Module 2:

Facing Challenges in the Twenty-First Century

Quarter : First Quarter

Content Standard : The learner understands the meaning and process of
doing philosophy
Performance Standard : The learner reflects on a concrete experience in a
philosophical way
Competencies (MELC) : (1.) Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a
broad perspective on life; and
(2.) Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation
from a holistic perspective
Duration : 1 week
Learning Outcomes : Present a philosophical reflection based on a concrete
situation on the meaning of doing philosophy from a
holistic perspective in a creative way.

What I Know

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Underline the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter
on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Many philosophers hold that there are three great original centers of philosophy
in the world. a. Greek, Russian, and Indian b. Greek, Indian, and German
c. Greek, German, and Chinese d. Greek, Indian, and Chinese

2. Its philosophy existed before Greek Philosophy.

a. Roman b. German c. Singaporean d. Chinese

3. He is the first known Greek philosopher

a. Plato b. Thales c. Socrates d. Aristotle

4. They started to indulge in intense philosophical assumption.

a. Western thinkers b. Eastern thinkers
c. Northern thinkers d. Southern thinkers

5. Filipinos believe that life may be sorrowful, but precisely because suffering is
ultimately salutary, there is _____ beyond suffering.
a. food b. money c. luck d. hope
6. What is in a Filipino that has an internal code and sanction that flows from within
itself? a. ethics b. logic c. luck d. hope

7. At present, almost all the major philosophical ideas originate from these thinkers.
a. Western thinkers b. Eastern thinkers
c. Northern thinkers d. Southern thinkers

8. Generally, Filipinos believe in the innate goodness of human being. There is in

every Filipino more constant than in other legalistic moral philosophies that are
rather negative. a. ethics b. logic c. luck d. hope

9. Following the teaching of Socrates, he advanced the idea of the soul and the
theory of virtue.
a. Plato b. Aristotle c. Anaximander d. Protagoras

10. “In a manner of speaking, nothing actually begins absolutely or ends absolutely.
A man may have been born at a precise time and may have died at a precise time,
but it cannot be said that his existence can be congealed at a specific time, and
when he dies, his life continues in another form.” Where would you attribute this
line of thinking? a. Western thinkers b. Eastern thinkers
c. Northern thinkers d. Southern thinkers

11. The method for arriving at truth was to link knowing to doing, for example, to
know the good is to do the good.
a. Plato b. Aristotle c. Socrates d. Protagoras

12. Their philosophy emphasized benevolence, harmony, wisdom, and family.

a. Western thinkers b. Eastern thinkers
c. Northern thinkers d. Southern thinkers

13. The first philosophers were called ___ because the birthplace of philosophy was
in this coastal city, located across the Aegean Sea on the western shores of Ionia
in Asia Minor.
a. Milesians b. Myus c. Ephesians d. Colophons

14. For him, the human being’s function as a person is the proper functioning of
his/her soul. So, he sought to know the nature of the soul.
a. Plato b. Aristotle c. Anaximander d. Soctrates

15. They are perceived as transcending the limitations of the human intellect and
treading on a no-man's land where verification of one's premise is not possible.
Their thoughts do not follow a structured mode. By its very nature, it cannot but
be intuitive and mystic. a. Western thinkers b. Eastern thinkers
c. Northern thinkers d. Southern thinkers
 What I Need to Know

This module introduces you to the various viewpoints of philosophy: the

western and non-western, with emphasis on our very own Filipino indigenous beliefs
and finally, going beyond the logical and the technological imperatives of existence.

Lesson Why Become a Philosopher?

1

What’s In

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. Historically
speaking, Asian classics of the Indians and the Chinese predate the oldest of than
their Greek counterparts (Quito 1991). Before the Greek period, there was hardly an
activity in the West. Greeks before Thales did not have philosophy (Velasquez 1999).

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.

Activity: Answer the following questions

Nos. 1-3. Who consist the Greek triumvirate?

1. ________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________
 What’s New

There are three attitudinal imperatives that we must bear in mind if we are to
appreciate either the Oriental or Eastern thought vis-à-vis the Occidental or Western
mindset and to situate them in their proper perspective (Quito 1991):

• In contrast to the propensity of the West to think in a linear manner, that is, in
terms of beginning and ending in a straight line, Oriental thought runs in a
circular manner in which the end conjoins the beginning in a cyclic style. In a
manner of speaking, nothing actually begins absolutely or ends absolutely. A man
may have been born at a precise time and may have died at a precise time, but it
cannot be said that his existence can be congealed at a specific time, and when
he dies, his life continues in another form. This is indispensable to the
understanding of samsara or rebirth. There is a cycle of rebirths within the
various spheres of life, the vegetative, animal, and human. The world, in fact, did
not have an absolute beginning but was merely a continuation of an earlier world
in an earlier time. There is, therefore, a succession of worlds and a succession of
lives.

• The attitudinal imperative is the assumption that the East does not make a
rigorous distinction between religion and philosophy. In the East, Philosophy is
Religion and Religion is Philosophy. The Oriental does not cut off philosophy that
is thought, from religion that is life in action.

• The third attitudinal imperative is the acceptance of the validity of intuition and
mysticism, the readiness to revert to extra logical, if not illogical modes of
thinking. Orientals are perceived of transcending the limitations of the human
intellect and treading on a no-man's land where verification of one's premise is
not possible. Oriental thought does not follow structured mode. By its very
nature, it cannot but be intuitive and mystic.

The West has but to theorize and speculate; no application to life is necessary.
Such are the Platonic, Hegelian, Kantian, and Fichtean theories to which the Western
philosophers render lip service; their application to practice is still being contested
by other Western philosophers (Mitchell 2011).

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).

Filipino Thinking: From Local to Global

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).
Activity:

1. List the positive and negative Filipino values. Defend your answer.
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2. What Filipino value puts one in touch with one's fellow beings and is
essentially interpersonal?
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3. Write your insights regarding the meaning of goodness. You can choose a
specific topic regarding "good" and "bad" (e.g., issues on poverty).
___________________________________________________________________
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What is it

Filipinos do have their own philosophy. This section draws out elements or
draw sketches of the general lines of Filipino philosophy. The three dimensions of
Filipino thought are: Loob, Filipino Philosophy of Time, and Bahala Na. These
attitudes and values constitute the hidden springs of the Filipino Mind.

1. Loob: Holistic and Interior Dimensions

Kagandahang-loob, kabutihang-loob, 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.

In short, the Filipino as individual looks at himself as holistic from the interior
dimension under the principle of harmony. The Filipino looks at himself as a self, as
a total whole—as a "person," conscious of his freedom, proud of his human dignity,
and sensitive to the violation of these two (Mercado 2000).

2. Filipino Philosophy of Time

Moreover, the Filipino 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). Floods, earthquakes, EDSA
revolutions, continuous poverty — all these were seen to be transcended hoping that
one day, the sun would shine and nature would heal itself. As a saying goes, “If one
has reached the lowest ebb, there is no way to go but up.” Time is considered cyclic.

Often, Filipino Time is mistakenly interpreted as always delayed in the

committed time of arrival. This notion can be misleading since the Filipino farmers
are early risers to go to their field and waste no time for work. The concept of "siesta
time" or "power naps" is also important for Filipino culture that must not be
necessarily considered negative.

3. Bahala Na

The Filipino subconsciously accepts the bahala na attitude as a part of life.

Bahala na literally means to leave everything to God who is Bathala in the vernacular.
The bahala na philosophy puts complete trust in the Divine Providence; it contains
the element of resignation. Thus, the Filipino accepts beforehand whatever the
outcome of his problem might be (Mercado 2000).

Bahala na (come what may) nonetheless, is one of the most outstanding

Filipino virtues. It is in one aspect perceived as courage to take risks. For instance,
it could be accounted that not only poverty but also because of bahala na why
millions of Filipinos are working abroad in complicated and high-risk environment
and places. From war-torn to besiege countries, Filipinos will risk their lives just to
be able to support their families back home.

Bahala na, on the one 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.
 What’s More

Essay Writing: (write your answer on a separate sheet of paper)

1. Compare your initial understanding of "holism" to the current discussions.

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2. If you are entertaining a tourist or balikbayan relative or friend, how will you
introduce the Philippines?
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What I Have Learned

Group Activity:
How important are "kagandahang loob" and "kabutihang loob" to being Pinoy?
If your class or batch will sponsor a fund-raising activity for Yolanda survivors, how
can you lend a hand? Conceptualize a fund-raising concert.
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What I Can Do

Tracking and Analyzing Your Purpose

Draw a timeline. This exercise aims to examine the wackiest and worst
moments of your life in search of the meaning behind them. This can help you
identify more skillfully the kinds of activities, conditions, locations, and people
combinations where your purpose is well served and where it is abused. Consider
your childhood, formal education experiences, and other experiences. During these
times, you experienced very poor results and very strong dissatisfaction. If you learn
something new about your purpose, make a note of it.

Happiest Times Worst Times

List the activities, people, List the activities, people,

locations, and conditions in your locations, and conditions in your
life you were most happy. life when you felt dissatisfied.

Happiest Times Worst Times

What did you learn about your What did you learn about your
purpose? purpose?

1. 1.

2.
2.

3.

3.
 Additional Activities

Activity 1: Choose any topic for your writing assignment

a. Define philosophy. Explain what is unique about philosophical thought.

b. Do you think philosophy is important in the age of globalization? Why or why

not?

Activity 2: Photo Essay

Take pictures regarding the events of Earth Hour, an hour where cities and
landmarks turn off their lights. Write insights on your photos regarding this
question: What are the implications of Earth Hour to being interconnected in a global
society?

Assessment

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Underline the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter
on a separate sheet of paper.

1. He is the best-known student of Socrates

a. Plato b. Aristotle c. Thales d. Protagoras

2. He is the best-known student of Plato

a. Socrates b. Aristotle c. Thales d. Protagoras

3. They think in a linear manner, that is, in terms of beginning and ending in a
straight line. a. Western thinkers b. Eastern thinkers
c. Northern thinkers d. Southern thinkers

4. It is the reason why Oriental or Eastern philosophy had little influence on the
Western thought. a. fashion b. culture c. history d. mores

5. Knowledge for him is the act of knowing the truth about the good life.
a. Plato b. Aristotle c. Socrates d. Protagoras

6. Their thought runs in a circular manner in which the end conjoins the beginning
in a cyclic style. a. Western thinkers b. Eastern thinkers
c. Northern thinkers d. Southern thinkers
7. The birthplace of philosophy was in this coastal city, located across the Aegean
Sea on the western shores of Ionia in Asia Minor.
a. Miletus b. Myus c. Ephesus d. Colophon

8. They do not make a rigorous distinction between religion and philosophy. For
them, Philosophy is Religion and Religion is Philosophy. They do not cut off
philosophy that is thought, from religion that is life in action.
a. Western thinkers b. Eastern thinkers
c. Northern thinkers d. Southern thinkers

9. It manifests itself in freedom. It puts one in touch with his fellow beings.
a. Loob b. gulong ng palad
c. Bahala na d. Hospitalidad

10. The human being’s highest nature is found in human mind’s ability to think.
Hence, thinking is the source of the human being’s highest joy.
a. Plato b. Aristotle c. Anaximander d. Soctrates

11. They acknowledge the legitimacy of intuition and mysticism, as well as the
willingness to think in non-logical, if not illogical, ways.
a. Western thinkers b. Eastern thinkers
c. Northern thinkers d. Southern thinkers

12. By viewing life as a succession of ups and downs, one becomes an unrelenting
optimist. a. Loob b. Filipino Philosophy of Time

13. They ponder and hypothesize; no practical application is required. They pay lip
service; other Western thinkers are still debating their implementation in
practice.
a. Western thinkers b. Eastern thinkers
c. Northern thinkers d. Southern thinkers

14. It is regarded as fatalistic; as if leaving everything to chance – such is the

uncertainty of life.
a. Loob b. Filipino Philosophy of Time
c. Bahala na d. Hospitalidad

15. Its philosophy emphasized ambition, individualism, rationality, power, and

liberty. a. Western thinkers b. Eastern thinkers
c. Northern thinkers d. Southern thinkers
References

Mercado, Leonardo. 2000. Filipino Popular Devotions: The Interior Dialogue

Between Traditional Religion and Christianity. Manila: LOGOS
Publications.

Mitchell, Hellen Buss. 2011. Roots of Wisdom. A Tapestry of Philosophical

Reflections. Boston. Wadsworth.

Quito, Emerita. 1991. The Emerging philosophy of East and West. Manila. De
La Salle University Press.

Ramos, Christine Carmela. 2016. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human

Person. Manila. Rex Bookstore, Inc.

Timbreza, Fiorentino. 2002. Paghahanap ngKabuluhan. Manila: De La

Salle University Press.

Velasquez, Manuel. 1999. Philosophy: A Text with Readings, Instructor's

Edition, 7th. PA. Wadsworth.