ST. DOMINIC ACADEMY OF PULILAN, INC.

(PAASCU Accredited – Level II)

National Road, Poblacion, Pulilan, Bulacan

LEARNING MODULE IN INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

S.Y. 2022-2023
Semester/Quarter: FIRST

“Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor,
for we are members one of another.”
Ephesians 5:25

OPENING PRAYER: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Caring Father, I praise you for all the wonders you made, especially this day. Sorry for the times we
ignore you and commit ourselves to malicious things. Thank you for sending us Your Beloved Son
Jesus Christ and paying the price of deceiving others. I humbly implore you to take care of me, my
whole family, and all the people who are being affected with this pandemic. Together with all the faithful,
we humbly ask you to heal us. Heal our land, Lord, we implore You. Gathering all my personal
intentions, I ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with You and the Holy
Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

NAME: ______________________________________
GRADE AND SECTION: ________________________

LEARNING MODULE NO: 3 (Week 3)

TIME FRAME: September 26 - October 7, 2022
LESSONTITLE: Knowledge and Truth

GOOD DAY, LET’S GET STARTED!

I. INTRODUCTION/OVERVIEW

Review:
From the previous learning module, we have discussed the question, ‘how do we know?’ We also
discussed the stages in apprehension of concepts for knowledge to be possible, and the ways of validating
knowledge claims by discussing analytic and empirical statements. Finally, we discussed why it is
important to know truth from falsity. Previously, we have learned the three stages in apprehending
concepts and make use of statements to formulate knowledge claims. This learning module will be a
continuation of our lesson about knowledge.

The philosophical problem of truth has been with us for a long time. In the 1st century A.D., Pontius
Pilate asked Jesus of Nazareth, “Quid est veritas?” What is truth?(John 18:38) but no answer was given
to him. Indeed truth is a precious gem pursued by many—from ancient times up until the present times,
including you who have been reading this learning module to know more of truth. In this learning module,
we will see how truth is verified using the three theories of truth, namely, correspondence theory,
coherence theory, and pragmatic theory.

For better understanding, please watch:

YouTube Link: The Nature of Truth – Epistemology I WIRELESS PHILOSOPHY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y5cftds7-8

II. LEARNING OBJECTIVES

In this module you will be able to:
 Identify the three theories of truth, namely, correspondence theory, coherence theory, and
pragmatic theory
 Realize what is one’s own method to arrive at truth

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  Discern well into situations by looking at a holistic perspective

MELCs:
 Distinguish opinion from truth
 Realize that the methods of philosophy lead to wisdom and truth
 Evaluate truth from opinions in different situations

III. LESSON PROPER

Please REMEMBER to PREPARE the following material before you START.
THIS MATERIAL IS GOOD ONLY FOR THIS WEEK. PLEASE SUBMIT THIS MODULE AND THE
NEEDED ATTACHMENT/S ON THE SCHEDULED DATE.

You may now start to explore the discussions in this module and remember to answer all the activities
given.

IV. EXPLORATION:

There are different theories of truth. However, in this learning module, we will focus on three theories of
truth, namely, correspondence theory, coherence theory, and pragmatic theory.

1. Correspondence Theory
This theory has to do with the correspondence of knowledge claim being made with the present state
affairs in the world. In other words, the concepts presented in the knowledge claims must “correspond” to
what is happening at the moment it was claimed. Synonymous to the word “correspond” are the words
agree, resemble, and match. For a knowledge to be true, it must agree with the current situation; the
concepts presented in the knowledge claim should resemble and match with the present condition of
reality; otherwise, if these conditions are not met, then it is false.

For example, the statement ‘It is raining outside’ can be true if the present state of affairs correspond
to the knowledge claim. The truth of this statement could not be claimed only be analyzing the terms used.
Rather, to verify the truth or falsity of this statement, you must go outside and check whether it is raining
outside or not. Similarly, before making the knowledge claim ‘The dog is inside the doghouse’ you have
to check first whether the dog is there or not. Thus, if the dog is inside, then that knowledge claim is true.
Otherwise, if the dog is not inside the doghouse, it is false.

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Knowledge is not a pre-requisite for existence. The existence of
a thing does not depend on our acquired knowledge of them. For
example, the statement, ‘there is a coin under the cabinet’ does not
??? guarantee that there is really a coin under the cabinet, it cannot give
us the same guarantee that there is none neither. In other words,
whether or not we claim that there is a coin under the cabinet, the
existence or non-existence of the coin remains unaffected.

Now, maybe you are asking what on Earth a pre-requisite is. A pre-requisite a thing that is required
as a prior condition for something else to happen or exist. Let us say, for example, you as a student have
struggled a lot in order to achieve where you are right now: to be a Grade 12 student. The previous grade
levels that you passed by can be considered as pre-requisites. In other words, these are the conditions
you need to fulfill for you to pass into a higher level. Basically, the pre-requisite of being a Grade 7 student
is to graduate from Elementary level. Pre-requisite of being a Grade 8 student is to
pass all the Grade 7 subjects. Pre-requisite of being a Grade 9 student it to pass
all the Grade 8 subjects… and so on. Therefore, one needs to achieve a pre-
requisite before something happen or exist at all. DO
ALIENS
Now, let us make things more profound. Ask yourself: Do you think before the EXIST?
discovery of Mt. Everest, THERE IS a Mt. Everest? If that is the case, is it right to
ask that Mt. Everest existed only after it was discovered? Of course, the answer is
no! NO! Even though Mt. Everest was discovered or not, it will always exist. It will
always be there even without our knowledge of it. This is the same argument we
can use when we encounter the long-standing question of many people about the existence of extra-
terrestrial life forms, commonly known for many of us as aliens. Do aliens exist? How about you? Do you
personally believe in aliens? Asking for a direct answer to this question will quite be difficult since
somebody must have a vehicle specially made for the outer space to fly outside Earth and find out. Then
go check all the corners of the whole universe and other universe to find out. On the other hand, the more
convenient way of handling this question is to bear in mind that knowledge is not a pre-requisite for
existence. A pre-requisite a thing that is required as a prior condition for something else to happen or
exist. Whether somebody has already encountered these creatures or not, the possibility that they exists
remains untouched. Aliens may exist discovered or not. Thus, looking back at our first example of the
coin, the coin under the cabinet exists even though somebody found it or not. This idea throws us to the
possibility of other beings waiting to be discovered someday. Who knows, unicorns do exist somewhere,
but no discovery yet. Maybe mermaids do exist. Maybe your crush does have feelings for you, but not
discovered yet. Thus, it is not a matter of knowledge of these things, because our minds are not capable
of deciding what to exist or not; it is just capable of perceiving them. Knowledge is not a pre-requisite for
existence.

EXERCISE #1
From the given picture, look for 10 knowledge claims (5 true and 5 false) that can be classified under the
correspondence theory from the picture. Then write them down on the space provided.

 For example: The cat is under the bed. For example: The bag is on the table.

1. ______________________________. F 1. ______________________________.
T 2. ______________________________. 2. ______________________________.
A
R 3. ______________________________. 3. ______________________________.
L
U 4. ______________________________. 4. ______________________________.
S
E 5. ______________________________. 5. ______________________________.
E

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 If correspondence theory is concerned with the state of affairs of things, coherence theory has to do
with the coherence for a knowledge claim to be true.

2. Coherence Theory
Coherence means the quality of being logical and consistent. Synonymous to this word are the words
consistency, clarity, and soundness. This theory involves well-formed formulas adopted in the fields of
formal sciences where definitions are considered as tautologies. From the previous lesson, we have
learned that tautologies are the saying of the same thing twice in another word; in the most basic manner,
a tautology can be considered a synonym.

The tautology of a kitten is a young cat.

The tautology of a puppy is a young dog.
The tautology of a tautology is a synonym.

Coherence deals with the consistency of the truth of statements being claimed within the system that is
being employed. For example, one can provide a certain proof by using an accepted or well-formed
formula for a certain mathematical problem. However, knowledge claim can be considered unacceptable
or false if it could be shown that there are mathematical, logical, or even definitional inconsistencies
present within it. Thus, the truth or falsity of a knowledge claim rests on the mechanics of the discipline
that is being used.
Another example, the statement ‘the blue bag is not colored’ is false. In other words, the truth or falsity
of the claim being made is already found in the linguistic system that is being used. Thus, coherence is a
matter of the faculty of reason to discover these flaws with regards to definitions, logic, and formulas within
the said discipline. Remember: a knowledge claim can either be true or false based on the discipline by
which the object is identified.

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Knowledge claims expressed in mathematical equations such as “1+1=2” can also be considered in
coherence theory. Such knowledge claim is true because the concepts present does not contradict each
other. The mathematical operation of addition is putting two or more numbers (or things) together to make
a new total. If we put together 1 and another 1, we will come up with a sum of 2. Thus, the statement
1+1=2 or in words, one plus one is equal to two is true.

EXERCISE #2
Kindly formulate four knowledge claims. Two of them must be true and two must be false. Then justify
using the coherence theory why they are considered true/false.

1. The statement________________________________________________ is false because…

2. The statement________________________________________________ is true because…

3. The statement________________________________________________ is true because…

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 4. The statement________________________________________________ is false because…

3. Pragmatic Theory
Pragmatism, or the pragmatic theory of truth, is a philosophical viewpoint associated with an American
philosopher and doctor of medicine William James. He makes a pronouncement about truth based on the
good or practical consequences of an idea in his book entitled Pragmatism (1907). Grant an idea to be
true, what concrete difference will its being true make in anyone’s actual life?” Thus, for James, the nature
of knowledge is pragmatic, as it is found to have a successful application in the world. Furthermore, it is
not his concern to look for inconsistencies and logical flaws present in the knowledge claim, nor finding
fault at them by observing what is wrong that the concept and the present state of affairs did not match at
all. He strongly understood both the process of validation and verification as tantamount to the good or
practical consequences that their belief in the idea would bring. According to him, “The true is, to put it
briefly, is only the expedient in the way of our behaving.” Synonymous to the term expedient are the terms
convenient, practical, beneficial and advantageous.

In order to put emphasis on his idea, he used the idea of

believing in Santa Claus as an example. Many children
believe in the idea that Santa Claus is true. Imagine them as
young children who would try to stay awake hoping they would
catch Santa putting Christmas gifts inside their Christmas
socks? Those were the days when they truly believed in Santa
Claus’ existence and be the nicest child in the world in order
to receive gifts from Santa. But as they grow older, they would
realize that they have outgrown the idea of believing in Santa,
perhaps after the age of seven, and began to do things
different from the days when they were trying to be nice in
exchange for a gift. What was good and practical before may
not be considered as one on another day.

Here in the Philippines, we have a belief on so-called “creatures”, such as aswang, kapre, and others.
It may be that only few Filipinos doesn’t heard about them. A lot of parents used to tell stories of these
creatures to children. It is said that they capture their prey and devour them in the dark. The idea of
believing on them is enough to terrify children to play
outside when night falls. This terror prevent children
from leaving their homes and attempt to play outside
late at nights. However, as they grow older, they would
slowly realize that this kind of story-telling just give
them a kind of conditioning in order for them to stay at
home safe and sound.

A good number of people can be considered

pragmatists since they always have to consider the
question, “If I do this, what is in it for me?” Once you
examine your choices or alternatives, you would take
into consideration the good and practical
consequences before making a decision. To a certain
extent, there will always be a pragmatic side of the
human spirit.

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V. INTEGRATION

Holistic perspective: Seeing the whole picture

In the world where we live, many of us are vulnerable
to lies and deceit. Truth is fabricated and altered by those
who are full of themselves; so uncharitable that they
forget to be sensitive to others who are weak and
uneducated. Our parents always inspire us to persevere
in our studies because according to them, education will
be the greatest wealth we can ever possess; no thief can
steal it from us. They always remind us of this precious
advice because aside from poverty, ignorance can also
be a great hinder for us to attain a happy life. If a soldier
is inexperienced and unequipped with weapons and
armor, he/she is vulnerable to injuries that come ahead of
war. This also comes to the present times. You are a
soldier in this lifetime war. You need to prepare: train and
equip yourself. The meek have no power and no options!
The strong will crush them in every way! Just in the same
way as weak people are vulnerable to the strong, the
uneducated can also be overpowered by the clever. That
is why many injustices are committed to the powerless.
They are the favorite prey of the cunning. Most of the
times, the weak does not obtain what is due. The truth is sugarcoated—the criminal lives while the
innocent suffer. When will these unfairness come to halt?

At times, people fight because of their “own” conception of the truth. They say this is the truth, while
others say that is the truth. Is truth absolute or relative? Is truth dependent on me? Or is truth an
established static concept that everybody should adhere? Is truth permanent and unvarying, no matter
that does or does not believe it? Or is it relative that what’s true for you may not be true for me?

This problem even is even worse than COVID-19. It caused us couple of pandemics more than we
have recorded in history. People die and suffer because both parties see truth within their own
perspective. It is because we consider a black-and-white classification of things. When we feel that we
are right, we feel that others are wrong, and vice versa. This mentality degrades truth and even becomes
toxic to our lives and relationship with others as well. Just because you are right, does not mean that I am
wrong. You just haven’t seen life from my side.
Let me share you one of my favorite teleserye on television: 100 Days to Heaven. This is its synopsis:
100 Days to Heaven tells the story of Ms. Anna Manalastas, the strict CEO and owner of a toy empire.
Due to her painful past, she becomes a cold and unkind person. Employees of the company are either
afraid of her or hold grudges against her because of her strict and authoritarian attitude towards them and
others. One evening, she was killed in a car explosion and her soul arrives in front of the gates where she
meets the Gate Keeper. Anna realizes she is about to go to Hell. But being a good negotiator, she strikes
a deal with the Gate Keeper to give her a second chance at earning a ticket to Heaven. Anna is given a
mission—she is given 100 days to do good to those who she had wronged in her life. But it won’t be as
easy as she expects. Once on earth, she realizes that she is not back as her old self but as a helpless 7-
year old. If her mission is successful, she’ll be allowed into heaven.

This teleserye made me realize to be considerate of others because we never know their struggles in
life. Everybody is fighting their own battles, as the saying goes. Beware of every jab we deliver to others.
We are never aware if the people we hit is at their lowest point. Instead of helping them, we just gave
them the final blow to finish themselves off and live with ruined lives.

It is important to discern well and look for the whole picture because you will be more aware of the
situation. Remember: thinking in a one-sided manner does only give you one-sided profit. Lastly, being

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able to see in a holistic manner does make you a better person: better in decision making, better in giving
advices, better in approaching other people, better in looking at yourself.

VI. ASSESMENT/ ACTIVITY

Activity #3
Title: How I Value the Truth Value
Directions: Of the three theories of truth presented, rank them according to their relevance or usefulness
in your life, with 1 as the highest, which do you think is the most relevant for you? Write your explanation
with a minimum of seven sentences on a separate sheet of yellow paper. Your essay will be graded
according to the rubrics below.
Rubrics:

 Content – 10 points
 Organization of Ideas—5 points
 Clarity of explanations—5 points

VII. SYNTHESIS/GENERALIZATION
In this learning module, we have discussed the following:
 Among the different theories truth, three of them are correspondence theory, coherence theory and
pragmatic theory.
 Correspondence theory has to do with the correspondence of knowledge claims being made with
the state of affairs in the world.
 Coherence theory deals with the consistency of the truth of statements being claimed within the
system that is being used or employed.
 Pragmatic theory is tantamount to the good or practical consequences that the belief in the idea
would bring.
 It is important to discern well and look for the whole picture because you will be more aware of the
situation.
 Being able to see in a holistic manner does make you a better person: better in decision making,
better in giving advices, better in approaching other people, better in looking at yourself.

CLOSING PRAYER: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Loving Father, We bless You in the highest. You are the Truth that sets us free. Sorry for the times
that we become agents of deceit and lies to others for our own interests. Thank you for saving us from
the hands of the father of lies. May we live in Truth and may we be agents of Truth. Together with the
other faithful, we implore your redeeming grace to free our land from COVID-19. Release us from the
grips of this disease that causes suffering to our brothers and sisters. Gathering all my personal
intentions, grant this through Christ our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with You and the Holy
Spirit, one God forever and ever.. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

REFERENCES:
 Sioco and Vinzons, Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person,
pp. 49-51, 55,57, Quezon City: Vibal Group Inc., 2016
 Jove Jim Aguas, Philosophy: Toward an Understanding and
Appreciation of the Human Person, pp. 11-21, Quezon City: Abiva
Publishing House Inc., 2017
 https://iep.utm.edu/truth/
 https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/prerequisite
 https://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/p/pragmatism.asp
 https://twibies.com/
 https://www.mathisfun.com/numbers/addition.html
 https://lifeasleahknows.com/2019/04/24/relativism-the-degradation-of-
truth-and-logic/amp/
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 https://www.abs-cbn.com/internationalsales/offerings/tv-series/100-days-
to-heaven