 For him, all ideas and views are based on

LESSON The meaning and method of doing

1.0 Philosophy perception and our reality is based on what we can
sense and perceive.
What is Philosophy?  His studies in logic led to the formulation of a
 Philosophy is the study of general and formal process of analyzing reasoning which give
fundamental questions about existence, rise to deductive reasoning.
knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. o Deductive reasoning - the process by
 It comes from two Greek words: philos (love) which specific statements are analyzed to
and sophia (wisdom) reach a conclusion or generalization.
 Philosophy in simple words is a way of thinking LESSON The Difference Between Holistic Perspective
about the world, the universe, and society. 1.1 from a Partial Point of View

How does Philosophy work? Holistic Thinking

 It works by asking very basic questions about  Holistic thinking refers to a perspective that
the nature of human thought, the nature of the considers large-scale patterns in systems.
universe, and the connections between them.  A holistic perspective requires an individual to
o The ideas in philosophy are often have an open mindset and ability to get the general
general and abstract. sense or impression regarding a situation.
 Philosophy is the study of humans and the world  The term "holistic thinking" refers to a big
by thinking and asking questions. picture mentality in which a person recognizes the
o It is a science and an art. interconnectedness of various elements that form
 Philosophy tries to answer important questions larger systems, patterns and objects.
 Holistic medicine is a prominent example of
by coming up with answers about real things and
asking "why?" holistic thinking.
 A holistic view gives rise to a more appreciative
perspective about life, as we are able to look at life
The most notable ancient Greek in its totality.
philosophers
Pythagoras (570 BCE to 495 BCE) Partial POV
 A mathematician and scientist, he was credited  Focuses on specific aspects of a situation.
with formulating the Pythagorean theorem.  An individual focuses on certain areas or aspects
Heraclitus (535 BCe to 475 BCE) of a problem in order to understand it.
 He proposed that everything that exists is based o Point of view describes the perception
on a higher order or plan which he called logos.
of an event or phenomenon and how exactly
Democritus (460 BCE to 370 BCE)
it is viewed.
 He devoted himself to the study of the causes of o Point of view often is shaped by an
natural phenomena.
individual's beliefs or experiences.
Diogenes of Sinope (412 BCE to 323 BCE)
 Though partial thinking is useful, philosophy
 He was a known advocate of living a simple and
utilizes holistic thinking in making sense of
virtuous life.
Epicurus (341 BCE to 270 BCE)
 He believed that philosophy could enable man to Lesson The Value of Doing Philosophy in
live a life of happiness. 1.2 Obtaining a Broad Perspective on
Socrates (470 BCE to 399 BCE) Life
 He was considered the foremost philosophers of problems and issues related to the human
ancient times. He was credited with formulating experience.
the Socratic method  
o Socratic method - means of examining a Why do we philosophize?
topic by devising a series of questions that  We all have the potential to philosophize since
let the learner examine and analyze his we have the tendency to wonder and doubt. 
knowledge and5views regarding the topic. A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly
Plato (427 BCE to 347 BCE) and adequately present his or her ideas.
 A student of Socrates, he wrote down his
mentor’s teaching and incorporated some of his
own ideas into them.  Why is it good to philosophize?
 Most significant ideas included his Theory of  Doing philosophy can be applied in day-to-day
Forms. activities and life perspectives.
o Theory of Forms - proposes that  Because it involves an evaluative process, doing
everything that exist is based on an idea or philosophy allows a person to make better
template than can only be perceived in the decisions and act accordingly to situations with the
mind. help of various philosophical skills.
 Plato is also known for his dialectic.  On life perspectives, philosophy enables
o Dialectic - a method of inquiry where reflective thinking which greatly influences a
two opposing ideas are discussed in an person’s view of life, challenges, and
attempt to arrive at new knowledge. relationships.
 Plato’s lasting contribution to learning was his
founding of the Academy, an institution of higher
learning. Why do we need to have a holistic point of
view when philosophizing?
 Failure to do so or only using a partial point of
Aristotle (384 BCE to 322 BCE) view may lead to illogical or incorrect
 He attended the Academy, and was the conclusions.
prominent student of Plato.  
Plato traced man’s need to philosophize to his sense of  Doing Philosophy also improves problem-
wonder. solving and decision making. The ability to
o Whenever we are confronted with an analyze a problem or dilemma, identify the
experience, we significant aspects, and come up with alternative
always wonder how it came about. solutions is an important skill learned through
French philosopher Rene Descartes traced the need to philosophy.
philosophize to doubt.  In the process of doing philosophy, it is critical
o In life, we will be faced with several ideas to have a holistic point of view-the perception of
and arguments which present themselves as looking at all aspects of a situation first before
“truths”. making a conclusion.
o A critical and questioning perspective is  Wisdom as it refers to a person’s ability to apply
necessary to determine if indeed these ideas knowledge to daily life particularly in making
or views are correct or true. sound choices and judgment is the intended
Swiss-German philosopher Karl Jaspers saw the need to product of philosophizing.
philosophize because of experience.  Finally, knowledge of Philosophy can contribute
o These experiences limit situation, to self-development.
philosophy provides us a means to
understand adverse or challenging
conditions, and to rise above them and gain
new knowledge and perspective.
The need to philosophize is driven by the love for
wisdom. To love wisdom is to have an insatiable desire
for truth.
 
Philosophy itself is a distinct area of knowledge with its
own goals, concerns, and ways of doing things.

The branches of philosophy

Aesthetics
 deals with beauty and what makes things
“beautiful”.
Logic
 deals with correct reasoning.
Epistemology
 discusses the nature of knowledge and knowing.
Ethics
 deals with moral questions and dilemmas.
Political Philosophy
 studies governments and deals with questions of
justice, power and the rights and obligations of
citizens.
Metaphysics
 deals with questions regarding reality and
existence.
Philosophy of the Human Person
 understands the human person from a
philosophical perspective.
 
Lesson Doing a Philosophical Reflection on a
1.3 Situation from Holistic Perspective
Why is it important to reflect?
 Reflection requires a person to be willing to
examine one’s thoughts, feelings, and action and
to learn more about one’s life and experiences.
 Human self-reflection is the capacity of humans
to exercise introspection and to attempt to learn
more about their fundamental nature and essence.
 Engaging in philosophical reflection leads to the
development of beneficial skills that individuals
can apply in everyday situations.

 Reflection is vital in ensuring that our actions

and decisions are well thought out.
 When we reflect, we can judge whether our
actions or decisions are reasonable or not.

What are some things to remember?

 Doing Philosophy enables a person to engage in
critical analysis and interpretation of concepts,
definitions, arguments, and problems.