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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

Branches 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
Branches 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. Identify the different branches of Philosophy.

2. Compare and contrast among the branches of Philosophy.

3. Apply each branch in real life setting.

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PRE-TEST

Read the following items carefully. Write the letter of

your answer.

1. The establishment of criteria of beauty is the function of aesthetics. Which of the

following statements shows the importance of aesthetics to us?

A. It helps us understand better the nature and origin of knowledge.

B. It brings us in touch with our culture and the arts.
C. It serves as a tool in unraveling the unknown.
D. It enables us to make plausible arguments.

2. Etymologically, it means a treatise on matters pertaining to the human thought. As a

branch of Philosophy logic does not provide us with knowledge directly. What then
is the role of logic in Philosophy?

A. Logic enhances appreciation of arguments.

B. Logic is used in some disciplines like mathematics.
C. Logic offers opportunities discovering new knowledge.
D. Logic serves as tool concerning the validity of our arguments.

3. A fundamental and necessary drive in every human being is knowing what is

real. Which among the branches of Philosophy accounts for the unreal in terms of
what we accept as real?

A. Logic
B. Aesthetics
C. Metaphysics
D. Ethics
4. Ethics is the branch of Philosophy that explores the nature of moral virtue and
evaluates human actions. Which of the following statements exemplifies the value
of ethics in Philosophy?

A. Women are not inferior to men and that both must complement each other.
B. All matters are composed of atoms.
C. Ideas are forms of thought representing the real objects.
D. No man is an island

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5. A branch of Philosophy focuses itself with the non-observables. Another branch deals
with what is right or wrong. What does epistemology deal with?

A. Epistemology deals with the other branches of Philosophy

B. Epistemology concerns itself with how to make arguments more valid and
essential.
C. Epistemology deals with the nature, sources, limitations and validity of
knowledge.
D. Epistemology focuses on discovering new knowledge unknown to men.

6. Logic is not interested with what we know. Rather, it concerns itself on the truth and
validity of our arguments. Who was the philosopher who devised the first
method of logic?
A. Socrates
B. Plato
C. Zeno
D. Aristotle

7. Metaphysical discourses are characterized by examination of unobservable entities.

Which of the following statements exhibits such character?

A. Beautiful designs like arts enhances the way we think.

B. If all backboned animals are called vertebrates, then a dog is a vertebrate.
C. All objects contain water.
D. Exercise of freedom should always be accompanied with responsibility.

8. Some philosophers believe that general ideas are formed from the examination of
particular facts. What method is employed in this kind of generating idea?

A. deduction
B. induction
C. epistemological
D. logical

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9. We can see things made of matter but we cannot see the underlying matter itself. What
branch of Philosophy sees things like this?

A. Metaphysics
B. Aesthetics
C. Logic
D. Epistemology

10. How do we tell good from evil or right from wrong? This basic question is a concern of
what branch of Philosophy?

A. Epistemology
B. Logic
C. Ethics
D. Metaphysics

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 LET’S SEE WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW

Try to answer the following questions.

1. What do you recall about the meaning of Philosophy?

2. Can cite some characteristics of Philosophy?

3. What perspectives or approaches in Philosophy you already know? List them down.

4. How are these perspectives or approaches in Philosophy important in our day-to-day life?

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LET’S LEARN

In the previous module, the definition of Philosophy and its salient features were discussed. In this

module, the branches of Philosophy will be tackled.

Knowing only the meaning of Philosophy and some of its characteristics are not enough if we are in

search for true wisdom. For a narrow and partial mind is wholly incompatible with the real philosophical

attitude that manifests holistic point of view. The discussion below on branches of

Philosophy is intended to broaden one’s perspectives and skills in doing philosophical discourses.

There are 5 branches of Philosophy: Metaphysics, Ethics, Epistemology, Logic and Aesthetics.

Metaphysical philosophy accounts on investigating the unreal entities in terms of the real world that we

experience through our senses. The well-known Philosopher, Plato, enlightened the field of metaphysics by

contrasting reality and appearance. He stated that our experience with the real world is not real. Reality

according to him is how we perceive the world. Therefore, what is real is just products of our perception

through the mind. For example, we see a yellow chair because we perceive it as yellow chair. But others may

perceive a different color when light affecting the appearance of the chair is obstructed.

Ethics as another branch of Philosophy deals with the evaluation of human actions and the nature of moral

virtue. As such, ethical philosophy accounts for the nature of our moral judgements and it also attempts to

investigate our fundamental ethical ideas. From these contentions arise the idea of right versus wrong and evil

versus good. Discourses like feminism (equal opportunities among genders) and law-making become areas

where ethical philosophy is employed. Socrates pointed out that knowledge is not merely theoretical nor

speculative but also practical. It means that knowledge

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on rules of right living is not sufficient when it is not actually being practiced. One historical example that

exemplifies ethical philosophy is that issue laid down by William Du Bois. He argued that there must be equal

rights between black and white Americans.

Epistemology as philosophical perspective concerns itself with the nature, sources, limitations and validity

of knowledge. Some of the basic questions raised by Epistemology are: how do we know what we know, how

do we know what we want to know and do we distinguish true from what is not true. Knowledge, according to

this perspective, can be acquired through induction (empiricism) and deduction. Induction is a process of

knowledge-forming by investigating particulars (also known as empirical evidences) in order to arrive at

general idea. Conversely, deductive process employs generally accepted ideas in order to arrive at specific

ideas. Advocates of deductive method are called rationalists. Rene Descartes is well-known rationalist.

Another method used under Epistemology is pragmatism. William James and John Dewey are famous

pragmatists. They believe that value in use is the real test of truth and meaning.

Logic is another branch of Philosophy. Unlike any other philosophical perspectives, logic does not

concern itself in what we know regarding certain subjects. Thus, logic does not provide us knowledge of the

world directly. It only serves as tool to guide one’s arguments or discourses so as to keep them valid and true.

Aristotle was the first philosopher who employed logical method. He claimed that truth exists when there is

agreement between knowledge and reality. This can only take place when mental ideas correspond to the

objective world. This is where logical reasoning comes in.

Reasoning is very important in our everyday lives. Decision making can make or unmake us.

Thus the quality of our logical capacity affects our well-being. A person equipped with logic can reason far

better than those who are not.

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Finally, Aesthetics as philosophical perspective concerns itself with the notion of beauty.

Whenever we created a devise or equipment we consequently aim to improve (or beautify) it after some

time. It only goes to show that aesthetics accounts for the criteria of beauty.

Aesthetics can be used to explain matters regarding culture and arts. It is in these fields where beauty can

best be explained with the use of aesthetical philosophy. Embedded in our culture is our capacity to distinguish

beautiful from what is not. Arts as part of our cultural milieu manifests our ideas regarding beauty.

What benefits can students get from aesthetical knowledge? As students, the importance of

aesthetics are: it vitalizes our knowledge making the world more useful and alive, it helps us live more

deeply and richly for appreciation of work of arts arises, and it keeps us in touch with our culture.

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 LET’S TRY THIS AND SELF-CHECK

Below are situational cases where each needs particular philosophical perspective in order to understand

the issues inherent within each of them. Read each case and think of a particular branch of Philosophy that can

appropriately address the issue at hand.

Case 1

The resources that supply our daily needs come from the environment. The amount of resources that we d
Conversely, the condition of environment influences the quality of
life that we have. An environment in good condition sustains life. While deg- raded environment brings fo
What kind of treatment should we accord to the environment that supplies our needs then?

Case 2

For some reasons, there has been an increasing incidence of teenage pregnancies. Despite efforts exerted

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Case 3

Most of us are Face Book users. As such, we cannot deny the the fact
that some posts or comments seen on it lack validity or relia- bility.
Sometimes, we are fooled to comply to some posts. Sometimes, we are
unaware that we believe on some opinions making such ideas become part
of our consciousness. The danger of which it reflects the kind of personality
that we have.
What can you say about this?

LET’S STUDY AND ANALYZE THESE

1. What philosophical perspective or branch of Philosophy can best explain case 1? Write your
arguments on the space provided below.

The branch of Philosophy that can best explain case 1 is -------------------------------------------

2. What philosophical perspective or branch of Philosophy can best explain case 2? Write your
arguments on the space provided below.

The branch of Philosophy that can best explain case 2 is -----------------------------------------------

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3. What philosophical perspective or branch of Philosophy can best explain case 1? Write your
arguments on the space provided below.

The branch of Philosophy that can best explain case 3 is -----------------------------------------------

LET’S LEARN

Holistic perspective enables us to understand better the world that we live in. Thus, having equipped

with the different philosophical perspectives discussed above contributes to one’s well- being.

Employing a particular perspective, though, requires the element of Natural Light of Reason as explained

in the previous module. Having the knowledge on branches of Philosophy gives us some edge compared to

those who didn’t have the opportunity to learn them no matter how difficult choosing which perspective to use

on a particular situation or subject matter.

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LET’S SEE WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

Philosophical perspectives can be used to analyze some issues happening in the fields of Economics,

Religion, Mass Media, Government/Politics, Social Relations, Work Place and many others. It is only up to us

which among these philosophical perspective is appropriate to use. Can you list down current issues happening

in our country which can be explained using any of the philosophical perspective?

Write your answers below.

1. Metaphysics

2. Ethics

3. Epistemology

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4. Logic

5. Aesthetics

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POST TEST

Read the following items carefully. Write the letter of your answer.

1. We cannot see the underlying matter itself but we can see the things made of that
matter. What branch of Philosophy sees things like this?

A. Metaphysics
B. Aesthetics
C. Logic
D. Epistemology

2. As a branch of Philosophy logic does not provide us with knowledge directly.

Etymologically, it means a treatise on matters pertaining to the human thought. As a
branch of Philosophy logic does not provide us with knowledge directly. What then is
the role of logic in Philosophy?

A. Logic enhances appreciation of arguments.

B. Logic is used in some disciplines like mathematics.
C. Logic offers opportunities discovering new knowledge.
D. Logic serves as tool concerning the validity of our arguments.

3. A fundamental and necessary drive in every human being is knowing what is

real. Which among the branches of Philosophy accounts for the unreal in terms of
what we accept as real?

A. Logic
B. Aesthetics
C. Metaphysics
D. Ethics

4. A branch of Philosophy deals with what is right or wrong. Another branch focuses itself
with the non-observables. What does epistemology deal with?

A. Epistemology deals with the other branches of Philosophy

B. Epistemology concerns itself with how to make arguments more valid and
essential.
C. Epistemology deals with the nature, sources, limitations and validity of
knowledge.

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D. Epistemology focuses on discovering new knowledge unknown to men.

5.Examination of unobservable entities is the focus of metaphysical discourses.

Which of the following statements exhibits such character?

A. Beautiful designs like arts enhances the way we think.

B. If all backboned animals are called vertebrates, then a dog is a vertebrate.
C. All objects contain water.
D. Exercise of freedom should always be accompanied with responsibility.

6. It is not what we know that logic is interested in. Rather, it concerns itself on the truth
and validity of our arguments. Who was the philosopher who devised the first logical
method?

A. Socrates
B. Plato
C. Zeno
D. Aristotle

7. The establishment of criteria of beauty is the function of aesthetics. Which of the

following statements shows the importance of aesthetics to us?

A. It helps us understand better the nature and origin of knowledge.

B. It brings us in touch with our culture and the arts.
C. It serves as a tool in unraveling the unknown.
D. It enables us to make plausible arguments.

8. Some philosophers believe that general ideas are formed from the examination of
particular facts. What method is employed in this kind of generating idea?

A. deduction
B. induction
C. epistemological
D. logical

9. How do we understand the difference between good and evil or right from wrong? This
basic question is a concern of what branch of Philosophy?

A. Epistemology
B. Logic
C. Ethics
D. Metaphysics

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10. Ethics investigates the nature of moral virtue and evaluates human actions in order
to arrive at knowledge. Which of the following statements exemplifies the value of
ethics in Philosophy?

A. Women are not inferior to men and that both must complement each other.
B. All matters are composed of atoms.
C. Ideas are forms of thought representing the real objects.
D. No man is an island

LET’S REMEMBER

Below is a comparative presentation of the branches of philosophy especially made for you in order for

easier recall.

Branch of Philosophy Perspectives / Proponents / Sample Statements

Focus Philosophers
A. Metaphysics > accounts for the unreal > Plato > All terrestrial objects
thing in terms of what are made up of matter.
accepted as real
> discourses focus on
the unobservable > Objects like chair
entities like mind and only becomes real
matter when we think of it as
it is.
B. Ethics > explores the nature > Socrates > Equal opportunities
of moral value and for all regardless of
> Edward Burghardt
evaluates human gender.
Du Bois
actions
> Law making must
> knowledge is not include ethical
only theoretical nor considerations

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speculative but also
practical
C. Epistemology > deals with the nature, > Rene Descartes > deductive method: If
sources, limitations and all objects contain
> John Locke
validity of knowledge water, then human
> William James beings have water.
> puts forward > John Dewey > inductive: Any object
induction (empiricism) around us is composed
and deduction as of an element or
methods of acquiring combination of
knowledge elements. Therefore,
elements are the main
composition of
anything.

D. Logic > serves as tool in > Aristotle

making valid
>Zeno of Citium
arguments
> does not directly >Cicero
contribute to knowledge
but focuses more on the
method how knowledge
is created

E. Aesthetics > deals with the > Schopenhauer > A work of art is like a
establishment of great man. Stand before
> Hans-Georg
criteria of beauty it. Wait patiently and it
Gadamer
will speak.
>gives importance to
culture and arts for
they manifest social
behavior

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Answer Key

Pre-Test Post-Test
1. B 1. A
2. D 2. D

3. C 3. C
4. A 4. C
5. C 5. C

6. D 6. D
7. C 7. B
8. B 8. B
9. A 9. C
10. C 10. A

LET’S TRY THIS AND SELF-CHECK

Case 1

The branch of Philosophy that can best explain case 1 is Ethics. It is understood that environment is
the primary provider of our basic needs. The way we treat our environment has a repercussion on the
amount and quality of resources we get from it. Therefore, it is an issue of whether our behavior
towards our environment is good or not.

Case 2
The branch of Philosophy that can best explain case 2 is Metaphysics. One task of Metaphysics
is to account for unreal thing in terms of what is real. The phenomenon on teenage pregnancies
manifest the behavior of the doer adhering to the practice of one’s freedom. Freedom purports to an
idea and becomes impractical with the absence of responsibility.

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Case 3

The branch of Philosophy that can best explain case 3 is Epistemology. Our knowledge on this
perspective enables us to decipher falsehood against valid contents present on social media. Being
fooled on some posts and comments manifests the lack of capacity for epistemological philosophy.

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