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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
The Meaning 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
The Meaning 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. Define philosophy.
2. Identify salient features of philosophy.
3. Cite situational examples where philosophy is important.
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. Most of social science concepts have etymological background. Which of the following
tells about the etymology or origin of the term philosophy?
A. The term philosophy comes from two Greek words philo and sophia which means
“to love” and “wisdom”, respectively.
B. The term philosophy comes from Confucian idea which says that deep thinking
is essential to one’s well-being.
C. The term philosophy comes from two Greek words philo and sophia which means
“to argue” and “agree”, respectively.
D. The term philosophy was coined by early philosophers which means reasoning.
2. Social Science is composed of many different disciplines. Which of the following
statements shows the relationship between Social Science and Philosophy?
A. Social Science and Philosophy are disciplines.
B. Philosophy is a discipline under Social Science.
C. Philosophy is employed in many different disciplines in making arguments.
D. Social Science is a discipline under Philosophy.
3. Disciplines like Economics, Sociology, Psychology, History, among others; follow
scientific method in their inquiry. What makes Philosophy a science?
A. Philosophy is a science because it enables us to find answers to our questions.
B. Philosophy is a science because reasoning itself is a science.
C. Philosophy is a science because, as a discipline, it helps other sciences in their
quest for answers.
D. Philosophy is a science because it is an organized body of knowledge just like
any other sciences.
4. Philosophy is considered as a science. However, what makes it different from other
sciences?
A. It is different from other sciences in the sense that it considers itself unique.
B. It is different from other sciences because it focuses mainly on reasoning.
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C. It is different from other sciences because it does not employ laboratory
instrument nor any investigative tools but instead uses human reason alone.
D. It is different from other sciences simply because philosophers are different from
scientists.
5. Philosophy is overarching other sciences. What makes philosophical approach
overarching other sciences?
A. Philosophy is said to be overarching other sciences for the reason that it became
a discipline ahead of other sciences.
B. Philosophy is said to be overarching other sciences because all of them originated
from it.
C. Philosophy is said to be overarching other sciences because it studies everything.
D. Philosophy is said to be overarching other sciences because each field of science
uses scientific method just like Philosophy.
6. One of the characteristics of doing philosophy is that it is multidimensional or holistic
in its approach. What is meant by holistic?
A. It means that a philosopher does not limit himself to a particular object of
inquiry.
B. It means that a philosopher questions almost anything, if not everything.
C. It means that philosophical approach must be based on empirical evidences.
D. Both A and B are correct.
7. Philosophy follows First Cause or Highest Principle. Which of the following pertains
to the Principle of Identity?
A. The Principle of Identity means “it is impossible for a thing to be and not to be at
the same time, and at the same respect”.
B. The Principle of Identity means “everything is what it is”.
C. The Principle of Identity means “nothing exists without a sufficient reason for its
being and existence”.
D. The Principle of Identity means “a thing is either is or is not, there is no middle
ground possible”.
8. The Principle of Sufficient Reason states that “nothing exists without sufficient reason
for its being and existence”. Which of the following scenarios best describes this
principle?
A. Ghosts as popularly known are spirits who could not be accepted either in hell
nor in heaven.
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B. Anything afloat the atmosphere will fall down on Earth because gravity will work
on it after some time in one way or another.
C. Cats have nine lives because they can easily prevent accidents.
D. Happy people are those who are contented with their lives.
9. One distinguishing characteristic of philosophy is that it uses Natural Light of Reason.
Choose from the following statements below that best describes this characteristic.
A. A philosopher uses his natural capacity to think or the so-called unaided reason.
B. A philosopher uses experiments to test his arguments and consequently uses
the result of such experiment to aid his reasoning.
C. A philosopher employs his gut feeling in order to arrive at reasonable argument.
D. A philosopher can assume what the majority thinks and consider such as valid
reasoning.
10. One of the Highest Principles employed by philosophical inquiry is the Principle of NonContradiction. Which of the following statements best applies this principle?
A. A cow is the same as beef.
B. Ice is a liquid matter in solid form.
C. If Ana went to school then she is not anywhere else.
D. The same person is present in two places at the same time.
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LET’S SEE WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW
1. What comes to your mind whenever you hear the word Philosophy?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2. What are the important requirements in doing Philosophy?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3. How is Philosophy helpful in our day to day life?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
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LET’S LEARN
The Meaning of Philosophy
The term Philosophy came from two Greek words philo and sophia which means “to love” and
“wisdom”, respectively. Simply put, Philosophy means the love of reasoning making wisdom as its
primary goal. Technically, Philosophy is defined as the science that by natural light of reason studies
the highest principles of things.
In order to understand further the meaning of Philosophy, the following salient features of it must
be taken into consideration: A.) Philosophy is a science. It is called as such because it is systematic
and follows certain steps or procedures. In short, it is an organized body of knowledge same as any
other sciences. B.) It employs Natural Light of Reason. This means that philosophical investigation
does not use any laboratory instrument, investigative tools nor supernatural approach. Philosophers
use their natural thinking capacity or use the so-called unaided reason. C.) Philosophy has an
inclination to Study All Things. Other sciences concern themselves with a particular object of
investigation such as: anthropology which deals with human beings in relation with the society;
sociology focuses on society, its forms, structures and functions; botany concentrates its attention on
plants; Philosophy may deal with human beings, society and plants among others. It is this character
that Philosophy is considered multidimensional or holistic. D.) Philosophy employs First Cause or
Highest Principle. Note that principle means a reason (or an explanation) from which something
proceeds in any manner whatsoever.
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The fourth characteristic (D) of Philosophy mentioned above is composed of the following:
1.) Principle of Identity. In simple terms, this principle means “everything is what it is”. What is not is
not and what is is. For example, a seed is a seed and will no longer be seed when it appears like not
a seed. 2.) Principle of Non-Contradiction. This principle states that it is an impossibility for a
particular thing to be and not to be at the same time at the same respect. For example, a seedling is
different from a seed. If we say that a seedling is a seed, then that seedling is a seed. They can
never be both. 3.) Principle of Excluded Middle. This principle explains that everything must be
“either be or not be” or “either is or is not”. There is no middle ground thus the term “excluded
middle”. For example, anger is different from happiness. There is no such thing as mixture of anger
and happiness. And lastly, 4.) the Principle of Sufficient Reason. This principle states that there is
sufficient reason for the being and existence of everything. Conversely, nothing exists without any
reason at all. For example, to say that something is unexplainable already gives a reason for it being
unexplainable.
By using the aforementioned philosophical concepts will enable one’s argumentation more valid,
reliable and strong. Thus, doing philosophy becomes more easy and intelligible.
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LET’S TRY THIS AND SELF-CHECK
Read the puzzle below and try to answer what are being asked.
The Missing One Peso
Three friends decided to eat in a restaurant. Each has P10. They agreed
to cheap in their money (amounting to P30) and chose a menu which they
could eat together. After finishing their meal, they’ve learned that their bill
amounted to P25.
This is what they did with the remaining P5. Each one got P1 back and they
gave the waiter P2 as tip.
Here’s the puzzle. If each of them contributed P10 and got back P1 later
it means that each one actually spent P9. If we multiply P9 by 3 (friends), it
means that they spent P27. Adding the P2 they gave to the waiter to P27 they
spent, makes it P29. If their money from the start is P30, where is the P1?
Are you ready to lay down your reasons whether there is a missing peso? Use the guide
questions below to present your arguments.
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LET’S STUDY AND ANALYZE THESE
1. Can we really find the missing P1 in the puzzle? Why or why not?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2. What argument/s can you give regarding the puzzle?
The following are my argument/s -------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3. What philosophical concepts, discussed in the LET’S LEARN part, will you use in order to make
your argument/s valid and strong?
The concepts that I will use are --------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4. How are you going to use such concepts in number 3 to present your argument/s?
The concept of ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
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LET’S LEARN
Doing philosophy requires the use of appropriate concepts so as to make one’s statements clear,
valid, reliable and strong. The thoughts that we have in our mind remain abstract unless we use certain
concepts to translate these abstractions. Philosophical concepts give form to the thoughts that we have
in mind. The proper use of philosophical concepts which gives clarity, validity, reliability and strength
to our statements results to easier relating and understanding to the world around us.
How would you argue on finding the missing peso in the puzzle if the only thing you have are ideas
in abstract form present only in your mind? If you are to argue, you need philosophical concepts. Only
then your arguments can be heard and judged. So, how do we find the missing peso using philosophical
concepts?
First, we can use that character of Philosophy which employs the so-called natural light of reason.
It is by simply using our natural capacity to think. The puzzle will be difficult to solve if we will rely solely
on mathematics principles. For there are other underlying reasons in the puzzle that mathematics
cannot solve by itself. By reasoning out that mathematics is not sufficient to find the missing peso is
tantamount to the use of natural light of reason.
Let’s apply the Principle of Non-Contradiction. It says that it is impossible for a thing to be and not
to be at the same time at the same respect. P30 is impossible to be P29. For P30 is P30. And P29 is
P29. They can never be the same. By applying the Principle of Sufficient Reason, P29 should not be
existent in the first place. For P27 (total expense) and P2 (waiter’s tip) should not go together for they
are of different respect or aspect. P27 is part of the P30 and P2 is part of the P5 (change). P2 is already
included in the P27 total expense. What must go together are: P27 (expense) and P3 (P1 each of the
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three friends) as components of P30, or P2 (tip) and P3 (P1 each of the three friends) as components
of change (P5), or P25 (food) and P5 (change). Therefore, there is no missing P1!
In the end, by painstakingly and eagerly looking for the missing peso we are making ourselves
seek wisdom along the process. Remember also that there are other real puzzles in our day-to-day life
which Philosophical concepts mentioned above will be of great help.
LET’S SEE WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED
Activity 1
The following are some day-to-day situations or scenarios which doing philosophy can be
helpful:
1. Distinguishing the content of news in social media as to whether it’s fake or not.
2. Improving one’s reading comprehension.
3. Enhancing one’s argumentative or reasoning skills both in written and oral communication.
4. Listing down of one’s priorities.
5. Planning activities.
The remaining numbers are yours to fill in.
6. _________________________________________________________________________
7. _________________________________________________________________________
8. _________________________________________________________________________
9. _________________________________________________________________________
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10. _________________________________________________________________________
Activity 2
Doing philosophy can also be applied in making laws. Nowadays, the number of minors involved
in criminal acts is rising. There had been proposals by some legislators that the age of criminal
liability be reduced to 15 years old as opposed to the usual 18 years old.
Make your arguments regarding this issue. Write your clear and valid arguments on the space
provided.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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POST TEST
Read the following items carefully. Write the letter of your answer.
1. Philosophy is considered to be overarching other fields of science. What makes
philosophical approach overarching other sciences?
A. Philosophy is said to be overarching other sciences for the reason that it became
a discipline ahead of other sciences.
B. Philosophy is said to be overarching other sciences because all of them
originated from it.
C. Philosophy is said to be overarching other sciences because it studies
everything.
D. Philosophy is said to be overarching other sciences because each field of science
uses scientific method just like Philosophy.
2. There are many different disciplines under Social Science. Which of the following
statements shows the relationship between Social Science and Philosophy?
A. Social Science and Philosophy are disciplines.
B. Philosophy is a discipline under Social Science.
C. Philosophy is employed in many different disciplines in making arguments.
D. Social Science is a discipline under Philosophy.
3. Economics, Sociology, Psychology, History, among others; are disciplines that follow
scientific method in their inquiry thus making them science. What makes Philosophy a
science?
A. Philosophy is a science because it enables us to find answers to our questions.
B. Philosophy is a science because reasoning itself is a science.
C. Philosophy is a science because, as a discipline, it helps other sciences in their
quest for answers.
D. Philosophy is a science because it is an organized body of knowledge just like
any other sciences.
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4. Most of social science concepts have etymological background. Which of the following
tells about the etymology or origin of the term philosophy?
A. The term philosophy comes from two Greek words philo and sophia which means
“to love” and “wisdom”, respectively.
B. The term philosophy comes from Confucian idea which says that deep thinking
is essential to one’s well-being.
C. The term philosophy comes from two Greek words philo and sophia which means
“to argue” and “agree”, respectively.
D. The term philosophy was coined by early philosophers which means reasoning.
5. One of the characteristics of doing philosophy is that it is multidimensional or holistic
in its approach. What is meant by holistic?
A. It means that a philosopher does not limit himself to a particular object of
inquiry.
B. It means that a philosopher questions almost anything, if not everything.
C. It means that philosophical approach must be based on empirical evidences.
D. Both A and B are correct.
6. The Principle of Non-Contradiction is one of the Highest Principles employed by
philosophical inquiry. Which of the following statements best applies this principle?
A. A cow is the same as beef.
B. Ice is a liquid matter in solid form.
C. If Ana went to school then she is not anywhere else.
D. The same person is present in two places at the same time.
7. “Nothing exists without sufficient reason for its being and existence” is stated by the
Principle of Sufficient Reason. Which of the following scenarios best describes this
principle?
A. Ghosts as popularly known are spirits who could not be accepted either in hell
nor in heaven.
B. Anything afloat the atmosphere will fall down on Earth because gravity will work
on it after some time in one way or another.
C. Cats have nine lives because they can easily prevent accidents.
D. Happy people are those who are contented with their lives.
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8. One distinguishing characteristic of philosophy is that it uses Natural Light of Reason.
Choose from the following statements below that best describes this characteristic.
A. A philosopher uses his natural capacity to think or the so-called unaided
reason.
B. A philosopher uses experiments to test his arguments and consequently uses
the result of such experiment to aid his reasoning.
C. A philosopher employs his gut feeling in order to arrive at reasonable argument.
D. A philosopher can assume what the majority thinks and consider such as valid
reasoning.
9. Philosophy follows First Cause or Highest Principle. Which of the following pertains
to the Principle of Identity?
A. The Principle of Identity means “it is impossible for a thing to be and not to be
at the same time, and at the same respect”.
B. The Principle of Identity means “everything is what it is”.
C. The Principle of Identity means “nothing exists without a sufficient reason for its
being and existence”.
D. The Principle of Identity means “a thing is either is or is not, there is no middle
ground possible”.
10. `Philosophy is a science just like any other sciences. But what makes it different from
other sciences?
A. It is different from other sciences in the sense that it considers itself unique.
B. It is different from other sciences because it focuses mainly on reasoning.
C. It is different from other sciences because it does not employ laboratory
instrument nor any investigative tools but instead uses human reason alone.
D. It is different from other sciences simply because philosophers are different from
scientists.
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LET’S REMEMBER
Philosophy means the love of reasoning making wisdom its primary goal. Philosophy is defined
as the science that by natural light of reason studies the highest principles of things.
The salient features of Philosophy are: it applies science in its investigation similar to other
sciences, employs the Natural Light of Reason or the natural capacity to think compared to other
sciences which use laboratory instrument or investigative tools, it is a Study of All Things thus
overarching other sciences, it is also guided by First Cause or Highest Principle in doing the process
of philosophizing.
The First Cause or Highest Principle are comprised of: Principle of Identity, Principle of NonContradiction, Principle of Excluded Middle and Principle of Sufficient Reason. Using any, if not all, of
these philosophical principles enables the process of reasoning clear, valid, reliable and strong.
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Answer Key
Pre-Test
Post-Test
1. A
1. C
2. B
2. B
3. D
3. D
4. C
4. A
5. C
5. D
6. D
6. C
7. B
7. B
8. B
8. A
9. A
9. B
10. C
10. C
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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