POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES College of Arts and Letters Department of Humanities and Philosophy "Philosophy: The Pursuit of Wisdom" Numerous questions persist in our world that defy scientific explanations, inquiries not easily addressed through research or mathematical formulas from Einstein or Galileo. These are not inquiries with straightforward, definitive answers; they are inquiries that often initiate with the words "why" and "how." Occasionally, casually pondering these questions occurs spontaneously in discussions with friends or classmates. Questions like "How can we assert our existence?" "Why does time exist?" or "Is there life after death?" require profound contemplation. What is intriguing is that this mode of questioning aligns with the discipline known as "Philosophy," which involves the intense exploration of such fundamental and reflective questions. The term "Philosophy" encompasses various definitions, such as the study of knowledge or the love of wisdom (Florida State University, n.d.). Personally, I define Philosophy as (1) a discipline that elucidates aspects beyond the scope of Science, (2) a force influencing one's perception of reality, and (3) a method of comprehending ourselves. Not every phenomenon succumbs to scientific explanation, emphasizing Philosophy's significance in elucidating aspects that define our world. Take the concept of "beauty" as an example. Beauty is often associated with the "golden ratio," approximately 1.618, where a person's face is considered beautiful when its measurements adhere to this ratio. To achieve this, the length and width of the face are measured, and the ideal result, approximately 1.6, indicates that a beautiful person's face is roughly 1 ½ times longer than it is wide (Surgery, L. F. P., 2023). However, in reality, people do not assess someone's beauty by measuring their facial features. It would be quite uncommon for individuals to constantly carry a measuring tape just to SALVADOR, Christine Joy D. | BSEE 2-3 | Page 1 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES College of Arts and Letters Department of Humanities and Philosophy determine someone's attractiveness. Furthermore, if a person's beauty is expected to conform to the golden ratio, it prompts the question of why some people appreciate beauty in intelligence and hard work. After all, qualities like intelligence and diligence are not assessed using the golden ratio. Consequently, this suggests that preferences in beauty go beyond physical measurements, challenging the notion that beauty strictly adheres to the golden ratio. As Hume (n.d.) suggested, “judgments of beauty are matters of taste.” Even with shared culture and education, individual tastes differ. Hume emphasizes the personal nature of taste, with individuals sincerely expressing their preferences in matters of beauty. Importantly, sincerity does not imply a static taste, as individuals can evolve and refine their aesthetic preferences. Nevertheless, Hume contends that those with refined taste are the most qualified to definitively determine what is beautiful and what is not (Smith, N., 2022). This notion becomes evident in contexts such as beauty pageants, where judges' refined tastes are influenced by prevailing societal preferences, such as light Sskin color, height, and intelligence. Despite these influences, the concept of beauty is subjectively interpreted, as highlighted by the familiar adage, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" (BookBrowse, n.d.). Philosophy plays a noteworthy role in describing and elucidating the potential meanings of beauty. Nevertheless, the acknowledgment of beauty's subjectivity remains a prevailing perspective. On a different note, Philosophy has a tangible impact on your lived reality. Although it may not be categorized as a complete "way of life," it undeniably functions as a distinctive "style of thinking" (Pecorino, P. A., n.d.). The mindset one adopts plays a substantial role in shaping their future experiences and influencing how one interprets various situations. To illustrate, consider SALVADOR, Christine Joy D. | BSEE 2-3 | Page 2 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES College of Arts and Letters Department of Humanities and Philosophy the perspective that views routine activities, like cleaning, as a form of exercise. Adhering to this philosophical stance prompts the body to adapt, potentially leading to weight loss without any alterations to the cleaning methods or duration (Debbie, 2022). Thus, if Philosophy is genuinely a "unique style of thinking," it holds the potential to actively mold the reality one perceives and inhabits. In addition, having an "it is what it is" mindset implies a particular outlook wherein one tends to overlook the potential consequences of their decisions. This mindset characterizes an individual who does not invest much concern in the aftermath of the choices they have made, are making, or will make. From this perspective, the individual operates with a mentality of at least having tried, and having taken risks. Consequently, this mindset positions them in a reality teeming with uncertainties and risks. As long as this outlook persists, the individual remains inherently susceptible to facing a reality fraught with various risks. Moreover, Philosophy can be aptly characterized as a method for comprehending oneself. Engaging in philosophical activities becomes a pursuit of truth, not just about the individual but also about the world they inhabit and the intricate relationship between the universe and humanity (Florida State University, n.d.). As individuals seek the truths about their essence or composition, Philosophy becomes a means to achieve a deeper self-awareness. In essence, through the lens of Philosophy, we gain a more profound understanding of ourselves, encompassing our thought processes, passions, and the latent abilities that may surprise us. Philosophy finds itself enshrouded in an array of questions, each with its unique nuances. However, it is evident that these questions are not entirely arbitrary; rather, there is some SALVADOR, Christine Joy D. | BSEE 2-3 | Page 3 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES College of Arts and Letters Department of Humanities and Philosophy foundation to their formation. Implicit in these questions is an element of judgment. Consider the scenario where you ask someone, "How do you say she is beautiful?" In doing so, it inadvertently suggests that the person being referred to may not be perceived as beautiful by your standards. Unconsciously, this inquiry implies a form of judgment, as you evaluate the other person's taste in beauty based on their interpretation of the term "beautiful." Various factors can significantly influence an individual's judgment, and the impact is often contingent on the context. When discussing judgments within the realm of the Supreme Court, it is evident that the decisions made by the Chief Justice and their fellow judges are heavily swayed by a multitude of elements such as laws, regulations, and established orders (Supreme Court of the Philippines, 2023). In this high-stakes context, the legal framework and procedural guidelines play a pivotal role in shaping the nature and outcome of their judgments. Yet, when delving into individual judgment, the nature of the "relationship" one maintains with those affected by the judgment becomes a prominent influencer. The dynamics of relationships motivate people to alter their behavior in an effort to preserve these connections (Cazzell, A., Ph. D., 2019). This inclination may lead individuals to make compromises, particularly when deeply emotionally connected to someone. For instance, consider a scenario where person A is your best friend, and person B is also a classmate. If person A desires to eat at Jollibee while person B prefers McDonald's, your inclination would likely be to prioritize the relationship with person A due to the deeper bond you share. In this scenario, the influence of your relationship with person A becomes apparent in steering your judgment, influencing your choice of where to eat. SALVADOR, Christine Joy D. | BSEE 2-3 | Page 4 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES College of Arts and Letters Department of Humanities and Philosophy On a personal level, relationships undeniably play a pivotal role in influencing the judgments I make when necessary. However, when reflecting on these decisions, it becomes apparent that, ultimately, my "preference" holds greater sway than the depth of the "relationship" I have with a person. Revisiting the earlier scenario where you opted to eat at Jollibee at the behest of your best friend, person A, due to your strong bond, the initial analysis highlighted the influence of the relationship on your decision. Yet, upon closer scrutiny, it is plausible that the choice to eat at Jollibee stemmed from a desire to sustain the relationship with person A. In essence, your preference to maintain that relationship guided your decision. This insight underscores the intricate interplay between preferences and relationships, revealing that personal desires can exert a more profound influence than relational depth in shaping one's judgments. Another illustrative scenario arises within group dynamics. Personally, even though my friends constitute my group, my individual preferences wield considerable influence in my decision-making. Frequently, the deadlines I propose tend to align with my personal circumstances. There are instances when the suggestions I make to my groupmates reflect my genuine desires and, consequently, materialize as the chosen course of action. Regrettably, there are times when I overlook the situation and the sentiments of others because my judgment is swayed by my personal preferences. This highlights the inherent bias in my decision-making, where my preferences emerge as the predominant factor influencing every judgment I make. Studying Philosophy is inherently intricate, characterized by numerous complexities, twists, and turns. It encompasses a multitude of meanings and perspectives. As previously SALVADOR, Christine Joy D. | BSEE 2-3 | Page 5 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES College of Arts and Letters Department of Humanities and Philosophy mentioned, Philosophy delves into realms beyond the scope of Science, providing explanations for phenomena that elude scientific understanding. Furthermore, Philosophy unravels aspects of ourselves that remain inexplicable, addressing the mysteries within. In essence, Philosophy serves as a guiding force in our quest for answers, particularly addressing the “how” and “why” questions that intrigue us. This assertion substantiates the notion that “Philosophy truly embodies a pursuit of wisdom” (Pecorino, P. A., n.d.). References: BookBrowse. (n.d.). Why do we say Beauty is in the eye of the beholder? BookBrowse.com. https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/122/beau ty-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder Cazzell, A., Ph. D. (2019, November 5). Categorizing Relationships Affects Our Moral Judgments. Psychology Today. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/gray-areas/201911/categorizing-relationshipsaffects-our-moral-judgments Debbie. (2022, August 8). Your mindset shapes your life – for better or worse. The Best Brain Possible. https://thebestbrainpossible.com/mindset-growth-fixed-success-mental-health/ Hume, D. (n.d.)“Of the Standard of Taste” by David Hume. https://home.csulb.edu/~jvancamp/361r15.html Smith, N. (2022, June 15). 8.5 Aesthetics - Introduction to Philosophy | OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/introduction-philosophy/pages/8-5-aesthetics SALVADOR, Christine Joy D. | BSEE 2-3 | Page 6 POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES College of Arts and Letters Department of Humanities and Philosophy Supreme Court of the Philippines. (2023, December 7). About us - Supreme Court of the Philippines. https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/about-us/ Surgery, L. F. P. (2023, February 18). Is “The Golden Ratio” the Best Way to Measure Facial Attractiveness? Not Necessarily - Ladner Facial Plastic Surgery: Keith Ladner, MD. Ladner Facial Plastic Surgery: Keith Ladner, MD. https://www.drkeithladner.com/blog/is-the-golden-ratio-the-best-way-to-measure-facialattractiveness-notnecessarily/#:~:text=There%20are%20several%20measurements%20used,Ratio%20whic h%20should%20equal%201.6 Pecorino, P. A. (n.d.). What is Philosophy? Introduction to Philosophy. https://www.qcc.cuny.edu/socialSciences/ppecorino/INTRO_TEXT/Chapter%2012Concl usion/What_is_Philosophy.htm Florida State University. (n.d.). What is Philosophy? https://philosophy.fsu.edu/undergraduatestudy/why-philosophy/What-is-Philosophy SALVADOR, Christine Joy D. | BSEE 2-3 | Page 7
