Schools Division of Parañaque City

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

(Adapted from DepEd Region X)

Quarter 1 (Weeks 4-6)

Module 2
Method of Philosophizing

LESSON 2: Method of Philosophizing

WHAT​ ​I​ ​NEED​ ​TO​ ​KNOW?

Objectives: After going through this module, you will be able to demonstrate various ways
of doing philosophy and evaluate opinions:

1. Distinguish opinion from truth ​(PPT11/12-Ic-2.1)

2. Realize that the methods of philosophy lead to wisdom and truth (​PPT11/12-Id-2.2)
3. Evaluate truth from opinions in different situations using the methods of
philosophizing ​(PPT11/12-Id-2.3)

​WHAT​ ​I​ ​KNOW?

Direction: Identify each statement. Choose your answer from the box and write them
on your answer sheet.

Plato Wisdom Doubt Philosophy Holistic Thinking

Love of wisdom Karl Jaspers Partial Thinking Reflection Love

________________1. It is the study or discipline that uses human reason to investigate the
ultimate causes, reasons, and principles which govern all things.
_______________ 2. The Greek term, ​philosophia​, means ______.
_______________ 3. The Greek word, ​philos,​ means _________.
_______________ 4. The Greek word, ​sophia,​ means _________.
_______________ 5. The Greek philosopher who believes that Philosophy is brought about
by man’s sense of wonder.
_______________ 6. He believes that persons engage in philosophy in order to make sense
of difficult life experiences.
_______________ 7. It is an activity that requires a person to examine his or her thoughts,
feelings, and actions and learn from experience.
_______________ 8. Rene Descartes considers this as a reason why people philosophize.

Adapted from Philosophy of Human Person,ADM

DepEd Region X 1
_______________ 9. It is a perspective that considers the “bigger picture” when looking at
problems and situations.
_______________ 10. It is a perspective that focuses on specific aspects of a situation.

​WHAT’S​ ​IN?

Philosophical method (or philosophical methodology) is the study of how to do

philosophy. A common view among philosophers is that philosophy is distinguished by
the ways that philosophers follow in addressing philosophical questions. There is not
just one method that philosophers use to answer philosophical questions.
Philosophy is concerned with determining the concept of truth. Truth lies at the
heart of any inquiry.

WHAT’S​ ​NEW?

Direction: Choose five words you found inside the box. Write down other related
words or ideas that you can think of in relation to the words you choose. Write your
answer on your answer sheet.

WHAT​ ​IS​ ​IT?

Truth in metaphysics and the philosophy of language is the property of

sentences, assertions, beliefs, thoughts, or propositions that are said, in ordinary
discourse, to agree with the facts or to state what the case is. It is most often used to
mean being in accord with fact or reality, or fidelity to an original or standard. Truth is
also sometimes defined in modern contexts as an idea of "truth to self", or authenticity.

Propositions are statements about the world or reality. Propositions may or

may not carry truth.
Knowledge is the clear awareness and understanding of something. It is the
product of questions that allow for clear answers provided by facts.
Facts​ are propositions or statements which are observed to be real or truthful.
Claim is a statement that is not evidently or immediately known to be true. This
means that any claim can be proven by verification and experimentation.

Therefore, truthful statements can be considered as based on facts.

Adapted from Philosophy of Human Person,ADM

DepEd Region X 2
 There are several views regarding truth. Philosophers emphasize the
importance of belief as a basis for determining truth. But as a philosopher, we do not
assume that every statement is true. Remember the famous French philosopher, Rene
Descartes traced the need to philosophize to doubt.

In philosophy, systematic doubt is employed to help determine the truth. This

means that every statement, claim, evidence, and experience is scrutinized and
analyzed.

Philosophers always engaged with the concept of truth. Philosophers consider

truth as a kind of quality or value. Knowledge is the clear awareness and understanding
of something, since it is true knowing that we are able to determine what is true.

Doubt has a very important purpose in philosophy as it drives our desire to

discover the truth. In philosophy, systematic doubt is employed to help determine the
truth.

A belief is true if it can be justified or proven through the use of one’s senses.
Another basis for determining truth is a belief or statement is true if it is based on facts.

Getting consensus or having people agree on a common belief is another way

of determining what is true. Although this approach has certain limitations. Getting
everyone to agree on something may not take that belief true.

Philosophers also believe that claims and belief should also be subjected to
tests to determine truth. In determining truth requires also that a person can prove a
statement through an action.

LESSON 2.1: Distinguish​ ​Opinion​ ​from​ ​Truth

Let us take a look at the following statements and determine which one states
fact or opinion.
1. It takes me 30 minutes to walk from my home to school.
2. Living near the school is better because we do not have to spend much for
transportation.
3. My sister ate the last piece of pizza pie.
4. My sister is a selfish person because she ate the last piece of pizza pie and
did not share it with me.
5.The policeman firmly pushed the suspect to his knees and placed him in
handcuffs.
6.The aggressive manner by which the policeman arrested the suspect is an
example of the brutality that characterizes our police force.

Statements 1, 3, and 5 are more factual than statements 2, 4, and 6. Using the
philosophical tools we learned, they fit into the category of facts since they contain
ideas or information that are easily verifiable.

While statements 2, 4, and 6 could be considered as opinions. These

statements go beyond providing facts. It also provides conclusions or perspectives

Adapted from Philosophy of Human Person,ADM

DepEd Region X 3
regarding certain situations. Opinions are also the bases for making arguments and
convincing people that a certain claim is a fact.

Fact is something concrete that can be proven. You can find facts in legal
records, scientific findings, encyclopaedias, atlases, etc. In other words, facts are the
truth and are accepted as such.

Opinion​ is less concrete. It's a view formed in the mind of a person about a particular
issue. In other words it is what someone believes or thinks, and is not necessarily the truth.
Also, note in the examples below how facts are the same for everybody, but opinions can
differ quite widely.

Examples​ ​of​ ​an​ ​opinion​:

● Ann can have the opinion that Italian food tastes best, while Joe
has the opinion that French food is ideal.
● Sue can have the opinion that reading is boring, while Mike can
have the opinion that reading is fun.
● Penny can have the opinion that cold weather is better, while Tim can
prefer hot weather.

​WHAT​ ​I​ ​KNOW?

Direction: ​Give a brief answer to the following question. Use your answer sheet.

1. Give 5 examples of a factual statements and 5 examples of an opinion

​WHAT’S​ ​IN

Opinions are statements that go beyond providing

facts.
A ​conclusion​ is a judgment based on certain facts.
Beliefs​ are statements that expresses convictions that are not easily and
clearly explained by facts.
Explanations are statements that assume the claim to be true and
provide reasons why the statement is true.
Arguments are a series of statements that provide reasons to convince
the reader or listener that a claim or opinion is truthful.
Fallacies​ are arguments based on faulty reasoning.
Bias​ is disproportionate weight ​in​ ​favor​ ​of​ or ​against​ an idea or thing, usually
in a way that is closed-minded, prejudicial, or unfair.

The facts that form the bases of a conclusion may not be disputed but the
conclusion itself could still be contested or questioned. To judge the truthfulness of
belief, we must also consider things such as a person’s experiences and views.

Adapted from Philosophy of Human Person,ADM

DepEd Region X 4
 Facts are statements that are observed to be real or truthful. Claims are
statements that require further examination to determine their truthfulness. Some
arguments may contain fallacies. We must be aware of the various kinds of fallacies as
these affect the validity of arguments. Opinions are often influenced by bias. We must
be aware of bias so that we can objectively and critically examine points of view.

Opinion is something intermediary between knowledge and ignorance. While

Public opinion is the intermediate faculty which seizes the things that float between
the two extremes (Plato)

Opinion applies to what, being true or false, may be other than it is: in fact,
opinion is the apprehension of an immediate and unnecessary premise (Aristotle)

Opinion, founded in the probable, perhaps also the name of knowledge (Leibniz)

Opinion is a belief that is conscious of being insufficient both subjectively and

objectively (Kant)

An opinion gives for truth something that has been said, although sometimes
they are absurd words, which mean nothing, impossible to understand (Hobbes)

Public opinion is the convergence of the opinions of the greatest number of

people in a community, so that they form a common and dominant feeling, exerting
diffuse pressure (Freund)
The following are the examples of fallacies​.
Fallacy Characteristics
Ad hominem attacking the person presenting the argument instead of the
argument itself.
Appeal to force using the threat of force or an undesirable event to advance an
argument.
Appeal to emotion using emotions such as pity or sympathy.
Appeal to the popular the idea is presented as acceptable because a lot of people
accept it.
Appeal to tradition the idea is acceptable because it has been true for a long time.
Begging the question assuming the thing or idea to be proven is true; also known as
circular argument.
Cause-and-effect assuming “cause-and-effect” relationship between unrelated
events
Fallacy of composition assuming that what is true of a part is true for the whole

Adapted from Philosophy of Human Person,ADM

DepEd Region X 5
 The following are the examples of biases.
Bias Characteristics
Correspondence tendency to judge a person’s personality by his or her actions,
bias or attribution effect without regard for the external factors or influence.
Confirmation bias tendency to look for and readily accept information which fits
one’s own beliefs or views and to reject ideas or views that go
against it.
Framing focusing on a certain aspect of a problem while ignoring other
aspects.
Hindsight - the tendency to see past events as predictable, or to ascribe a
pattern to historical events.
Conflict of interest a person or group is connected to or has a vested interest in the
issue being discussed.
Cultural bias analyzing an event or issue based on one’s cultural standards.

LESSON 2.2: Methods​ ​of​ ​Philosophy​ ​Lead​ ​to​ ​Wisdom​ ​and​ ​Truth

The methods of philosophy will help to learn the process of doing philosophy in
a systematic way. On the other hand, philosophizing is to think or express oneself in a
philosophical manner.

Although philosophy is an organized body of knowledge, the subject matter of

philosophy is questions, which have three major characteristics;
1. Philosophical questions have answers but the answers remain in dispute.
2. Philosophical questions cannot be settled by science, common sense, or
faith.
3. Philosophical questions are of perennial intellectual interest to human
beings.

The methodology or method that philosophers use to address philosophical

questions is critical thinking.

Critical Thinking is the careful, reflective, rational and systematic approach to

questions of very general interest.

Critical thinking means understanding of philosophy and refraining from merely

giving claims but through careful thought, one reasons through to argumentation.

The scientific method also leads to wisdom and truth because it uses an
evidence-based approach to come up with its conclusion. In this method, all truths are
supported by facts that can easily be tested or proven again through experiments,
logical reasoning, or observation.

Adapted from Philosophy of Human Person,ADM

DepEd Region X 6
 WHAT​ ​I​ ​KNOW

Direction: Give a brief answer to the following question. Write your answer on
your ​Answer Sheet.

How will you determine the truth from an opinion?

________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

​WHAT’S​ ​IN

An understanding of opinions and facts and the means to distinguish one from
the other can further improve our understanding and appreciation of varied views and
ideas.

The ability to determine truth goes hand in hand with the holistic perspective
and enables us to make wiser decisions, especially in choosing then ideas and views
which we find acceptable.

A critical mind aided by philosophy can help us from our own personal point of
view that can guide us in making decisions and actions when we are faced with a
problem.

Philosophy can help us determine ideas that are truthful and acceptable, which
we can use to form our own views regarding certain matters

For Maboloc and Pascua (2008) critical thinking is a lifelong process of

self-assessment that further consists of:
Defining, analyzing and devising solutions,
Arriving at reasonable and informed
conclusions
Applying understanding and knowledge to new and different
problems. Willingness to say “I don’t know.”

The attributes of a critical thinker include;

Looks for evidence to support assumption and
beliefs Adjusts opinion
Looks for proof
Examines the
problem
Rejects irrelevant and innocent information

Adapted from Philosophy of Human Person,ADM

DepEd Region X 7
 LESSON 2.3: Evaluate​ ​Truth​ ​from​ ​Opinions​ ​in​ ​Different​ ​Situations​ ​Using​ ​the
Methods​ ​of​ ​Philosophizing

A method of philosophizing is a process of determining the truth or drawing

conclusions from a statement using various philosophical methods, such as: Socratic,
dialectic, scientific, and historical.

When you evaluate information, it is very important to distinguish between fact

and opinion. How do we know if something is true?

Philosophers emphasize the importance of belief as a basis for determining

truth. It is said that there are instances when we have to unlearn something so that we
may learn anew. Philosophers questioned what they knew and even analyzed their
methods of knowing in order to understand themselves and the world much better.

The discussion on truth is part of philosophical studies on knowledge where

philosophers explore the nature of knowledge and the ways of knowing.

​ HAT’S​ ​NEW?
W
Direction:​ Complete the table below. Apply systematic doubt in analyzing the
statement. Write your answer on your answer sheet.

I am alive

I have a body

I can breathe

WHAT​ ​IS​ ​IT?

Both the Socratic and dialectic method are based on a discussion between two
or more people who may carry differing views but wish to pursue the truth by seeking
an agreement with one another. Meanwhile, the scientific method is a process of
determining truth or knowledge through experimentation, inductive and deductive
reasoning, and hypothesis or theory testing.

The scientific method, also called empirical method, is a process of determining

truth or knowledge through experimentation, inductive and deductive reasoning, and
hypothesis or theory testing

Logic is the truth based on reasoning and critical thinking. It includes analysis
and construction of arguments. It serves as a path to freedom from half-truths and
deception​.

Adapted from Philosophy of Human Person,ADM

DepEd Region X 8
TYPES​ ​OF​ ​REASONING

Deductive​ ​Reasoning
In this type of reasoning, conclusion comes first, followed by main points, and
the last will be the supporting data, facts, examples, and evidence. General idea comes
first before the specific or particular idea.

Inductive​ ​Reasoning
In this type of reasoning, supporting data, facts, examples, and evidence comes
first followed by the main points and conclusion will be the last part. This is the vice
versa of the deductive reasoning because a particular idea comes first before the
general idea.

WHAT’S​ ​MORE

Direction: Read the conversation below and answer the following question. Use
your answer sheet.

Lover’s Quarrel

Shanon: Did you hear about what happened between Angel and her boyfriend?

Vanvan: What happened?

Shanon: They got a huge fight last night. Angel called me up. She was crying
and she said that Mike hit her.

Dean: Wait, what? That’s not right? Mike came by my place last night and he
was pretty shaken up. He had scratch marks on his arms and a bite on his left
hand. He said Angel just attacked her and was accusing him of seeing another
girl.

Shanon: No! Angel said it was Mike who started to hit her and she had to
defend herself!

Question: As friends of Angel and Mike, how will you react to the statements given?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Adapted from Philosophy of Human Person,ADM

DepEd Region X 9
 ​WHAT​ ​I​ ​HAVE​ ​LEARNED

Direction: Fill in the blanks. Choose your answer from the box and write your answer
on your answer sheet.

Doubt Truth Senses

Consensus Bias Opinion

1. Philosophy is concerned with determining the concept of _________________.

Truth lies at the heart of any inquiry.
2. In philosophy, systematic __________________ is employed to help determine
the truth. This means that every statement, claim, evidence, and experience is
scrutinized and analyzed.

3. There are various philosophical views regarding truth. One perspective is that a
belief is true if it can be justified or proven through the use of one’s
______________________​,​a belief or statement is true if it is based on facts.
Another way of determining what is true is getting a
_______________________or having people agree on a common belief.
Philosophers also believe that claims and belief should also be subjected to
tests to determine truth.
4. Opinions are statements which not only give facts but also provide conclusions
or perspective regarding certain situations.
5. Arguments often take the form of statements that are either claims of facts and
are phrased in such a way that they seem reasonable. Hence, some arguments
may contain fallacies which means they are products of faulty reasoning.
6. __________________ or the personal views of the person presenting it affect
the way he or she sees reality.

​WHAT​ ​I​ ​CAN​ ​DO

Direction: Select one issue from the current issues in our society today. How do you
apply methods of philosophizing in determining the truth? Write your answer on your
answer sheet.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Adapted from Philosophy of Human Person,ADM

DepEd Region X 10
 ASSESSMENT

Direction: Identify the following statement. Choose your answer from the box. Write
your answer on your answer sheet.

Facts Cultural of Bias Truth Framing Knowledge

Appeal to Tradition Fallacies Opinion Ad Hominem Conflict of Interest

__________ 1. It is the clear awareness and understanding of something.

__________ 2. These are statements which are observed to be real or truthful.
__________ 3. These are comprised of statements that provide views on a certain matter
__________ 4. These are arguments based on faulty reasoning.

__________ 5. It is most often used to mean being in accord with ​fact ​or ​reality​, or
fidelity to an original or standard.
__________ 6. A fallacy which is attacking the person presenting the argument instead of
the argument itself.
__________ 7. A fallacy which the idea is acceptable because it has been true for a
long time.
__________ 8. A kind of bias which is focusing on a certain aspect of a problem while
ignoring other aspects.
.​__________ 9. A kind of biases which a person or group is connected to or has avested
interest in the issue being discussed.
__________ 10. Is by analyzing an event or issue based on one’s cultural stand.

Adapted from Philosophy of Human Person,ADM

DepEd Region X 11
 REFERENCES:

Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min. (2016). Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person.
Philosophical_methodology
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophical_methodology
Truth-philosophy-and-logic​https://www.britannica.com/topic/truth-philosophy-and-logic
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth
Bias
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bias
Methods-of-philosophy
https://www.powtoon.com/online-presentation/fBoYdDSqWuT/realize-the-methods-of-​ph
ilosophy-that-lead-to-wis/?mode=movie
Opinion​ ​https://www.the-philosophy.com/opinion-philosophical-definitions
https://examples.yourdictionary.com/opinion-examples.html
https://study.com/academy/lesson/facts-vs-opinions-examples-games-activities.html
http://www.ufh.ac.za/library/InfoLit/fact.html
https://study.com/academy/lesson/facts-vs-opinions-examples-games-activities.html
https://hickslibrary.weebly.com/librarians-blog/facts-vs-opinions
https://gillemanalo.wordpress.com
http://images.slideplayer.com/28/9351128/slides/slide_2.jpg
https://www.slideshare.net/arielgilbuena7/
https://www.teachstarter.com/au/teaching-resource-collection/fact-and-opinion/
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/prek-12-subject-area/test-preparation/Type-​of-
Resource/Rubrics
Short story author: Lovella D. Tompong

Adapted from Philosophy of Human Person,ADM

DepEd Region X 12