Yin and young as Indians _____________.
A. Pakikisama B. Harmony C. Time D. Karma
 WHAT IS IT?

Why you become a Philosopher?

On Attaining a Comprehensive Outlook in Life One of the key elements in many

educational reforms is diversity, difference, and choice or other proposals that
establish separate curricular routes for different groups or individuals (Castells
et al. 1999).
Diversity is the difference that makes each person unique (i.e., biology,
ethnicity and culture. family life, beliefs, geography, experiences, and religion).
Sometimes, we have difficulty in accepting others because they are different
from us. Such behavior may cause us to limit a person's opportunities or can
make the person feel rejected or resentful. Thus, educational challenge in the
21st century entails appropriate acceptance of cultural and racial multiplicity.
One does not engage in harassment of any form.

A. Expanding Our Philosophical Frames: Western and Non-Western

Traditions

Many philosophers hold that there are three great original centers of philosophy
in the world – Greek (or Western), Indian, and Chinese. All three arose as critical
reflections on their own cultural traditions. Historically speaking, Asian classics
of the Indians and the Chinese predate the oldest of Western classics.
Indian and Chinese philosophers of note also lived earlier than their Greek
counterparts (Quito 1991). From the time of the Greek triumvirate (Socrates,
Plato, and Aristotle), there was a reversal. The Western thinkers started to
indulge in feverish philosophical speculation, whereas the Asian thinkers began
diminishing philosophical activity. In our present century, almost all the major
philosophical ideas emanate from Western thinkers (Quito 1991).
Certainly, the culture of the ”East” is very different from that of the ”West”
(primarily Europe and North America), but that does not mean each culture is
incapable of understanding certain features of the other.
If logic is no longer able to solve a life problem, Asian mind resorts to intuition.
From the very fact that it thinks in a cyclic all-at-once-ness, it must resort to
means other than the usual mental processes applicable to the piecemeal and
fragmentary. One should not therefore be surprised at its propensity to
mysticism, at its use of super-consciousness, or of the existence of a third eye
or a sixth sense. When the situation demands, it reverses the logical patterns
(Mitchell 2011).

B. Filipino Thinking: From Local to Global

It may sound presumptuous to speak of 'Filipino Thought' that the Philippines
could not very well speak of a tradition such as that of China, India, or Greco-
Roman. Yet, for the Filipino, there has to be ”Filipino Thought" or none at all.
Like any other people, the Filipino must eventually take consciousness of his
own particular life and his world, his society and his gods in the light of Truth,
and thereby realize his proper being (Reyes 1990).
However, the pioneering attempts to formulate a Filipino philosophy share the
fate of most pioneering works: the lack of refined tools and the lack of
predecessors upon whom to stand (Mercado 1992). Nevertheless, Filipinos do
have their own philosophy.
What are the three dimensions of Filipino thought?

1. Loob: Holistic and Interior Dimensions

Kagandahang-Ioob, kabutihang-Ioob, and kalooban are terms that show sharing
of one's self to others. For Mercado (1992), interiority manifests itself in
freedom.
Loob puts one in touch with his fellow beings. Great Philippine values, in fact,
are essentially interpersonal. The use of intermediaries or go-betweens, the
values of loyalty, hospitality, pakikisama (camaraderie, conformism), and
respect to authority are such values that relate to persons.
In short, the Filipino generally believes in the innate goodness of the human
being. Filipino ethics has an internal code and sanction that flow from within
itself. This ethics is more constant than other legalistic moral philosophies that
are rather negative. The Filipino, who stresses duties over rights, has plenty in
common with his Oriental neighbors such as the Chinese and the Indian.

2. Filipino Philosophy of Time

Moreover, the Filipino – whether llokano (Ti tao kasla kulintaba, no agtayab,
ngumato, bumaba), or Kapampangan (Bie keti ang yatu, mengari yang ruweda,
mibabo, milalim, ing Dios nung buri na) (A human being is like a bird who flies
up and goes down) – proves that he believes in the gulong ng palad (literally,
”wheel of fortune") and hence, looks at life as a series of ups and downs
(Timbreza 1992).
This philosophy of life makes the Filipino an unmitigated optimist. When the
so-called wheel of life is on the downtrend, he looks to the future with hope
because life's wheel cannot stay down forever. When one weeps, one will surely
smile. The Filipino looks upon every event, fortunate or unfortunate, as fleeting
or transitory. Life may be sorrowful, but precisely because suffering is
ultimately salutary, there is hope beyond suffering (Timbreza 1996).
Time is considered cyclic. Gulong ng palad nonetheless blends well with foreign
philosophical ideas in the Asian region. It approaches karma of the Indians and
yang and yin thought of the Chinese. Pakikisama, on the other hand, is close to
the Chinese and Japanese philosophy of ”living in harmony with nature.”

3. Bahala Na
The pre-Spanish Filipino people beIIeved in a Supreme Being, Batula or Bathala.
Bathala is not an impersonal entity but rather a personal being that keeps the
balance in the universe. Unlike the Indian and the Chinese, a human being can
forge some personal relationships with this deity because Bathala is endowed
with personality. The Filipino puts his entire trust in this Bathala who has
evolved into the Christian God (Mercado 2000).
The Filipino subconsciously accepts the bahala na attitude as a part of life.
Bahala na literally means to leave everything to God who is BathaIa in the
vernacular. The bahala na philosophy puts complete trust in the Divine
Providence; it contains the element of resignation.
Bahala na, on the other hand, is seen as fatalistic; sort of leaving everything to
God or to chance – such is the uncertainty of life. On the other hand, fatalism is
universal. The will of God/Allah, tao to the Chinese, rta to the Indians and fate In
Buddhism – all signify, in one way or another, fatalism.
4. Filipino Thought and Values: Positive and Negative Aspects
It is believed, however, that the Philippine values and system, in line with
Filipino philosophy, are in dire need to be used as positive motivation.
However, as we consider our duty, it should not be bounded by utang na loob
(indebtedness to patrons) but to help to uplift the life not only of one's own
family (micro perspective) but of others as well (macro perspective).
The Filipino gives great value to endurance and hard work as means to
economic self-sufficiency. This self-sufficiency refers not to individual self, but
to the family to which one owes a special debt of gratitude for having brought
him life and nurtured him.
In this vein, we should stress other positive Filipino values such as bayanihan
or helping others in times of need.

Bayanihan is another moving spirit of the Filipino people. Deep down in the
Filipino psyche, there exists the belief that whatever good one has done will
redound to one's benefit because a Supreme Judge will dispense just
compensation whether in this life or in the next (Mercado 2000). In short,
despite the Western imposition of dualism, Filipino philosophy should continue
to strive for harmony with nature and the absolute.

C. Philosophy: Transcending and Aiming for a life of Abundance

Abundance comes from the Latin term, 'abundare' (Aguilar 2010) meaning, ‘to
overflow nonstop."

Abundance is not what we gather but what we scatter.

Often, abundance is equated with materialism, but it is when we raise our
empty hands and surrender, when we do not grab, when we are unattached to
anything or anyone, when we offer oneself – all these are abundance. Only if we
have empty hands can we receive full blessings.

Abundance is not what we keep but what we give away.

To live an abundant life, one must pursue one’s desires and inner self. One
must go after what fulfills, before making more money. It is truly paradoxical
because to be able to have, we must first let go. To be able to acquire, we must
first control ourselves.
Aguilar (2010) believes that to be abundant, we must learn to control our
appetites and desires, for they have impact on other people. Harsh words,
pollution, and eating unhealthy foods are some examples where our choices
influence or affect not only ourselves but others as we. In other words, there is
karma in our thoughts, words, and actions.

Abundance is not what we hold but what we share.

Undoubtedly, money counts in our globalized society. However, Aguilar (2010)
reminds us that money should not matter much, for every moment is a
blessing, even if one does not have money. Abundance comes to the one who
has money and heart, money and values, money and relationships, money and
deeper happiness.
Abundance is a choice.
In pursuing dreams, there are people who can be negative regarding your
efforts and successes. Negative thoughts, emotions, and people should be
avoided. As we aspire for our dreams, we should try our best to be positive in
our thoughts, motives, and efforts. A friend once said that when we look down,
we only see our misfortunes but when we look up, we realize that we are more
fortunate than others. Abundance is more of an effort of the heart than mind
alone (Aguilar 2010).
For Aguilar, to achieve, one must commit. However, Aguilar theorizes that only
the heart can commit. Abundance, therefore, is a choice which translates to
commitment, determination, and perseverance.

Abundance is to evolve into a higher being.

It becomes clear that the concept of abundance covers both external and
internal life. We cannot truly live without material considerations, but externals
are not all there are; values, for instance, matter.
Thus, to live in abundance means evolving to a higher being in following . one’s
mission; a deliberate or conscious desire to act upon what can make us and
others happy.
 ASSESSMENT

Direction: Select the letter of the best answer. Write your answer on a separate
sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following is false about Bathala?
A. Bathala is endowed with personality
B. Bathala is an impersonal entity
C. The Filipino puts his entire trust in this Bathala
D. Bathala is a personal being that keeps the balance in the universe
2. What Filipino Philosophy is considered as one of the most outstanding
Filipino virtues?
A. Bayanihan B. Utang ng loob C. Bahala na D. Pakikisama
3. Abundance comes from the latin term, abundance meaning __________.
A. To overflow nonstop C. To scatter
B. To share D. To give away
4. Which is not true about abundance?
A. Abundance is not what we keep and what we give away.
B. Abundance is not what we hold .
C. Abundance is more of an effort of the heart than mind alone
D. Abundance is to evolve into a higher being.
5. A friend once said that when we look down , we only see our misfortune
than others.
A. Abundance is a choice
B. Abundance is not what we hold .
C. Abundance is to evolve into a higher being.
D. Abundance is more of an effort of the heart than mind alone
6. Aguilar theorizes that the heart and brain can commit.
A. False B. True C. Partly True d. Partly False
7. The will of God, ____ to the Chinese and ____. In Buddhism – all signify, in
one way or another, fatalism.
A. Allah, rta C. Tao, Fate
B. Allah, Budda D. Tao, rta
8. “A human being is like a bird who flies up and goes down “. The philosophy
of life makes the Filipino a/ an _________.
A. Mitigated Optimist C. Unmitigated optimist
B. Pessimist D. Optimist
9. What do you call the difference that makes each person unique?
A. Abundance B. Diversity C. Choice (Decision making D. Intuition
10. The Filipino who stresses duties over rights , has plenty in common with his
Western neighbors.
.A. False B. True C. Partly True d. Partly False
Learning Competency 2.1
Distinguish opinion from truth