ST. JOHN COLLEGE OF BUUG FOUNDATION, INC. National Highway, Poblacion Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines, 7009 INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON MS. MARIA VANESSA G. SAGARIO Teacher INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON Module 1: The Process of Doing Philosophy Objectives: a. distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view; b. realize the value of doing philosophical reflection from various situations; and c. make a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic perspective. This module will enable you to learn more about Philosophy, and how we are engaged in reflecting on our actions, which we perform in our day to day lives. In this module, you will be able to gain more knowledge on the differences between holistic and partial thinking, and how we are using these two views in our day to day actions. Moreover, you will also gain a deeper understanding of how these views highly affect the decisions that we constantly make in our daily lives. Read the story, “The Blind Men and the Elephant” by American poet John Godfrey Saxe and answer the questions below. The Blind Men and the Elephant (John Godfrey Saxe) Once upon a time there were six blind men. They lived in a town in India. They thought they were very clever. One day an elephant came to their town. The blind men did not know what an elephant looked like but they could smell it and they could hear it. “What is this animal like?” they said. Each man touched a different part of the elephant. The first man touched the elephant's body. It felt hard, big and wide. “An elephant is like a wall”, he said. The second man touched one of the elephant's tusks. It felt smooth, hard, and sharp. “An elephant is like a spear,” he said. The third man touched the elephant's trunk. It felt long, thin, and wiggly. “An elephant is like a snake,” he said. The fourth man touched one of the legs. It felt thick, rough, hard and round. “An elephant is like a tree,” he said. The fifth man touched one of the elephant's ears. It felt thin and it moved. “An elephant is like a fan,” he said. The sixth man touched the elephant's tail. It felt long, thin, and strong. “An elephant is like a rope,” he said. The men argued. It's like a wall! No, it isn't! It's like a spear! No it isn't! It's like a snake! They did not agree. The king had been watching and listening to the men. “'You are not very clever. You only touched part of the elephant. You did not feel the whole animal. An elephant is not like a wall or a spear or a snake, or a tree or a fan or a rope.” The men left the town still arguing. A little girl heard them and said “Each of you is right but you are all wrong … but I know what you are talking about!” Guided Questions: 1. What happens in the story when each blind man "touches" the elephant? 2. What did the blind men learn from the king? What does the storyteller want us to learn from this tale? 3. Do problems like this happen in real life? Think of the times when arguments or misunderstandings have occurred because people saw situations from different points of view. Describe what happened. 4. How does it feel when another person doesn't "see" something the way you do? How can you address those differences in perceptions? 5. What are some steps you can take to understand why another person doesn't see things the way you do? WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY? Philosophy, is coined from the Greek word “philein” which means love, and “Sophia”, which means wisdom. Taken together, this means philos-sophia is the love of wisdom. It is mainly defined as the science of beings in their ultimate reasons, causes and principles, acquired by the aid of human reason alone. It is an organized body of knowledge just like any other sciences. Philosophy investigates things, the philosopher uses his natural capacity to think or simply, human reason alone. Philosophy is not one dimensional or partial. A philosopher does not limit himself to a particular object of inquiry. He studies the human beings, the society, religion, language, God, and plants, among other concerns. He questions almost anything, if not everything. It is multidimensional or holistic. TWO TYPES OF THINKING THAT ARE USED IN PHILOSOPHY: 1. Holistic thinking, a perspective that considers large-scale patterns in systems or looking at the “big picture” when describing and analyzing a situation or problem. A holistic perspective requires an individual to have an open mindset and an ability to get the general sense or impression regarding a situation that includes the perspective of others. The view also enables a person to better appreciate his or her experiences as vital components that give meaning to life. 2. Partial thinking, on the other hand, focuses on specific aspects of a situation. The partial view is an important component of analytical thinking, as an individual focuses on certain areas or aspects of a problem in order to understand it. 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. 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. When buying clothes, for example, you may start with the simple questions: “Will this fit me?” “Do I look good in this color?” these are the usual questions any buyer would ask for himself or herself. But since we are in a reflective and philosophizing mood, let us now try and think of “deeper” questions and reflect on the situation. You may find yourself asking the following questions: “Do I even have to buy a new t-shirt today?” “Am I better off spending my money on other things?” “Do I see myself wearing this shirt often, or am I just going to wear it once?” Notice the difference when you engage in reflection. The simple task of buying a shirt becomes something much more. If you concentrate only on simple questions, you would just buy that shirt immediately. But reflection allows you an opportunity to think more deeply about your action, your motivation for doing such an action, and even its possible consequences. Reflection also helps us understand ourselves and our actions better. When we reflect, we can judge whether our actions or decisions are reasonable or not. Taking time to analyze your decision and actions is one vital skill that will greatly help you as you encounter more challenges in life. Task 1: Directions: Write True if the statement is correct and False if the statement is wrong. (5pts) _____1. A holistic view helps us understand a situation from different vantage points so we can see it more partially. _____2. People tend to apply analytical perspective when looking at problems or situations. _____3. Holistic thinking refers to a perspective that considers small-scale patterns in systems. _____4. An individual uses a partial point of view when he/she looks at only a limited number of the given problem or situation. _____5. A holistic perspective cannot enable a person to step back and consider the general aspects of a certain problem. Task 2: Directions: Complete the table below by constructing a philosophical reflection in each of the actions provided. ACTIONS WHAT MUST BE DONE BEFORE THE ACTION? 1. Buying new clothes 2. Confronting a person who verbally hurt you 3. Communicating to your siblings about a conflict 4. Deciding where to study for Senior High School 5. Posting your opinion or feelings on social media 6. Watching movies that are not allowed for your age 7. Traveling without your family 8. Helping a stranger 9. Playing computer games 10. Buying a new gadget Criteria: Content - 10 Neatness - 5 Structure/ Organization - 5 Total: 20 points Task 3: Directions: Discuss with your other family members a problem or issue that is important to your family. Write down your views and use them as bases to come up with a solution based on a holistic perspective. Use the graph as a guide in conducting the discussion. PROBLEM OR ISSUE IMPORTANT TO FAMILY My Mother’s Views: My Father’s Views: My Brother’s/Sister’s Views: My Own Views: Other important views or things to consider: Criteria: Content - 15 Neatness - 5 Structure/ Organization - 5 Total: 25 points Module 2: Methods of Philosophizing Objectives: a. distinguish opinion from truth; b. analyze situations that show the difference between opinion and truth; c. realize that the methods of philosophy lead to wisdom and truth; and d. evaluate truth and opinions in different situations using the methods of philosophizing. In the previous lesson, you learned about Holistic and Partial Thinking in Philosophy. Moreover, you were also able to see the value of Philosophizing in achieving a broad understanding of your life. In this lesson, you will learn about the various ways of evaluating our own opinions. Moreover, you will also learn to distinguish between facts and opinions, and reflect on concrete experiences in a philosophical way, in order to come up with sound decisions. LESSON 1: Introduction to Method of Philosophizing Philosophizing is to think or express oneself in a philosophical manner. It considers a matter from a philosophical standpoint (the special viewpoint achieved by phenomenologist as he/she focuses not on things but on our consciousness of things); a. Phenomenology (on consciousness), founded by Edmund Husserl; focuses on careful inspection and description of appearances which we are conscious of (intentionally). o Suspension – simply describes the contents of consciousness. o Intuition – focuses on the essential features which reveal the necessary truths. b. Existentialism (on freedom), Sartre, a French philosopher, emphasizes that truth is based on exercising choices and personal freedom (supported by culture diversity), as opposed to public “herd” identity. c. Postmodernism (on cultures), according to postmodernists, it is accepted that truth is not absolute; they believe that humanity should come at truth beyond the rational to the non-rational elements of human nature. d. Analytic tradition, for Ludwig Wittgenstein, an analytical philosopher, language is socially conditioned and constructed. Analytic philosophy is the conviction that some problems and errors are rooted in language and can be solved or avoided by a sound understanding of language and careful attention to its workings. e. Logic, the truth based on reasoning and critical thinking. It includes analysis and construction of arguments which serves as a path to freedom from half-truths and deception. f. Fallacies, are arguments based on faulty reasoning. Some of the fallacies maybe intentional. As the person making is desperate to convince you to accept his or her argument. Fallacy Characteristics Example “Of course he believes that the government is flawed, he is a rebel and a Communist!” “If this peace agreement will not be signed by the government, then we will have no recourse but to go to war.” “All these charges are baseless; this is just plain harassment – can’t you see how this is affecting my family?” Argumentum ad Appeals/exploits people's desire for “Every girl your age already has an fb account, you esteem and anchoring for popularity. should go have one!” Populum Argumentum ad Attacking the person presenting the argument instead of the argument itself. Hominem Argumentum ad Using the threat of force or an undesirable event to advance an Baculum argument. Argumentum ad Using emotions such as pity or sympathy. Misericordiam Task 1: Directions: Do what is asked. (10pts) 1. Share your experience on times you did not use reason in your life but rather, you relied on emotions or opinions of other people. What did you learn from the experience? 2. Determine which are the premises and the conclusion (read lesson 4): a. All known planets travel about the sun in elliptical orbits. Therefore, Earth travel about the sun in elliptical orbit. Earth is a known planet. b. Therefore, all oranges grow on trees. All oranges are fruits. All fruits grow on trees. LESSON 2: Distinguishing Opinion from Truth The ideas that we encounter in everyday life can be considered as truth or opinion. Ideas Characteristics Examples Contains ideas or information 1. The policeman firmly pushed the suspect to his knees and placed that is easily verifiable. It him in handcuffs. explains what actually 2. My sister ate the last piece of pizza. happened. 3. It takes 30 minutes to walk from my home to school. It is what someone feels, 1. The aggressive manner by which the policeman arrested the Opinion believes or thinks, and is not suspect is an example of brutality that characterizes our police force. necessarily the truth. It 2. My sister is a selfish person because she ate the last piece of pizza represents a perception about and did not share it with me. something (it varies from one 3. Living near the school is better because we don’t have to spend person to another) much for transportation. When looking at an opinion, be aware of bias or the personal views of the person presenting it to influence the others. Truth Key Differences between Truth and Opinion 1. Truth relies on observation or research while opinion is based on assumption. 2. The truth is an objective reality whereas opinion is a subjective statement. 3. Truths can be verified with the help of evidence or statistics while, an opinion is not supported by any evidence. LESSON 3: Methods of Philosophy Lead to Wisdom and Truth For Double (1999), although philosophy is an organized body of knowledge, the subject matter of philosophy is questions, which have three major characteristics; 1. Philosophical questions have answers but the answers remain in dispute. 2. Philosophical questions cannot be settled by science, common sense, or faith. 3. Philosophical questions are of perennial intellectual interest to human beings. Critical thinking is the careful, reflective, rational and systematic approach to questions of very general interest. It means understanding philosophy and refraining from merely giving claims but through careful thought, one reasons through argumentations by distinguishing facts, opinions or personal feelings. HOW WILL YOU DETERMINE THE TRUTH FROM OPINION? An understanding of opinions and facts and the mean to distinguish one from the other can further improve our understanding and appreciation of varied views and ideas. The ability to determine truth goes hand in hand with the holistic perspective and enables us to make wiser decisions, especially in choosing the ideas and views which we find acceptable. A critical mind aided by Philosophy can help us from our own personal point of view that can guide us in making decisions and actions when we are faced with a problem. Philosophy can help us determine ideas that are truthful and acceptable, which we can use to form our own views regarding certain matters. For Maboloc and Pascua (2008) critical thinking is a lifelong process of self-assessment that further consists of: Defining, analyzing and devising solutions, Arriving at reasonable and informed conclusions Applying understanding and knowledge to new and different problems Willingness to say, “I don’t know.” The attributes of a critical thinker include; Looks for evidence to support assumption and beliefs Adjusts opinions Looks for proof Examines problem Rejects irrelevant and incorrect information LESSON 4: Evaluate Truth from Opinions in Different Situations Using the Methods of Philosophizing A method of philosophizing is a process of determining the truth or drawing conclusions from a statement using various philosophical methods, such as: Socratic, dialectic, scientific, and historical. 1. Socratic and dialectic method, both based on a discussion between two or more people who may carry differing views but wish to pursue the truth by seeking an agreement with one another. 2. Scientific method, (empirical) a process of determining truth or knowledge through experimentation, inductive and deductive reasoning, and hypothesis or theory testing. 3. Logic, the truth based on reasoning and critical thinking. It includes analysis and construction of arguments. It serves as a path to freedom from half-truths and deception. o Inductive Reasoning, based from observations (partial idea) in order to make generalizations. This is often applied in prediction, forecasting or behavior. o Deductive Reasoning, conclusion comes first, followed by main points, and the last will be the supporting data, facts, examples, and evidences. Take for instance: All philosophers are wise. (Major premise) Confucius is a philosopher. (Minor premise) Therefore, Confucius is wise. (Conclusion) Task 2: Directions: 1. Write a 2-3 paragraph editorial about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic, in a short bond paper. 2. You may use the following guide for your editorial: Decide what your position is on the issue. Give your opinion as to why you have selected this position on the issue. State the facts, evidence and data (if available) to back up your position. State the opposing position. Provide the facts that support the opposing position/opinion. Dispute, challenge and question the opposing opinions, backed up with facts. Criteria: Content - 15 Neatness - 5 Structure/ Organization - 5 Total: 25 points Task 3: Directions: Complete the statements below. (15pts) I learned that Truth is _________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ I feel that Truth is important because ____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ I commit to uphold the truth by_________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Module 3: The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit Objectives: a. identify limitations and possibilities for transcendence; b. evaluate one’s own limitations and the possibilities for their transcendence; c. recognize how the human body imposes limits and possibilities for transcendence; and d. distinguish limitations and possibilities for transcendence. This module describes the human person as an embodied spirit. Where the spirit unites with the body; a person is capable of exploring, experiencing, achieving various feats. But the human body also has its limitations. Despite this, the nature of the human person has the ability to go beyond or transcend on these limitations. With these understanding and knowledge, you will have an opportunity to develop your strengths based on the nature of your limitations and rise above these challenges. LESSON 1: Introduction to Limitations and Possibilities for Transcendence Man, refer to the entire human race. Human, refers to man as a species- Homo sapiens or modern human beings. St. Thomas, the Philosopher who believed that the human person’s nature as an embodied spirit enables us to engage in meaningful experiences and makes transcendence possible. He was also regarded of Christianizing the philosophy of Aristotle. Transcendence is a state of being or existence that is above and beyond physical needs and realities. It comes from the Latin prefix trans-, which means “beyond”, and scandare, which means “to climb”. Limitations of Transcendence may not occur to everyone, does not come at a specified period, varies across all people, and may coincide with physical limitations of the body. Factors that impose limits include the body, environment, demographics, and society and hinders a person from reaching transcendence. Possibilities for Transcendence include: developing a positive outlook in life, working towards reaching a goal and learning from experience. In aiming for transcendence, it is important to consider the feasibility of your goals, the work you would need to put in it, the challenges you will face, and other factors that may come in play. LESSON 2: Evaluate Own Limitations and the Possibilities for their Transcendence Many of us would experience emerging from deep within and felt a sense of being in tune with the mystery of our own being and with the mystery that transcends us. Consider the following examples; a. Forgiveness When we forgive, we are freed from our anger and bitterness because of the actions or words of another. On the other hand, the hardness of our heart is reinforced by whole series of rational arguments. b. The Beauty of Nature There is perfection in every single flower, for a hug, for every sunrise and sunset, to eat together as a family, are our miracles. These experiences touch us deeply and the human heart is spontaneously lifted. c. Vulnerability To work in the office or study in school, we need to acknowledge the help of other people in our lives. Moments of poverty and dependence on others are not a sign of weakness but being true with ourselves. d. Failure Our failures force us to confront our weakness and limitations. Such acceptance of our failures leads us to hope, trust and forgiveness that all can be brought into good. e. Loneliness Our loneliness can be rooted from our sense of vulnerability and fear of death. It is our choice to live, be happy, be free from dependence and accept a life of solitude and companionship have a part. f. Love To love is to experience richness, positivity and transcendence. To love is to live a life full of risks, fears, pain, sacrifice and giving up things we want for the sake of the one we love. LESSON 3: Evaluate Own Limitations and the Possibilities for their Transcendence Indian thought recognizes the complimentary thought of all systems of belief. Hinduism is neither rooted in any single doctrine, nor does it claim a monopoly on truth or wisdom. Hinduism is neither rooted in any single doctrine, nor does it claim a monopoly on truth or wisdom. Buddhism preaches tolerance of all sincere viewpoints and includes many of these within its own spiritual teachings. Christians believe that that power of change cannot be done by human beings alone, but is achieved with cooperation with God. There is an infinite gap between humanity and God, which God alone can bridge through His power. For St. Augustine, physically we are free, yet morally bound to obey the Law of God, “Humanity must do well and avoid evil. We are responsible to our neighbors as we are to our own actions”. Task 1: Directions: Look around you. Observe how each person in the community (especially the front liners) manages against new cases of the COVID-19. Put yourself in the position of those who are experiencing such limitations. Identify ways on how you may overcome those challenges. (10pts) _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Task 2: Directions: Read the excerpt on “How a Healthy Dosage of Self-Transcendence can Overcome COVID-19”, by Paul Wong, and answer the questions that follow. How a Healthy Dosage of Self- Transcendence can Overcome COVID-19 Paul Wong COVID-19 is here, and we cannot run from it. We must face it, accept it, and move forward with courage and self-transcendental love. The future is on the side of love and hope. We can win the war together, and we can rejoice together by encouraging and cheering each other on. Self-transcendence provides a way for us to be connected with others and with God; it is through our total dependence on these connections that we discover the beauty and happiness of life. Self-transcendence is the source of compassion, which means to suffer with others. It is the source of passion, which means to suffer for God and for others. Self-transcendence sets our soul on fire and moves us to accomplish the impossible. In sum, self-transcendence is a transformative way of making us complete. It is also the most compassionate way to look at life. It is like seeing life through the lens of love from our soul, which softens every blow from life and adds some bright colour to every dark shadow we go through. It makes our life more beautiful and interesting. A better future begins with self-transcendental love. I hope that you can harness the power of love to transform your life and overcome COVID-19. May you find enough space in your heart to welcome your shadow and embrace your suffering; this is the best way to reclaim your happiness and hope today. Questions: 1. Do you agree with the article above? Why or Why not? 2. What did you learn from the article? 3. What did you realized about self- transcendence? 4. How will you apply self-transcendence to overcome COVID-19? LESSON 4: Distinguish Limitations and Possibilities for Transcendence The following are common to Indian thought: It is the spiritual that endures and is ultimately real. In Hinduism, the human aspiration is to move to the divine. What we believe is how we live; if our beliefs are in error, and then our lives will be unhappy. To understand nature and the universe, we must turn within the preoccupation with the inner life. There is an emphasis on the nonmaterial oneness creation. There are no polarities; a single spirit provides cosmic harmony. There is the acceptance of direct awareness as the only way to understand what is real like “yoga”. There is a healthy respect for tradition, but never slavish commitment to it. The past can teach but never rule. According to St. Augustine, Si comprehendis, non est Deus- “Whatever you understand cannot be God” simply because you understand it. As St. Thomas would affirm the Summa Theologica, “God is honored by silence-not because we cannot say or understand anything about Him, but because we know we are incapable of comprehending Him”. Suffering is close to the heart of biblical faith. In Christianity, suffering leads to the Cross, the symbol of reality of God’s saving love for human being. Buddhism gives rise to compassion for suffering humanity. Compassion is the heart of religion. Religion without compassion becomes a law and burden in its adherent. Jesus condemned religion without compassion and constructed, thus, the parable of the Good Samaritan. Task 3: Directions: Use the Letter-Number Code to answer what is asked below. What word that means a state of existence above and beyond the limits of material experience? ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ (20) (18) (1) (14) (19) (3) (5) (14) (4) (5) (14) (3) (5) Task 4: Directions: Read each item carefully. Encircle the letter of the correct. 1. How does the human body play a role in transcendence? A. The body has its limitations. C. The body functions against transcendence. B. The body controls what we do. D. None of these 2. The following are factors that limits transcendence EXCEPT A. demography B. financial source C. environment D. human body 3. Which of the following are possibilities for transcendence? A. develop a positive outlook in life C. learn from experience B. work towards reaching the goal D. All of these 4. How should one aim for transcendence? One considers ___________. A. the challenges to encounter. C. the work you put to it. B. the feasibility of one’s goal. D. all of these 5. When you are able to recognize your own limitations and possibilities, which of these things should you remember? A. Challenges are learning opportunities B. Recognize that your goal is more important than your fears. C. both A and B D. None of these Module 4: The Human Person in the Environment Objectives: a. identify the disorder in the environment and suggest ways to manage it; b. acknowledge that care for the environment contributes to health, wellbeing, and sustainable development; c. demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards the environment; and d. appreciate the beauty of nature. This module conveys the interplay of the bond between man and nature from the different viewpoints of philosophers. These philosophical concepts will answer concerns about the environment and will encourage each person to act responsibly as stewards of nature because every action has significant effects on the environment. And by observing prudence and frugality in utilizing natural resources, you can make a difference in sustaining the environment for the next generation. An environment may be any external setting that people live in. Because of this, humanity has a very unique relationship with the environment and with nature, wherein we all live and benefit from each other. Environmental Philosophy is a branch of Philosophy that is concerned with the natural environment and humanity’s place in it. Without the environment around us, we will not be able to meet our needs in order to survive, and eventually we may cease to exist. It’s our responsibility to take care of the environment, so that the future generation will also enjoy the beauty of nature, and the fruits and other essential needs that we are enjoying today. Environmental Aesthetics refers to the philosophical view of maintaining order in the environment, which contributes to the natural beauty of the surroundings, and the well-being of the people. In order for us to do this, we have to be mindful of these two important concepts: Prudence- the ability to have good judgment that allows avoidance of dangers and risks and, Frugality- the act of using money or other resources wisely and practically. As stewards of nature, it is also important for us to take good care of the environment, since it promotes health and well-being, and sustainable development. Health and Well-Being- the environment is a good source for maintaining our health and wellness. Examples of which are: some medicinal plants have properties that help remove pathogens in our body; fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins and minerals; and lastly, aesthetic properties make an excellent venue for exercises and activities. Sustainable Development- in order for the next generation to enjoy the beauty, and benefits of the environment, we need to be able to seek for ways to sustain it. Since we know that the environment is the primary source of raw resources, which is used to make all types of food and materials, we should be able to take good care of the resources that are within our disposal, and not abuse them. Moreover, with appropriate techniques, the environment can reproduce and regenerate resources that have been harvested or lost. That is why, it is important that we must not abuse the resources that we are enjoying, so that we can give enough time for the environment to regenerate and reproduce. How can we do this? Through conservation and by following the 4Rs--- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover; we can prevent disorder in the environment, which may be evidenced by lack of resources or displacement of things. Furthermore, we can also live up to our role of being stewards and caretakers of nature and the environment. Task 1: Directions: Think of ways in which you could show prudence and frugality to the environment. Values School Home Prudence ways Frugality Task 2: Directions: