What is Philosophy?

 Philosophy is the systematic and critical examination of fundamental

questions about the nature of reality, knowledge, morality, existence,
and the meaning of life.
 It seeks to understand and explore these questions through rational
inquiry, logic, and thoughtful reflection, often without relying on
empirical evidence.
 Quite literally, the term "philosophy" means, "love of wisdom." In a
broad sense, philosophy is an activity people undertake when they
seek to understand fundamental truths about themselves, the world in
which they live, and their relationships to the world and each other.

Most notable Ancient Greek 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.
 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."
 DIOGENES OF SINOPE - A philosopher from 412 BCE to 323 BCE,
advocated for a simple, virtuous life, emphasizing austerity and
simplicity. He criticized philosophers like Plato and Aristotle,
influencing the development of schools like Cynicism and Stoicism.
 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.
 SOCRATES - A prominent ancient philosopher, believed in the
Socratic Method, a method of examining a topic through a series of
questions, aiming to help inquiring minds achieve wisdom and lead a
life of virtue, despite not claiming to be "wise."
 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 will result in a life free of fear and pain.
 PLATO - A student of Socrates incorporated his mentor's teachings
into his own ideas, forming the foundation of Western philosophy. His
teachings focused on the ideal society, ruled by wisdom and reason,
and the Theory of Forms. Plato's dialectic method of inquiry helped
achieve new knowledge, and he founded the first Western higher
learning institution, the Academy.
  ARISTOTLE - A prominent student of Plato influenced various
disciplines including zoology, psychology, ethics, and politics. He
disagreed with Plato's theory of forms and believed all ideas are
based on perception. Aristotle's studies in logic led to the
development of deductive reasoning, a formal process for analysing
specific statements to reach conclusions.
Why is there need to philosophize?
 The need to philosophize arises from our innate sense of wonder, our
capacity for doubt, and our experiences.
 Philosophers have explored various aspects of this need. Plato
suggested that our curiosity and wonder about the world drive us to
ask fundamental questions about our existence and purpose.
 Rene Descartes emphasized the importance of doubt in examining
established ideas, leading to critical thinking.
 Karl Jaspers believed that philosophy helps us navigate challenging
experiences, known as "limit situations," by providing understanding
and new perspectives.
 Philosophizing stems from an unquenchable desire for truth, not for
claiming knowledge ownership. Philosophers continuously question,
probe, and discuss to uncover deeper insights.
 Philosophy encourages lifelong learning, highlighting that there is
always more to discover.

How do we characterize the study of philosophy?

Characteristics Philosophy
1. Framework - A way of thinking about the world and is composed of
views and beliefs of a person. -Abella, 2016
2. Examination of Knowledge - The central principle in philosophy is
examination and questioning, and this is often applied in the
analysis of the frameworks of other areas of science.
3. Discipline - the pursuit of wisdom through the critical investigation of
the nature, causes, or foundations of reality, knowledge, or values,
rather than relying purely on empirical investigation
Logic - the art of thinking
 Deductive Reasoning - from a general truth to a specific truth. From a
universal truth to particular.
 Inductive Reasoning - from a specific truth to a general truth. From a
particular truth to universal.

Epistemology - the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its

methods, validity, and scope.

 Rational School - The main source of Knowledge is deductive

reasoning. Based on self-evident, principles or actions.
 Empirical School - The source of knowledge is sense-perception.

Metaphysics - META – beyond, PHYSIKON – Nature

What is the difference between holistic thinking and
partial thinking?
Holistic Thinking

o Refers to a perspective that considers large-scale patterns in

systems.
o Often described as looking at the "big picture" when describing and
analysing a situation or problem.
o Requires an individual to have an open mindset and an ability to get
the general sense or impression regarding a situation.

Partial Thinking

o Focuses on specific aspects of a situation.

o An important component of analytical thinking, as an individual
focuses on certain areas or aspects of a problem in order to
understand it.

Holistic Perspective

o A holistic perspective can enable a person to step back and consider

the general aspects of a certain problem.
o Adopting a holistic approach in thinking encourages us not only to be
more critical but also to be more considerate in dealing with others.
o A holistic view also gives rise to a more appreciative perspective
about life, as we are able to look at life in its totality.
o 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.

What are the practical uses of philosophy in our

lives?
1. Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis and
interpretation of concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems.
2. Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision making.
3. Wisdom
4. Knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self-development.

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.
 Seemingly simple or mundane actions take a whole new meaning
when one engages in reflection.
 here are some steps to help you engage in reflection:
1. Find a quiet and comfortable space
2. Set aside dedicated time
3. Choose a reflection method
4. Review your experiences
5. Ask yourself questions
6. Practice mindfulness
7. be honest with yourself
8. Identify patterns or themes
9. Take action
10. Walk in nature

Method of Doing Philosophizing

What is Philosophizing?
Philosophizing - is to think or express oneself in a philosophical manner.

Truth - a fact or belief that is accepted as true.

What is truth and why is it important?

Knowledge - is the clear awareness and understanding of something. It is
the product of questions that allow for clear answers provided by facts. Our
knowledge is comprised of ideas and beliefs that we know to be true.

Claims - are statements that require further examination to determine their

truthfulness.

Truthful statements, therefore, can be considered as based on facts.

Science considers truth as something observable and empirical.

Ancient Greek philosophers approached the problem of truth by looking at

the nature of knowledge and how we know what we know. We assume that
everything we know about this world is true. It is said that there are
instances when we have to unlearn something so that we may learn a new.

This is one perspective on truth: that a belief is true if it can be justified

proven through the use of one's senses.

This is another basis for determining truth: a belief or statement is true

if it is based on facts.

• Determining truth in this case requires a person to prove a statement

through an action.
• Philosophers also believe that claims and beliefs should also be subjected
to tests to determine truth.

Distinguishing truth from opinion

Opinions

 Statements that go beyond providing facts.

 Bases for making arguments and convincing people that a certain
claim is a fact.

Conclusion

 a judgement based on certain facts.

Beliefs

 The statement that express convictions that are not easily and clearly
explained by facts.

Explanations

 Statements that assume the claim to be true and provide reasons

why the statement is true.

Arguments

 A series of statements that provide reasons to convince the reader or

listener that a claim or opinion is truthful.

Methods of Philosophizing
Phenomenology Method

o Is the study of “phenomena”: appearances of things, or things as they

appear in our experience, or the ways we experience things, thus the
meanings things have in our experience.

Socratic Method

o Also know by Greek term elenchus that means "to inquire or to cross-
examine", is an exchange of ideas using Socratic questioning.

Historical Method

o The historical method is the process of gathering evidences,

examining them, and formulating ideas about the past to come up
with present truths.

Critical Thinking

o is the process of using and assessing reasons to evaluate

statements, assumptions, and arguments in ordinary situations.

Dialectic Method
 o the method of discussion that refers to coming up with answers
through the medium of the logical and reasonable discourse of
arguments, keeping in mind that no disrespectful arguments are
made; it is a discussion between different entities about their point of
view.

Analytic Tradition

o Also called linguistic philosophy, a related set of approaches to

philosophical problems. This philosophy means the using common
experience and ordinary language to analyse concepts and language
in philosophy.

Existentialism

o It is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of free individual

choice, regardless of the power of other people to influence and
coerce our desires, beliefs, and decisions.

Scientific Method

o The mind is challenged by a problem for a solution; such that,

however plausible the solution may be, it is not immediately asserted
as true.

What we should consider when looking at arguments

and opinion?
ARGUMENTS often take the form of statements that are either claims of
facts and are phrased in such a way that they seem reasonable.

However, a number of arguments may be based on faulty reasoning.

These kinds of arguments are called FALLACIES. Some of these fallacies
may be intentional, as the person making the claim is desperate to
convince you to accept his or her argument.

ad hominem - attacking the person presenting the argument instead of the

argument itself.

appeal to force - using the threat of force or an undesirable event to

advance an argument.

appeal to emotion - using emotions such as pity or sympathy.

appeal to the popular - the idea is presented as acceptable because a lot

of people accept it.

appeal to tradition - the idea is acceptable because it has been true for a
long time.

begging the question - assuming the thing or idea to be proven is true;

also known as "circular argument".
cause-and-effect - assuming a "cause-and- effect" relationship between
unrelated events.

fallacy of composition - assuming that what is true of a part is true for the
whole.

fallacy of division - assuming that what is true for the whole is true for its
parts.

BIAS - a prejudice in favour of or against one thing, person, or group

compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.

1. correspondence bias or attribution effect - tendency to judge a

person's personality by his or her actions without regard for external
factors or influences.
2. confirmation bias - tendency to look for and readily accept
information which fits one's own beliefs or view and to reject ideas or
views that go against it.
3. framing - focusing on a certain aspect of the problem while ignoring
other aspects.
4. hindsight - the tendency to see past events as predictable, or to
ascribe a pattern to historical events.
5. conflict or interest - a person or group is connected to or has a
vested interest in the issues being discussed.
6. cultural bias - analysing an event or issue based on one's cultural
standard

What is a Human Person?

Human person is someone with an exact origin of his/her classification.
From the biblical perspective, we came from Adam and Eve. For science,
we came from an ape under the class: Mammalia.

A human person is typically with a body which is tangible and has three
components composed of SOUL, MIND and SPIRIT. Also, he or she is
entitled and granted rights and privileges by the state which he or she
legally belong.

Traits

 Self-awareness - refers to the person having clear perception of

oneself, including his/ her own thoughts, emotions, identity, and
actions The human person is defined by a deeper awareness which
is driven by RATIONALITY or human thought.
 Interiority is the quality of being focused on one's inner life and
identity
 Self-determination - refers to capability of persons to make choices
and decisions based on their own preferences, monitor and regulate
their action, and be goal-oriented, and self- directed.
  Free will - enables us to do actions whenever we want to and make
self- determination.
 Consequence - is the result or effect of an action or condition.
 Morality- the goodness or badness of an act.
 Externality - the capability to reach out and interact with others.
 Dignity - the innate right to be valued and respected.

What is embodied spirit?

Embodied spirit is an animating core living within each of us. It is known
to be the driving force behind what we actually think, do and say

Spirit - this intangible element enables us to exercise thought, possess

awareness, interiority, and the capacity to reach out to the outside world
and other person.

 The embodiment of the spirit particularly refers to the inseparable union

of human body and soul.

Human person as an embodied spirit

Refers to the human person as a soul within a body of a man or a body

within a soul. This idea or philosophy was from Aristotle as he couldn't
agree the view of Plato onto this matter.

Limits of human person

o field of view - The human eye's field of view refers to the extent of
the observable world that can be seen at any given moment without
moving the eyes. It's typically around 120 to 135 degrees horizontally
and 160 to 175 degrees vertically, accounting for both eyes.
o blind spot - The human blind spot refers to the small area in the
retina of the eye where the optic nerve exits and there are no light-
sensitive cells.
o Fly - Humans can't naturally fly because our bodies lack the physical
adaptations found in flying creatures, such as birds. Our anatomy,
including the structure of our bones and the design of our muscles, is
not optimized for flight.

Transcendence

 The ability to surpass limits is called transcendence, and it is also one

important trait that distinguishes the human person from other beings
in existence.
 Transcendence means overcoming oneself or being in control even if
the body reminds us of certain tendencies. Although these tendencies
are felt, the person can govern them and ensure that they are
exercised within the bounds of reason.
 Each individual carries within himself the possibility of transcending
his limits by exerting enough effort and perseverance.
Possibilities of Human of Person

 The possibility of a human is in the scale of what they can grasp by

each period and civilization they grow.
 Human must never tamper with surroundings but nurture the
development. The human are having one sole possibility they exist
for and nothing else.

THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE ENVIRONMENT

What is human person in the environment?

Human impact on the environment refers to changes to biophysical

environments and to ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources
caused directly or indirectly by humans

How does humanity address the damage inflicted on the

environment?

Environmentalism, an important development in the late twentieth

century, focuses on addressing environmental problems through
environmental ethics, a moral approach that analyses human-environment
relationships and social issues, fostering environmental awareness and
action.

How does philosophy define the person’s relationship with the

environment?

Like the physical sciences, philosophy also seeks to explore the

relationship between humanity and the environment. Environmental
philosophy or environmental ethics is the discipline in philosophy that
studies the moral relationship of human beings with the environment and its
non-human contents. Environmental philosophers tackle issues such as
humanity’s role in the natural world, the interaction between nature and
human activities, and humanity’s response to environmental challenges

Environmental philosophy

Environmental philosophy studies the moral relationship between

humans and the environment, arguing that humans can change the
environment for their purposes. Disorders can lead to problems and
challenges for humankind. As rational beings, humans can transform the
world and understand nature's laws, viewing it as a text they can read and
understand to live a better life.

Three majors views:

1. Anthropocentrism

Focuses on the significant role of humankind in the world and considers

nature as the means by which humans are able to meet their needs and
survive. This view believes that humans are the most important species on
the planet and they are free to transform nature and use its resources.

2. Biocentrism

Believes that humans are not the only significant species on the planet, and
that all other organisms have inherent value and should be protected. This
view advocates ethical treatment of animals.

3. Eco centrism
O Places great value on ecosystems and biological communities. This
view believes that humankind is a part of a greater biological system
or community and that we have a significant role as stewards or
guardians of nature. This view promotes the idea that order and
balance in nature brings about stability and beauty.

O The influence of humanity on the environment can be best

understood if we consider the individual person as a dynamic source
of change within his particular environment.

Environmental ethic

 Philosophical view that believes maintaining order in the environment

will bring out the natural beauty of the surroundings and contribute to
the well-being of the people and other organisms living in it.
 The appreciation of natural beauty brings about the concern for the
environment and helps people relate more effectively with nature.

Environmentalism advocates for addressing environmental problems, with

governments and organizations focusing on discussions and plans like the
kyoto protocol and earth day to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
inspire action.

Sustainability refers to the continuous maintenance or support of

processes over time, aiming to prevent resource depletion and ensure
long-term availability in business and policy contexts.

Sustainable development this concept focuses on reconciling human

activities and economic development with the protection of the
environment. Major ideas

Principle of sustainability
Environmental integrity - refers to maintaining the state of the
environment.

 This means that human activities should not unduly disrupt the
ecosystems and human communities located in the area
 Care should be taken that the surrounding landscape is not
drastically impacted by human activities.

Economic efficiency

 Refers to prudence in decision-making regarding the use of

resources to ensure that there is minimum to zero waste.

Equity

 Demands that we use our natural resources in such a manner that

these are conserved so that the next generation will be able to use
them.

Deep ecology

 all life forms have an equal right to exist, and human needs and
desires have no priority over those of other organisms. Believes that
the living environment should be respected and regarded as having
rights to flourish, independent of its utility to humans.

Social ecology

 It is a critical social theory founded by american anarchist and

libertarian socialist author murray bookchin. Conceptualized as a
critique of current social, political, and anti- ecological trends, it
espouses a reconstructive, ecological, communitarian, and ethical
approach to society.

Ecofeminism

 It is also called ecological feminism, branch of feminism that

examines the connections between women and nature. Its name was
coined by french feminist francoise d'eaubonne in 1974.

Environmental integrity

 Means that your actions with regard to the environment match your
felt or expressed priorities and values with regard to the environment.
 The values of prudence and frugality can guide us in our own
personal use of resources

Enlightened anthropocentrism - advocates for human moral duty to limit

natural resource use, emphasizing the Philippines’ biodiversity loss due to
logging and agriculture, highlighting the importance of environmental
wellbeing.

Climate justice is crucial as human activities are altering the climate

system, disproportionately affecting those who have little to no involvement
in the abusive practices towards nature.

Conclusion humans need support mechanisms like the natural

environment for life, but humans can also preserve and restore nature,
despite contributing to its destruction.