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TO THE LEARNERS
Here are some reminders as you use this module:
 Use the module with care especially in turning each page.
 Be reminded to answer the Pre-Test before moving on to the
Learning Module.
 Read and comprehend the directions in every exercises.
 Observe honesty in answering the tests and exercises.
 Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of this material.
 Try to finish a given activity before proceeding to the next.
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Introduction to
Philosophy of the
Human Person
Branches of Philosophy
ENRICO B. CAGANDA
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WHAT IS THIS MODULE ALL ABOUT?
This module serves as a learning resource material in understanding the target competency
expected in the curriculum.
TOPIC
Branches of Philosophy
CONTENT STANDARD
The learner understands the meaning and process of doing philosophy.
LEARNING COMPETENCY
PPT11/12-Ia-1.1
Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view.
The presented activities or exercises and texts are developed in order to meet the
following objectives:
1. Identify the different branches of Philosophy.
2. Compare and contrast among the branches of Philosophy.
3. Apply each branch in real life setting.
Philosophy
The learner understands the meaning and process of doing
philosophy
The learner reflects on a concrete experience in a philosophical way
1.1. Distinguish a ho
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PRE-TEST
Read the following items carefully. Write the letter of your
answer.
1. The establishment of criteria of beauty is the function of aesthetics. Which of the
following statements shows the importance of aesthetics to us?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It
It
It
It
helps us understand better the nature and origin of knowledge.
brings us in touch with our culture and the arts.
serves as a tool in unraveling the unknown.
enables us to make plausible arguments.
2. Etymologically, it means a treatise on matters pertaining to the human thought. As a
branch of Philosophy logic does not provide us with knowledge directly. What then is
the role of logic in Philosophy?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Logic
Logic
Logic
Logic
enhances appreciation of arguments.
is used in some disciplines like mathematics.
offers opportunities discovering new knowledge.
serves as tool concerning the validity of our arguments.
3. A fundamental and necessary drive in every human being is knowing what is
real. Which among the branches of Philosophy accounts for the unreal in terms of
what we accept as real?
A. Logic
B. Aesthetics
C. Metaphysics
D. Ethics
4. Ethics is the branch of Philosophy that explores the nature of moral virtue and
evaluates human actions. Which of the following statements exemplifies the value of
ethics in Philosophy?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Women are not inferior to men and that both must complement each other.
All matters are composed of atoms.
Ideas are forms of thought representing the real objects.
No man is an island
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5. A branch of Philosophy focuses itself with the non-observables. Another branch deals
with what is right or wrong. What does epistemology deal with?
A. Epistemology deals with the other branches of Philosophy
B. Epistemology concerns itself with how to make arguments more valid and
essential.
C. Epistemology deals with the nature, sources, limitations and validity of
knowledge.
D. Epistemology focuses on discovering new knowledge unknown to men.
6. Logic is not interested with what we know. Rather, it concerns itself on the truth and
validity of our arguments. Who was the philosopher who devised the first
method of logic?
A. Socrates
B. Plato
C. Zeno
D. Aristotle
7. Metaphysical discourses are characterized by examination of unobservable entities.
Which of the following statements exhibits such character?
A. Beautiful designs like arts enhances the way we think.
B. If all backboned animals are called vertebrates, then a dog is a vertebrate.
C. All objects contain water.
D. Exercise of freedom should always be accompanied with responsibility.
8. Some philosophers believe that general ideas are formed from the examination of
particular facts. What method is employed in this kind of generating idea?
A. deduction
B. induction
C. epistemological
D. logical
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9. We can see things made of matter but we cannot see the underlying matter itself. What
branch of Philosophy sees things like this?
A. Metaphysics
B. Aesthetics
C. Logic
D. Epistemology
10. How do we tell good from evil or right from wrong? This basic question is a concern of
what branch of Philosophy?
A. Epistemology
B. Logic
C. Ethics
D. Metaphysics
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LET’S SEE WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW
Try to answer the following questions.
1. What do you recall about the meaning of Philosophy?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2. Can cite some characteristics of Philosophy?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3. What perspectives or approaches in Philosophy you already know? List them down.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. How are these perspectives or approaches in Philosophy important in our day-to-day life?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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LET’S LEARN
In the previous module, the definition of Philosophy and its salient features were discussed. In
this module, the branches of Philosophy will be tackled.
Knowing only the meaning of Philosophy and some of its characteristics are not enough if we are
in search for true wisdom. For a narrow and partial mind is wholly incompatible with the real
philosophical attitude that manifests holistic point of view. The discussion below on branches of
Philosophy is intended to broaden one’s perspectives and skills in doing philosophical discourses.
There are 5 branches of Philosophy: Metaphysics, Ethics, Epistemology, Logic and Aesthetics.
Metaphysical philosophy accounts on investigating the unreal entities in terms of the real world that
we experience through our senses. The well-known Philosopher, Plato, enlightened the field of
metaphysics by contrasting reality and appearance. He stated that our experience with the real world
is not real. Reality according to him is how we perceive the world. Therefore, what is real is just
products of our perception through the mind. For example, we see a yellow chair because we
perceive it as yellow chair. But others may perceive a different color when light affecting the
appearance of the chair is obstructed.
Ethics as another branch of Philosophy deals with the evaluation of human actions and the nature
of moral virtue. As such, ethical philosophy accounts for the nature of our moral judgements and it
also attempts to investigate our fundamental ethical ideas. From these contentions arise the idea of
right versus wrong and evil versus good. Discourses like feminism (equal opportunities among
genders) and law-making become areas where ethical philosophy is employed. Socrates pointed out
that knowledge is not merely theoretical nor speculative but also practical. It means that knowledge
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on rules of right living is not sufficient when it is not actually being practiced. One historical example
that exemplifies ethical philosophy is that issue laid down by William Du Bois. He argued that there
must be equal rights between black and white Americans.
Epistemology as philosophical perspective concerns itself with the nature, sources, limitations
and validity of knowledge. Some of the basic questions raised by Epistemology are: how do we know
what we know, how do we know what we want to know and do we distinguish true from what is not
true. Knowledge, according to this perspective, can be acquired through induction (empiricism) and
deduction. Induction is a process of knowledge-forming by investigating particulars (also known as
empirical evidences) in order to arrive at general idea. Conversely, deductive process employs
generally accepted ideas in order to arrive at specific ideas. Advocates of deductive method are
called rationalists. Rene Descartes is well-known rationalist.
Another method used under Epistemology is pragmatism. William James and John Dewey are
famous pragmatists. They believe that value in use is the real test of truth and meaning.
Logic is another branch of Philosophy. Unlike any other philosophical perspectives, logic does
not concern itself in what we know regarding certain subjects. Thus, logic does not provide us
knowledge of the world directly. It only serves as tool to guide one’s arguments or discourses so as to
keep them valid and true. Aristotle was the first philosopher who employed logical method. He
claimed that truth exists when there is agreement between knowledge and reality. This can only take
place when mental ideas correspond to the objective world. This is where logical reasoning comes in.
Reasoning is very important in our everyday lives. Decision making can make or unmake us.
Thus the quality of our logical capacity affects our well-being. A person equipped with logic can
reason far better than those who are not.
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Finally, Aesthetics as philosophical perspective concerns itself with the notion of beauty.
Whenever we created a devise or equipment we consequently aim to improve (or beautify) it after
some time. It only goes to show that aesthetics accounts for the criteria of beauty.
Aesthetics can be used to explain matters regarding culture and arts. It is in these fields where
beauty can best be explained with the use of aesthetical philosophy. Embedded in our culture is our
capacity to distinguish beautiful from what is not. Arts as part of our cultural milieu manifests our
ideas regarding beauty.
What benefits can students get from aesthetical knowledge? As students, the importance of
aesthetics are: it vitalizes our knowledge making the world more useful and alive, it helps us live
more deeply and richly for appreciation of work of arts arises, and it keeps us in touch with our
culture.
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LET’S TRY THIS AND SELF-CHECK
Below are situational cases where each needs particular philosophical perspective in order to
understand the issues inherent within each of them. Read each case and think of a particular branch
of Philosophy that can appropriately address the issue at hand.
Case 1
The resources that supply our daily needs come from the environment.
The amount of resources that we demand affects environmental condition.
Increasing our demand raises the pressure on environment.
Conversely, the condition of environment influences the quality of
life that we have. An environment in good condition sustains life. While degraded environment brings forth social problems.
What kind of treatment should we accord to the environment that
supplies our needs then?
Case 2
For some reasons, there has been an increasing incidence of teenage
pregnancies. Despite efforts exerted by stockholders of school community
in preventing such phenomenon to happen, still it exists. Why do teenagers
engage to this kind of issues?
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Case 3
Most of us are Face Book users. As such, we cannot deny the
the fact that some posts or comments seen on it lack validity or reliability.
Sometimes, we are fooled to comply to some posts. Sometimes,
we are unaware that we believe on some opinions making such ideas
become part of our consciousness. The danger of which it reflects the
kind of personality that we have.
What can you say about this?
LET’S STUDY AND ANALYZE THESE
1. What philosophical perspective or branch of Philosophy can best explain case 1? Write your
arguments on the space provided below.
The branch of Philosophy that can best explain case 1 is -------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. What philosophical perspective or branch of Philosophy can best explain case 2? Write your
arguments on the space provided below.
The branch of Philosophy that can best explain case 2 is -----------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
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3. What philosophical perspective or branch of Philosophy can best explain case 1? Write your
arguments on the space provided below.
The branch of Philosophy that can best explain case 3 is -----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LET’S LEARN
Holistic perspective enables us to understand better the world that we live in. Thus, having
equipped with the different philosophical perspectives discussed above contributes to one’s wellbeing.
Employing a particular perspective, though, requires the element of Natural Light of Reason as
explained in the previous module. Having the knowledge on branches of Philosophy gives us some
edge compared to those who didn’t have the opportunity to learn them no matter how difficult
choosing which perspective to use on a particular situation or subject matter.
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LET’S SEE WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED
Philosophical perspectives can be used to analyze some issues happening in the fields of
Economics, Religion, Mass Media, Government/Politics, Social Relations, Work Place and many
others. It is only up to us which among these philosophical perspective is appropriate to use. Can you
list down current issues happening in our country which can be explained using any of the
philosophical perspective?
Write your answers below.
1. Metaphysics
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Ethics
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Epistemology
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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4. Logic
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Aesthetics
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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POST TEST
Read the following items carefully. Write the letter of your answer.
1. We cannot see the underlying matter itself but we can see the things made of that
matter. What branch of Philosophy sees things like this?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Metaphysics
Aesthetics
Logic
Epistemology
2. As a branch of Philosophy logic does not provide us with knowledge directly.
Etymologically, it means a treatise on matters pertaining to the human thought. As a
branch of Philosophy logic does not provide us with knowledge directly. What then is
the role of logic in Philosophy?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Logic
Logic
Logic
Logic
enhances appreciation of arguments.
is used in some disciplines like mathematics.
offers opportunities discovering new knowledge.
serves as tool concerning the validity of our arguments.
3. A fundamental and necessary drive in every human being is knowing what is
real. Which among the branches of Philosophy accounts for the unreal in terms of
what we accept as real?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Logic
Aesthetics
Metaphysics
Ethics
4. A branch of Philosophy deals with what is right or wrong. Another branch focuses itself
with the non-observables. What does epistemology deal with?
A. Epistemology deals with the other branches of Philosophy
B. Epistemology concerns itself with how to make arguments more valid and
essential.
C. Epistemology deals with the nature, sources, limitations and validity of
knowledge.
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D. Epistemology focuses on discovering new knowledge unknown to men.
5. Examination of unobservable entities is the focus of metaphysical discourses.
Which of the following statements exhibits such character?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Beautiful designs like arts enhances the way we think.
If all backboned animals are called vertebrates, then a dog is a vertebrate.
All objects contain water.
Exercise of freedom should always be accompanied with responsibility.
6. It is not what we know that logic is interested in. Rather, it concerns itself on the truth
and validity of our arguments. Who was the philosopher who devised the first logical
method?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Socrates
Plato
Zeno
Aristotle
7. The establishment of criteria of beauty is the function of aesthetics. Which of the
following statements shows the importance of aesthetics to us?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It
It
It
It
helps us understand better the nature and origin of knowledge.
brings us in touch with our culture and the arts.
serves as a tool in unraveling the unknown.
enables us to make plausible arguments.
8. Some philosophers believe that general ideas are formed from the examination of
particular facts. What method is employed in this kind of generating idea?
A.
B.
C.
D.
deduction
induction
epistemological
logical
9. How do we understand the difference between good and evil or right from wrong? This
basic question is a concern of what branch of Philosophy?
A. Epistemology
B. Logic
C. Ethics
D. Metaphysics
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10. Ethics investigates the nature of moral virtue and evaluates human actions in order
to arrive at knowledge. Which of the following statements exemplifies the value of
ethics in Philosophy?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Women are not inferior to men and that both must complement each other.
All matters are composed of atoms.
Ideas are forms of thought representing the real objects.
No man is an island
LET’S REMEMBER
Below is a comparative presentation of the branches of philosophy especially made for you in
order for easier recall.
Branch of Philosophy
A. Metaphysics
Perspectives /
Proponents /
Focus
Philosophers
> accounts for the
unreal thing in terms of
what accepted as real
> Plato
> discourses focus on
the unobservable
entities like mind and
matter
B. Ethics
> explores the nature
of moral value and
evaluates human
actions
Sample Statements
> All terrestrial objects
are made up of matter.
> Objects like chair
only becomes real
when we think of it as
it is.
> Socrates
> Edward Burghardt
Du Bois
> Equal opportunities
for all regardless of
gender.
> Law making must
include ethical
considerations
> knowledge is not
only theoretical nor
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speculative but also
practical
C. Epistemology
D. Logic
E. Aesthetics
> deals with the
nature, sources,
limitations and validity
of knowledge
> Rene Descartes
> puts forward
induction (empiricism)
and deduction as
methods of acquiring
knowledge
> John Dewey
> serves as tool in
making valid
arguments
> Aristotle
> does not directly
contribute to
knowledge but focuses
more on the method
how knowledge is
created
>Cicero
> deals with the
establishment of
criteria of beauty
> Schopenhauer
> John Locke
> William James
> deductive method: If
all objects contain
water, then human
beings have water.
> inductive: Any object
around us is
composed of an
element or
combination of
elements. Therefore,
elements are the main
composition of
anything.
>Zeno of Citium
> Hans-Georg
Gadamer
>gives importance to
culture and arts for
they manifest social
behavior
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> A work of art is like a
great man. Stand
before it. Wait patiently
and it will speak.
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Answer Key
Pre-Test
Post-Test
1. B
1. A
2. D
2. D
3. C
3. C
4. A
4. C
5. C
5. C
6. D
6. D
7. C
7. B
8. B
8. B
9. A
9. C
10. C
10. A
LET’S TRY THIS AND SELF-CHECK
Case 1
The branch of Philosophy that can best explain case 1 is Ethics. It is understood that
environment is the primary provider of our basic needs. The way we treat our environment has
a repercussion on the amount and quality of resources we get from it. Therefore, it is an issue
of whether our behavior towards our environment is good or not.
Case 2
The branch of Philosophy that can best explain case 2 is Metaphysics. One task of
Metaphysics is to account for unreal thing in terms of what is real. The phenomenon on
teenage pregnancies manifest the behavior of the doer adhering to the practice of one’s
freedom. Freedom purports to an idea and becomes impractical with the absence of
responsibility.
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Case 3
The branch of Philosophy that can best explain case 3 is Epistemology. Our knowledge
on this perspective enables us to decipher falsehood against valid contents present on social
media. Being fooled on some posts and comments manifests the lack of capacity for
epistemological philosophy.
This module maybe adopted, modified and
reproduced for educational purposes with appropriate
credit to the author.
For inquiries, feedback and suggestions, please
contact the author through the Division Learning
resource Supervisor at Tel. No. _________________ and/or
email address ________________ @deped.gov.ph
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