STUDY GUIDE BAST

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

Grade 11, Quarter 1

The Meaning of Philosophy

MELC
- 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.

LET’S SEE WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW

1. What comes to your mind whenever you hear the word Philosophy?

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2. What are the important requirements in doing Philosophy?

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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.

The Salient Features of Philosophy

In order to understand further the meaning of Philosophy, the following salient features of
it must be taken into consideration:

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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.

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.

4.) 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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CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING!
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.

LET’S STUDY AND ANALYZE THESE

1. Can we really find the missing P1 in the puzzle? Why or why not?
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2. What argument/s can you give regarding the puzzle?

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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
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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 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.
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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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Wrap Up!

Philosophy means the love of reasoning and 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 Non-Contradiction, Principle of Excluded Middle and Principle of these
philosophical principles enables the process of reasoning clear, valid, reliable and
strong.

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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